Opsin-immunoreactive outer segments and acetylcholinesterase-positive neurons in the pineal complex of Phoxinus phoxinus (Teleostei, Cyprinidae)

• Published in: Cell and tissue research Vol. 227; no. 2; pp. 351 - 369
• Main Authors: Vigh-Teichmann, I, Korf, H.W, Oksche, A, Vigh, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01-01-1982
• Subjects: Acetylcholinesterase - analysis; animal anatomy; animal morphology; animal physiology; Animals; aquatic organisms; Carps - anatomy & histology; Carps - metabolism; Cyprinidae - metabolism; Eye Proteins - analysis; Female; Freshwater; Male; Nerve Fibers - analysis; Neural Pathways; Neurons - cytology; Neurons - enzymology; Photoreceptor Cells - analysis; Phoxinus phoxinus; Pineal Gland - analysis; Pineal Gland - cytology; Pineal Gland - enzymology; Retinal Pigments - analysis; Rod Opsins
• ISSN: 0302-766X; 1432-0878
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00210891

The pineal complex of the teleost, Phoxinus phoxinus L. was studied light-microscopically by the use of the indirect immunocytochemical antiopsin reaction and the histochemical acetylcholinersterase (AChE) method. Opsin-immunoreactive outer segments of photoreceptor cells were demonstrated in large numbers in all divisions of the pineal end-vesicle and in the pineal stalk. Moreover, they were found in the roof of the third ventricle, adjacent to the orifice of the pineal recess as well as scattered in the parapineal organ. These immunocytochemical observations provide direct evidence of the presence of an opsin associated with a photosensory cells of athe pineal and parapineal organs of Phoxinus .