I. Benedetti et al., High values of DNA content in the hypotalamic neurons of Lophius piscatorius and Diodon holacanthus (Osteichthyes), CARYOLOGIA, 52(3-4), 1999, pp. 141-146
Computerised image analysis on Feulgen-stained preparations indicated that
in both Lophius piscatorius and Diodon holacanthus the Feulgen-DNA content
of the hypothalamic magnocellular neurons in the preoptic and tuberal compl
exes largely exceeded 2C. Subsequent quantitative microfluorometric evaluat
ion revealed that the DNA content of these cells was as higher as 68C in L.
piscatorius and 84C in D. holacanthus. The presence of high levels of DNA
content in neuron nuclei is well known in the case of the giant neurons of
Molluscs but, although it has recently been found in the supramedullary neu
ron cluster of the same Teleosts used in this study, it must be considered
exceptional for the nervous system of Vertebrates.