AAS ›› 2014, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (1): 41-46.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.0529-1356.2014.01.008

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Distribution of monoaminergic neurons in the central nervous system of adult tree shrew

LAN Wei DING Yu-qiang*   

  1. Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Tongji University,Shanghai 200092,China
  • Received:2013-05-21 Revised:2013-08-15 Online:2014-02-06 Published:2014-02-06
  • Contact: DING Yu-qiang E-mail:dingyuqiang@gmail.com

Abstract:

Objective To explore the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) in the CNS of the adult tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis). Methods TH and Tph2 expressions in the adult tree shrew were localized using immunohistochemistry. Results TH-immunoreactive signals were mainly distributed in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb, striatum, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, subtantia nigra, ventral tegmental area and locus coeruleus. Tph2- immunoreactive signals were mainly located in the midbrain and the pontine raphe complex. Conclusion The distribution pattern of TH and Tph2 in the tree shrew CNS is consistent with that of most vertebrate. Some distribution characteristics shown in the tree shrew support its close afnity to primates. The distribution pattern of TH and Tph2 in the tree shrew CNS indicates the conservation of the evolution of the dopamine and serotonin systems, and suggests that the tree shrew can be a potential animal model to study human mental diseases associated with the dopamine and serotonin systems.

Key words: Tyrosine hydroxylase, Tryptophan hydroxylase 2, Distribution, Immunohistochemistry, Tree shrew