Characterization of tuberculo-ventral neurons in the dorsal cochlear nucleus of the guinea pig

Tuberculo-ventral neurons in the deep polymorphic layer of the dorsal cochl ear nucleus of the guinea pig are immunopositive to glycine, their main neu rotransmitter, as revealed by post-embedding immunogold. The initial size o f gold particles (10-20 nm) was increased (40-70 nm) by silver intensificat ion for a better and rapid individuation of glycine positive cells at low m agnification. The most specific with ultrastructural characteristic of tube rculo-ventral neurons is their synaptic profile that shows most flat-pleomo rphic axe-somatic boutons. This synaptic profile is different from that of other medium size neurons, such as cartwheel neurons in the superficial lay er of the dorsal cochlear nucleus. The synaptic profile of tuberculo-ventra l neurons together with other characteristics may explain their activity co nnected to the neural network responsible for echos suppression or/and soun d localization.