Hypothalamic CSF-contacting neurons project to the rostral agranular
insular cortex: an immunofluorescence and ultrastructural analysis in
the rat.
Abstract
Abstract CSF-contacting neurons are involved in detecting changes in the
cerebrospinal (CSF) circulation and recent studies report their role in
nociception. Using neuronal tracers (Fluoro-Gold™, Cholera toxin subunit
B, BDA), immunofluorescence (Anti-FG, Anti-OT-neurophysin,
Anti-vasopressin, Anti-GABA, Anti-OTR) and electron microscopy, we
describe oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic CSF-contacting neurons
within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and their
projections towards the rostral agranular insular cortex (RAIC). Our
results show the presence of CSF-contacting neurons along the PVN that
are labelled by oxytocin (OT) or/and vasopressin (AVP) and could secrete
these peptides into CSF by dendritic projections. Besides, we report
some oxytocinergic CSF-contacting neurons that send projections towards
the RAIC. Inside the RAIC, our ultrastructural analysis shows that axons
from PVN sustain synaptic connections with cortical GABAergic neurons
that express oxytocin receptor (OTR) where we identify OT molecules as
well. These findings support the possible role of CSF-contacting neurons
in the neuronal modulation by releasing neuromodulators both at CSF and
synaptic levels. Also, our results signal the extended means of
oxytocinergic transmission, including its release inside RAIC promoting
local GABAergic activity and its secretion towards CSF probably
modulating many areas close to the ventricles, that can be involved in
different conditions as nociception modulation.