Neuroarchitecture of the central complex in the brain of the locust Schistocerca gregaria and S. americana as revealed by serotonin immunocytochemistry

Abstract

The central complex is a prominent structure in the insect brain, yet its anatomical organization and functional role is still poorly understood. To facilitate investigations on the physiology of the central complex, this study describes its anatomical organization in the brain of locusts (Schistocerca gregaria and Schistocerca americana) based on an investigation of serotonin immunocytochemistry. Most subdivisions of the central complex including the protocerebral bridge, several layers in the upper division of the central body, and the noduli of the central body are innervated by serotonin‐immunoreactive neurons, while the lower division of the central body does not exhibit serotonin‐like immunoreactivity. Several types of serotonin‐immunoreactive neurons can be distinguished. A system of about 60 columnar neurons innervates the protocerebral bridge, layer III of the upper division of the central body, and the noduli. A group of 15–20 bilateral pairs of serotonin‐immunoreactive neurons connects the posterior optic tubercles with the protocerebral bridge. About ten pairs of neurons with somata in the inferior protocerebrum innervate layer la of the upper division of the central body. In addition, large‐field neurons arborize in layers Ia and Ib of the upper division of the central body and in the lateral accessory lobes. The detailed mapping of serotonin immunoreactivity provides further insight into the anatomical organization of the central complex and suggests that serotonin is a major neuroactive substance within this brain structure.