An Investigation of Cholinergic Circuitry in Cat Striate Cortex Using Acetylcholinesterase Histochemistry.
Abstract
The organization of cholinergic inputs to cat striate cortex (area 17) was studied using a histochemical stain for acetycholinesterase (AChE). Axons were labelled in all layers of striate cortex, with distinct plexuses occurring in layer I, lower layer III, layer IVc and layer VI. In addition to the stained axons, a population of layer V pyramidal cells was intensely AChE-positive. Surgical undercutting eliminated virtually all of the AChE-positive axons in striate cortex, indicating that this innervation arises entirely from an extrinsic source in the cat. To identify this source, cell groups projecting to area 17 were retrogradely labelled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). HRP-labelled cell groups that were also intensely AChE-positive were considered as possible candidates for providing the cholinergic input to striate cortex. These included the basal forebrain, several intralaminar nuclei and the lateral geniculate nucleus. Kainate lesions were then made in each of these pattern. Cortical AChE was depleted only after lesions of the basal forebrain, suggesting that this is the sole sourceof AChE-positive axons in area 17.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 10, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA146608
Entities
People
- F. F. Ebner
- K. M. Carnes
- M. F. Bear
Organizations
- Brown University