Nigrostriatal projections in the rat as demonstrated by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. I. Projections to the rostral striatum
Druga, R.
Journal für Hirnforschung 30(1): 11-21
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-8359 PMID: 2723408 Document Number: 327592
The distribution of nigral neurons projecting to the rostral part of the striatum was studied in 12 rats using the horseradish peroxidase or the wheatgerm lectin bound horseradish peroxidase labelling techniques. Labelled neurons localized in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) were demonstrated throughout the anteroposterior extent of the nucleus. Most of the labelled neurons were localized in the medial half of the SNc, predominantly in its basal part. Labelled neurons localized in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) predominated in the caudal half of the nucleus where they were found in its medial, central and lateral parts. A quantitative evaluation of the shape and size of the labelled neurons showed no statistically significant differences between the SNc and SNr as to the shape of the labelled perikarya. In contrast, nigrostriatal neurons in the SNc were found to have larger perikarya than their counterparts in the SNr.