Prenatal differentiation of monoamine-containing neurons in the locus coeruleus of the rabbit: A histofluorescence study.

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Abstract
The time of appearance and increase of catecholamine fluorescence in the locus ceruleus (LC) of the rabbit fetus (12th-27th day of gestation) were studied by using the Falck-Hillarp method. No catecholamine fluorescence was detected in the brain on the 12th and 13th days of gestation. On the 15th day, catecholamine fluorescence was found in the LC neurons. Thereafter, the number of these neurons and the intensity of fluorescence was increasing gradually. On the 19th day, fluorescent fibers were discerned in the neuropil extending rostrally from this nucleus. On the 27th day, the most intense fluorescence was observed in the neurons of all present specimens and many fluorescent fibers with varicosities were found in the neuropil. Histofluorescence becomes recognizable in the LC 1 day later than in the substantia nigra and cell groups of A1-A3. Catecholamine synthesis in LC neurons may have started in the early fetal life, e.g., on the 15th day of gestation. These neurons may store a significant amount of catecholamine before birth.