Discrete retinal input to the parabrachial complex of a new-world primate, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).
Traditional retinal projections target three functionally complementary systems in the brain of mammals: the primary visual system, the visuomotor integration systems and the circadian timing system. In recent years, studies in several animals have been conducted to investigate the retinal projections to these three systems, despite some evidence of additional targets. The aim of this study was to disclose a previously unknown connection between the retina and the parabrachial complex of the common marmoset, by means of the intraocular injection of cholera toxin subunit b. A few labeled retinal fibers/terminals that are detected in the medial parabrachial portion of the marmoset brain show clear varicosities, suggesting terminal fields. Although the possible role of these projections remains unknown, they may provide a modulation of the cholinergic parabrachial neurons which project to the thalamic dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus.
Engelberth
Rovena Clara Galvão Januário
RC
Laboratory of Chronobiology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59072-970 Natal-RN, Brazil.
de Pontes
André Luíz Bezerra
AL
do Nascimento
Rayane Bartira Silva
RB
de Lima
Ruthnaldo Rodrigues Melo
RR
de Lima
Raissa Rodrigues
RR
de Toledo
Cláudio Antonio Barbosa
CA
de Oliveira Costa
Miriam Stela Maris
MS
Britto
Luiz Roberto Giorgetti
LR
de Souza Cavalcante
Jeferson
J
D000818:Animals; D002144:Callithrix / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D011149:Pons / Q000166:cytology*; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology*; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000166:cytology*