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The distribution of GABA-like-immunoreactive neurons in the brain of the newt, Triturus cristatus carnifex, and the green frog, Rana esculenta

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Summary

The distribution of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunoreactivity was studied in the brain of two amphibian species (Triturus cristatus carnifex, Urodela; Rana esculenta, Anura) by employing a specific GABA antiserum. A noteworthy immunoreactive neuronal system was found in the telencephalic dorsal and medial pallium (primordium pallii dorsalis and primordium hippocampi) and in the olfactory bulbs. In the diencephalic habenular nuclei there was a rich GABAergic innervation, and immunoreactive neurons were observed in the dorsal thalamus. In the hypothalamus the GABA immunoreactivity was found in the preoptic area, the paraventricular organ and in the hypothalamo-hypophysial complex. In the preoptic area of the frog some GABA-immunoreactive CSF-contacting cells were shown. In the optic tectum immunolabeled neurons were present in all the cellular layers. A rich GABAergic innervation characterized both the fibrous layers of the tectum and the neuropil of the tegmentum and interpeduncular nucleus. In the cerebellum, in addition to the Purkinje cells showing a variable immunopositivity, some immunoreactive cell bodies appeared in the central grey. Abundant immunolabeled nerve fibers in the acoustico-lateral area and some immunopositive neurons in the region of the raphe nucleus were observed. In conclusion, the GABAergic central systems, well-developed in the amphibian species studied, were generally characterized by close similarities to the pattern described in mammals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy

    M. F. Franzoni

  2. Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Università di Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 17, I-10123, Torino, Italy

    M. F. Franzoni & P. Morino

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  1. M. F. Franzoni
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  2. P. Morino
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Dedicated to Professor Valdo Mazzi (Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Università di Torino), in honor of his 70th birthday

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Franzoni, M.F., Morino, P. The distribution of GABA-like-immunoreactive neurons in the brain of the newt, Triturus cristatus carnifex, and the green frog, Rana esculenta . Cell Tissue Res. 255, 155–166 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00229077

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