文摘
We mapped the distribution of the three neuroglial cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia, in the chicken optic tectum using their specific markers, transferrin binding protein (TfBP), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and Ricinus communis agglutinin-1 (RCA-1), respectively. Neuroglial cells showed distinct distribution according to their cell types. While the astrocytes were mainly found in the stratum opticum (SO), stratum album centrale (SAC) and stratum fibrosum periventriculare (SFP), with their processes extending throughout the entire optic tectum region, the oligodendrocytes were mainly scattered in the SO, stratum griseum centrale (SGC) and SAC. In the case of the microglia, ramified cells were found in nearly all the layers, with the majority being present in the SAC. This is the first report demonstrating the distribution of glial cells in the chicken optic tectum, and these findings may present a basis for further study.