To study morphological and functional principles of the evolution of cerebral modulator- acting substances - neuropeptides and neurotransmitters - we determined the presence of a variety of these substances by use of immunocytochemical methods within light-microscopically detectable structures in the brain of the lamprey, hagfish, bony fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds.
Drawings of series of brain sections cut in the frontal, horizontal, and sagittal planes were superimposed into layered compilations from which different atlases were made containing topographical relations as well as immunocytochemical results.
An interactive software program presents the spatial distribution of neuropeptide- immunoreactive brain structures in single pages; optionally simultaneously shown pages allow combinations of different planes or various species.
This website, still under construction, shows the main features of the program-structure of the Rana temporaria page and examples of three peptides in sagittal planes of Calotes versicolor. To obtain access, simply click on the corresponding links.
Upon conclusion all of our results obtained so far, as well as the following scientific analysis, including the international literature, will be accessible to interested colleagues.
Unfortunately, the entire project cannot be finalized, due to a lack of budget and laboratory space after June 2001.
Therefore, the distribution of neurotransmitter-immunoreactive structures will not be presented as single pages, but each summarized in a basic scheme.
The above-mentioned examples show the principle of our program. We would appreciate any suggestions, corrections, hints or other inputs, as well as receiving matching publications.
Scientists who are interested in continuing, updating or completing this
project are very welcome and are requested to contact us immediately.
| 
|
