Olfactory glomeruli in the zebrafish form an invariant pattern and are identifiable across animals

摘要: Glomeruli are anatomical and possibly functional modules in the vertebrate olfactory bulb. We investigated spatial arrangement of glomeruli bulbs adult zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio). A solution lipophilic tracer Dil was injected into nasal cavities. Axons sensory neurons projecting from epithelium bulb were traced anterogradely, thus labeling whole population glomeruli. The glomerular distribution analyzed detail by confocal laser-scanning microscopy. find that a typical contains small number about 80 have stereotyped configuration all animals investigated. All exhibit bilateral symmetry. Twenty-two single could be identified animal to their characteristic position morphology. remaining either embedded plexus therefore cannot delineated reliably, or belong densely clustered subpopulation on average 49 dorsal No sexually dimorphic identified. To test whether constancy is specific for zebrafish, we performed similar tracing experiments goldfish found several indications invariance this species. remarkable stereotypy pattern reminiscent insect system has been demonstrated here first time vertebrate. It will now possible examine these identifiable functionally specialized terms odor processing. If so, may emerge as tractable model studies coding.