ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Retinohypothalamic projection
;
Passer domesticus
;
Suprachiasmatic nucleus
;
Electron microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The possibility of a direct retinohypothalamic projection was reinvestigated in Passer domesticus by electron microscopy following left unilateral retinectomy. To avoid misinterpretation of non-specific degeneration, the course of degenerative changes was observed at intervals of 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hours after operation. Of the hypothalamic areas examined in only one, the contralateral suprachiasmatic nucleus, was it possible to identify reliable indications of secondary anterograde degeneration comparable to those observed in the contralateral optic tectum. Single dark profiles within the supraoptic nucleus and the basal infundibular (tuberal) nucleus showed neither internal changes in structure nor an increase in number per unit area in retinectomized birds. Since photoperiodically induced gonadal growth occurs in totally blinded birds the functional significance of the retinohypothalamic projection to the suprachiasmatic nucleus is open to discussion.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00225448
Permalink
