Specialized NADPH diaphorase membrane-related localizations in the brainstem of the pigeons (Columba livia)

Abstract

NADPH diaphorase (N-d) is used to a histochemical identification of subgroup of neuronal cells. Beside regular intracellular N-d positivity, membrane-related positivity revealed as a specialized staining pattern in the pigeon brain stem. In the investigation of the nervous system of homing pigeons (Columba livia) with N-d staining, we found a specialized structure, which temporally was termed as N-d tubular glomerular body/structure or as T-J body related to the last name of authors. This N-d positive specialization constituted by tubular components bilaterally located in the medial to the lemniscus spinalis in the medulla oblongata. The tubular components were moderate staining. T-J body was a longitudinal oriented structure of 2400 m with N-d staining. N-d positive tubular components were twisted and intermingled together. Beside the young adult pigeons, T-J body s were also consistently detected in the aged pigeons. Membrane-related staining were also detected in the other rostral nuclei in the brain stem. With discussion and review of related scientific literatures, T-J body was considered as a new anatomical structure or a new feature of the existent nucleus. In summary, beside N-d intracellular distribution, there were other three N-d membrane-related localizations: mini-aggregation, patch-aggregation, and arrangement along tubular unit.