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[3H]nicotine binding sites are associated with mammalian optic nerve terminals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 June 2009

Glen T. Prusky
Affiliation:
Departments of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Max S. Cynader
Affiliation:
Departments of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Abstract

The autoradiographic distribution of [3H]nicotine binding sites was examined in the superior colliculus in normal rats and cats, and in animals in which one or both eyes were removed. [3H]Nicotine binding sites in normal animals were densely concentrated in the superficial layers of the colliculus corresponding to the zone of termination of optic nerve fibers. Following bilateral enucleation, [3H]nicotine binding in the superficial collicular layers was drastically reduced. Unilateral enucleation markedly reduced [3H]nicotine binding sites in the colliculus contralateral to the removed eye, with little effect on the ipsilateral colliculus. These results provide further evidence that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have a presynaptic location on optic tract terminals and may therefore modulate retinotectal transmission in both the rat and cat visual system.

Type
Short Communications
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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