Similarities and differences in the cytoarchitecture of the tectum of frogs and salamanders.
Frogs exhibit a morphologically complex (multiply laminated) optic tectum, while salamanders have one of the morphologically simplest tecta among vertebrates. In a comparative approach, the morphology of tectal projection neurons is investigated in three salamander species, Hydromantes italicus, H. genei and Plethodon jordani, and two frog species, Discoglossus pictus and Eleutherodactylus coqui, by means of retrograde Biocytin labeling complemented by intracellular Biocytin staining of cells. Despite striking differences in the gross anatomy of the tectum, salamanders and frogs have the same types of tectal neurons with respect to their dendritic arborization and the pattern of ipsilaterally and bilaterally ascending (to praetectum and thalamus) and ipsilaterally or contralaterally descending projections (to nucleus isthmi, medulla oblongata and rostral spinal cord). In the light of these findings, the relationship between morphological complexity of the tectum and behavioral complexity (feeding behavior) is discussed.
Dicke
U
U
Brain Research Institute, University of Bremen, Germany.
Roth
G
G
D000818:Animals; D001001:Anura / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D048429:Cell Size; D003712:Dendrites / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005724:Ganglia / Q000166:cytology; D008239:Lysine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology; D013045:Species Specificity; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013477:Superior Colliculi / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D014562:Caudata / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology
C013411:biocytin; D008239:Lysine