open access

Vol 58, No 2 (2020)
Original paper
Submitted: 2020-01-20
Accepted: 2020-05-09
Published online: 2020-06-02
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Immunocytochemical localization of tyrosine hydroxylase in the visual cortex of the microbat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

Myung-Jun Lee1, Kyung-Min Kwon1, Won-Tae Lee1, Gil-Hyun Kim1, Chang-Jin Jeon1
·
Pubmed: 32490536
·
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2020;58(2):61-72.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, College of Natural Sciences, and Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, 41566 Daegu, Korea, Republic Of

open access

Vol 58, No 2 (2020)
ORIGINAL PAPERS
Submitted: 2020-01-20
Accepted: 2020-05-09
Published online: 2020-06-02

Abstract

Introduction. In order to enhance our understanding of bat vision, we investigated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (IR) fibers in the visual cortex of the microbat.

Material and methods. The study was conducted on 12 freshly-caught adult bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum,
both sexes, weighing 15–20 g). We used standard immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy.

Results. TH-IR fibers were distributed throughout all layers of the visual cortex, with the highest density in layer I. Two types of TH-IR fibers were observed: small and large varicose fibers. TH-IR cells were not found in the microbat visual cortex. The microbat substantia nigra and ventral tegmental areas, previously identified sources of TH-IR fibers in the mammalian visual cortex, all contained strongly labeled TH-IR cells. The average diameters of TH-IR cells in the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental areas were 14.39 ± 0.13 μm (mean ± SEM) and 11.85 ± 0.13 μm, respectively.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that the microbat has a well-constructed neurochemical organization of THIR fibers. This observation should provide fundamental insights into a better understanding of the nocturnal, echolocating bat visual system.

Abstract

Introduction. In order to enhance our understanding of bat vision, we investigated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (IR) fibers in the visual cortex of the microbat.

Material and methods. The study was conducted on 12 freshly-caught adult bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum,
both sexes, weighing 15–20 g). We used standard immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy.

Results. TH-IR fibers were distributed throughout all layers of the visual cortex, with the highest density in layer I. Two types of TH-IR fibers were observed: small and large varicose fibers. TH-IR cells were not found in the microbat visual cortex. The microbat substantia nigra and ventral tegmental areas, previously identified sources of TH-IR fibers in the mammalian visual cortex, all contained strongly labeled TH-IR cells. The average diameters of TH-IR cells in the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental areas were 14.39 ± 0.13 μm (mean ± SEM) and 11.85 ± 0.13 μm, respectively.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that the microbat has a well-constructed neurochemical organization of THIR fibers. This observation should provide fundamental insights into a better understanding of the nocturnal, echolocating bat visual system.

Get Citation

Keywords

visual cortex; tyrosine hydroxylase; microbat; immunocytochemistry

About this article
Title

Immunocytochemical localization of tyrosine hydroxylase in the visual cortex of the microbat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

Journal

Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica

Issue

Vol 58, No 2 (2020)

Article type

Original paper

Pages

61-72

Published online

2020-06-02

Page views

1166

Article views/downloads

822

DOI

10.5603/FHC.a2020.0009

Pubmed

32490536

Bibliographic record

Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2020;58(2):61-72.

Keywords

visual cortex
tyrosine hydroxylase
microbat
immunocytochemistry

Authors

Myung-Jun Lee
Kyung-Min Kwon
Won-Tae Lee
Gil-Hyun Kim
Chang-Jin Jeon

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