Distribution of serotonin in the brain of the Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis: an immunohistochemical study

Abstract We report the distribution of serotonin immunoreactive (5-HT-ir) structures in the brain of the adult Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis, using the streptavidin–biotin–peroxidase complex immunohistochemical method. We have found a wide distribution of immunoreactive fibers throughout the entire brain. 5-HT-ir cell bodies appeared restricted to some periventricular nuclei associated with the diencephalic recesses, and in the rhombencephalic reticular formation and inferior olivary region. Specifically, cerebrospinal fluid-contacting serotoninergic cells were found within the pars dorsalis and pars ventralis of the nucleus recessus lateralis, in the paraventricular organ and in the nucleus recessus posterioris. In the brainstem, 5-HT-ir perikarya appear within the superior and inferior raphe, the nucleus reticularis superioris, the nucleus interpeduncularis and the inferior olive. Although positive fibers were not found in the neurohypophysis, a few 5-HT-ir cells were identified in the adenohypophysis. This distribution is compared with those found in other fishes and discussed in the context of putative roles of 5-HT as a neuroendocrine factor and neurotransmitter in the Senegalese sole.