Topography of estrogen target cells in the forebrain of goldfish, Carassius auratus.

The topographical distribution of estradiol-concentrating cells in the brain of male and female teleost, Carassius auratus, was determined by autoradiography, after injection of 3H estradiol-17beta. Radioactively labeled neurons are found in specific regions of the forebrain, with a similar topographical distribution both in males and females. Regions of accumulation of estrogen target cells include the supracommissural area of the telencephalon, the preoptic area, the central hypothalamic area and the thalamic area. Unlabeled estradiol injected prior to the administration of 3H estradiol reduces or eliminates nuclear uptake of radioactivity. The autoradiographic results demonstrate the existence of estrogen target neurons in the teleost forebrain at sites similar to those described in mammalian brains. However, under the conditions of the experiment, there exists no pallial representation of estrogen target cells.