Immunohistochemical localization of cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptide (CARTp) in the brain of the pigeon (Columba livia) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Issue 18 (30th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gutierrez‐Ibanez, Cristian; Iwaniuk, Andrew N.; Jensen, Megan; Graham, David J.; Pogány, Ákos; Mongomery, Benjamin C.; Stafford, James L.; Luksch, Harald; Wylie, Douglas R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of comparative neurology. Volume 524:Issue 18(2016)
• Page Start: 3747
• Page End: 3773
• Publication Date: 2016-05-30
• Subjects: neuropeptide -- hypothalamus -- subpallium -- immunohistochemistry -- social behavior network -- mesolimbic reward circuit -- AB_2314088 -- AB_2340593; Comparative neurobiology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/cne.24028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9967

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptides (CARTp) are neuropeptides that act as neurotransmitters in the brain of vertebrates. The expression of CARTp has been characterized in teleosts, amphibians, and several mammalian species, but comparative data in reptiles and birds are nonexistent. In this study, we show the distribution of immunoreactivity against CART peptides (CARTp‐ir) in the brains of two bird species: the pigeon ( Columba livia ) and zebra finch ( Taeniopygia guttata ). We found CARTp‐ir cells and terminals in the brains of both, but no major differences between the two species. As in mammals, teleost fish, and amphibians, CARTp‐ir terminals and cells were abundant in subpallial regions, particularly the striatum and nucleus accumbens. We also found CARTp‐ir cells and terminals in the hypothalamus, and a large number of CARTp‐ir terminals in the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, periaqueductal gray, parabrachial nucleus, and dorsal vagal complex. However, in contrast to other vertebrates, CARTp‐ir was not found in the olfactory bulb. In addition there was almost no CARTp‐ir in the pallium or the hippocampal formation, and little CARTp‐ir in the cerebellum. The conserved expression of CARTp in the subpallium, hypothalamus, and dorsal vagal complex of birds suggests that some of the functions of CARTp, such as regulation of food intake and interactions with the social control network and mesolimbic reward system, are conserved among vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:3747–3773, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Abstract : We describe the distribution of immunoreactivity against CART peptides (CARTp‐ir) in the brains of two bird species. CARTp‐ir was abundant in subpallial regions, the hypothalamus, periaqueductal gray, parabrachial nucleus, and the dorsal vagal complex, among others. Our results suggest that some of the functions of CARTp are conserved among vertebrates.