Distribution, origin, and fine structures of cholecystokinin-8-like immunoreactive terminals in the nucleus ventromedialis hypothalami of the rat.

The distribution, origin, and fine structures of cholecystokinin-8-like immunoreactive ( CCKI ) fibers in the nucleus ventromedialis hypothalami (vm) of the rat were examined using immunohistochemistry. CCKI fibers were moderately concentrated in the ventrolateral part of the vm, decreasing in number dorsomedially. However, no CCKI cells were seen in the vm even in colchicine-treated rats. In addition, the destruction of the lateral part of the nucleus parabrachialis dorsalis (pbd) where numerous CCKI cells were seen resulted in a marked decrease in CCKI fibers in the vm on the operated side. Electron microscopic observations revealed that CCKI terminals make synaptic contact with soma, spine, and the proximal segment of the dendrite. The neurons making synaptic contact with the CCKI fibers had moderately electron-lucent cytoplasm. These findings suggest that the CCKI fibers in the vm originate from CCKI cells in the lateral part of the pbd and directly influence the vm neurons.