Organization of the Human Circadian System
Abstract
As in the prior material, the largest population of neurons in the Human SCN contains NT. These are distributed throughout the nucleus and are accompanied by a dense axonal plexus which is probably intrinsic. The NT plexus is uniformly dense throughout the SCN with numerous, small varicosities. These are distributed in a pattern that indicates the synapses are predominantly axodendritic. The second largest population of neurons is VP-containing. These also are widely distributed but perikarya are not present in the ventral-medial portion of the nucleus. The VP plexus is also dense and the distribution of axons also indicates a predominantly axodendritic synapse organization. NPY- containing neurons are found predominantly in the central part of the SCN. There is a dense, and quite coarse, plexus of varicosities and axons peripherally with many fewer axons in the area of NPY cell bodies. The plexus includes a set of very fine fibers and varicosities that presumably arise either from the SCN neurons or the lateral geniculate. VIP perikarya are located very ventrally and medially in the nucleus. Axons project through the nucleus and out into the adjacent interior hypothalamus. The area innervated by these VIP fivers appears much wider than in the rat and includes the paraventricular nucleus.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA247498
Entities
People
- Robert Y. Moore
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh