Evidence for subdivisions in the human suprachiasmatic nucleus.

摘要: The human suprachiasmatic nucleus was analysed by immunohistochemical demonstration of various substances in combination with 3-dimensional computerized reconstruction and video overlay facilities. In the human, is not as compact rodent. Its boundaries are easily delineated using conventional stains, it shows no obvious cytoarchitectonic structure. However, based on its chemoarchitecture, can be apportioned into five major subdivisions: Dorsal, comprising a crescent shaped mass densely packed neurophysin/vasopressin-neurons well neurotensin-neurons, also containing 3-fucosyl-N-acetyl-lactosamine (FAL)-positive neurons medial part. Central, occupying core consisting precisely region devoid neurophysin/vasopressin but demarcated calbindin, synaptophysin, circumscribed cluster vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-neurons neurotensin well. Anteroventrally this division contains some intermingled positive for neurotensin, neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, FAL. Ventral, extending from anterior extreme preoptic recess caudolaterally to field between optic chiasm anteroventral margin supraoptic nucleus. This subdivision specified calhindin, substance P immunoreactivity almost free glial fibrillary acidic protein. From rostral portion, fibers immunoreactive polypeptide, protrude deeply chiasm. Medial, thin band subependymal zone dorsal subdivision, scattered somatostatin neurons. External, around lateral borders nucleus, astrocytes expressing FAL-epitope neurons. These findings indicate that well-defined subdivisions different, chemically specific, connections provides basis comparing these structure function previously described experimental animals. addition, strengthen concept generates expresses circadian rhythms manner similar documented animals, suggest different may subserve specific functional roles.