Definition and novel connections of the entopallium in the pigeon (Columba livia).
The avian entopallium (E) is the major thalamorecipient zone, within the telencephalon, of the tectofugal visual system. Because of discrepancies concerning the structure of this nuclear mass in pigeons, and in light of recent evidence concerning entopallial projections in other avian species, we here redefine and chart some novel entopallial projections in the pigeon by using a combination of cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity, calcium binding protein immunohistochemistry (CBPi), normal histology, and tract tracing. We show that 1) E is defined by the accurate overlap of CO activity and the dense terminations of thalamic (rotundal) efferents; 2) the perientopallium (Ep), E's overlying belt region, receives a relatively sparse rotundal input and is a major source of projections to wider regions of the hemisphere; and 3) E can be subdivided into internal (Ei) and external (Ex) portions on the basis of normal histology, CBPi, and differential projections. Thus, Ei, but not Ex, makes a reciprocal connection with a distinct nucleus in the ventrolateral mesopallium and is a major source of projections to the lateral striatum. These findings suggest the necessity for a revision of the original proposal of a strictly serial flow of visual information through the entopallial complex and further regions of the hemisphere and also require a modification of the long-standing view that E is comparable to only one specific lamina (IV) of extrastriate visual cortex of mammals. Rather, E appears to be composed of a variety of neuronal types possibly equivalent to those in several neocortical laminae.
Krützfeldt
Nils O E
NO
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, PB 92019 Auckland, New Zealand. n.kruetzfeldt@auckland.ac.nz
Wild
J Martin
JM
D000818:Animals; D001710:Biotin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D002772:Cholera Toxin / Q000378:metabolism; D010856:Columbidae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003911:Dextrans / Q000378:metabolism; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV / Q000378:metabolism; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013788:Thalamus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014828:Vocalization, Animal
D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D003911:Dextrans; C076397:biotinylated dextran amine; D001710:Biotin; D002772:Cholera Toxin; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV