Localization of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity in the superior olivary complex of the rat.
The noradrenergic (NA) innervation of the superior olivary complex (SOC) was investigated using a monoclonal antibody against dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (D beta H), the synthesizing enzyme for noradrenaline. In addition, positive labelling of D beta H in the inferior colliculus, the lateral lemniscus (LL) and the cochlear nucleus were documented. The antibody was detected using the highly specific and sensitive ABC immunocytochemical method. The specific aim of the study was to show the distribution of putative NA cells and fibres in the SOC in greater detail than had been previously reported. All investigated auditory regions contained D beta H-positive fibres in varying densities. All superior olivary and periolivary nuclei showed NA innervation by mainly fine, weakly staining fibres. Both nuclei of the LL were also found to contain D beta H-positive fibres. D beta H-positive cell bodies were found in the region of the ventral lateral lemniscus and immediately lateral and dorsal to the lateral superior olivary nucleus. Thus the NA innervation of the superior olivary complex could originate from these regions and/or the locus coeruleus.
Wynne
B
B
Department of Physiology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.
Robertson
D
D
D000818:Animals; D001306:Auditory Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000032:analysis*; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007245:Inferior Colliculi / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008125:Locus Coeruleus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008297:Male; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009474:Neurons / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology; D009847:Olivary Nucleus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase; D009638:Norepinephrine