Serotonin-immunoreactivity in the monkey lateral geniculate nucleus

Serotonin-immunoreactivity in the monkey lateral geniculate nucleus appears as a plexus of fine, beaded fibers decreasing in density from magnocellular to parvocellular laminae. Ultrastructurally, these fibers show strictures and dilations, and are filled with dense round particles as well as granular material attached to outer mitochondrial membranes and microtubules. Most of the profiles followed in serial sections lack morphologically defined synapses. The few synapses observed are asymmetric, some with subjunctional dense bodies. This appearance suggests a possible excitatory effect mainly on interneurons which in turn would inhibit principal cells. Serotonin released non-synaptically may block the delivery of transmitters from retinal terminals and/or the receptors for such transmitters, thereby exerting a modulatory depressing action on principal cells.