The Distribution of Nitric Oxide-Synthesizing Neurons and Soluble Guanylate Cyclase in the Pigeon Brain

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible neuromodulator with roles in synaptic plasticity and memory flexibility, exerting its primary effects via the enzyme soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). Despite its well-documented functions in mammals and insects, little is known about the neuroanatomical distribution and functional relevance of NO in birds, particularly in relation to dopaminergic systems. This study used histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques to map the distribution of NO-synthesizing neurons--identified by NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) and nNOS activity--and their relation to sGC and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive dopaminergic pathways in the pigeon brain. We found extensive NADPH-d labeling throughout forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain regions. Among TH-positive midbrain structures, the locus coeruleus exhibited high colocalization with nNOS, while moderate colocalization was seen in the ventral tegmental area substantia grisea centralis and substantia nigra. Notably, a significant proportion of sGC-positive neurons was targeted by TH and NADPH-d positive fibres in the pigeon NCL. Our findings support the potential for NO-dopamine interactions in avian species, reminiscent of memory-related mechanisms in Drosophila melanogaster, and contribute to an understanding of conserved pathways that may underlie flexible learning and memory processing during navigation or related tasks across vertebrates. This work also offers insight into comparative NADPH-d distribution among avian species, with implications for aging, spatial learning, and memory formation.