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Neurochemical compartmentalization of the globus pallidus in the rat: An immunocytochemical study of calcium‐binding proteins
Author(s) -
Rajakumar N.,
Rushlow W.,
Naus C. C. G.,
Elisevich K.,
Flumerfelt B. A.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of comparative neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 209
eISSN - 1096-9861
pISSN - 0021-9967
DOI - 10.1002/cne.903460303
Subject(s) - globus pallidus , parvalbumin , calbindin , biology , basal ganglia , calcium binding protein , medium spiny neuron , striatum , neuroscience , anatomy , central nervous system , calcium , medicine , immunohistochemistry , dopamine , immunology
The globus pallidus external segment forms a major target center of the mammalian striatum which is characterized by neurochemically distinct compartments. The present study was undertaken to determine if a corresponding compartmentalization exists within the globus pallidus external segment in the rat. Immunocytochemical examination of the calcium‐binding proteins parvalbumin and calbindin D 28kDa , which are present in neurons of the striatal matrix compartment, was employed. The results indicate three neurochemically distinct compartments within the globus pallidus external segment: (1) an area in the medial aspect of the entire length of the globus pallidus that contains dense immunoreactivity for calbindin D 28kDa ; (2) a narrow rim at the striatopallidal junction in the rostral two‐thirds of the globus palidus that contains calbindin D 28kDa immunoreactivity designated as the “border zone” of the globus pallidus; and (3) an area between these two zones showing very poor immunoreactivity for calbindin D 28kDa but containing parvalbumin immunoreactive neurons. The calbindin D 28kDa immunoreactive border zone corresponds to the area of the globus pallidus where striatal inputs converge extensively, whereas the rest of the nucleus is involved in segregated, topographically organized pathways. Parvalbumin‐containing neurons are involved in the propagation of striatal output related to striosomal and sensorimotor aspects of basal ganglia function. The present results also indicate that calbindin D 28kDa immunoreactivity is completely absent from striosomal neurons and is therefore a useful marker for striatal compartments. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.