Fluorescence histochemistry of monoamine‐containing cell bodies in the brain stem of the squirrel monkey (<i>Saimiri sciureus</i>). IV. An atlas

Abstract

Abstract The topography of the various groups of catecholamine‐ and serotonin‐containing cell bodies in the squirrel monkey ( Saimiri sciureus ), as described in the preceding three papers of this series, is presented in an atlas of Nissl and myelin stained frontal sections. The major findings of this study are reviewed and discussed. These include: (1) evidence of fundamental similarities in the topographic distribution of the cell groups between the primate and the rat and of significant differences between the primate and the cat; (2) identification as the catecholaminergic cells of the locus caeruleus of a cellular group incorrectly identified in the literature as nucleus tracti mesencephalici nervi trigemini; (3) consolidation of several catecholamine‐containing cell groups as belonging respectively to the locus caeruleus (C4, C6, C7) and the substantia nigra (C8 and C9); (4) predominant distribution of the serotoninergic cell groups in the midline raphe region (with lateral extensions in some cases) and location within well defined nuclei, such as the nucleus raphe obscurus, nucleus raphe pallidus, nucleus raphe magnus, nucleus raphe pontis, nucleus raphe dorsalis and nucleus centralis superior.