Distribution of GABA immunoreactive systems in the forebrain and midbrain of the chameleon

An immunocytochemical method, using glutaraldehyde fixation and an antiserum developed against a GABA-glutaraldehyde protein conjugate, permitted direct visualization of GABAergic structures in the brain of a reptile (chameleon). GABA immunoreactive cell bodies and nerve terminals were observed to be evenly distributed throughout the forebrain and midbrain. In the forebrain, GABA-positive perikarya were shown in all cortical areas, the septal area, the striatum, the dorsal ventricular ridge, and in the nucleus accumbens. In the midbrain, the optic tectum contained a dense and laminar distribution of GABA neurons. These neurons were also observed in the lateral geniculate nucleus, nucleus profundus mesencephali, nucleus opticus tegmenti and substantia nigra. Immunoreactive nerve fibers and terminals were observed in the same structures and, additionally, in the tractus septo-hypothalamicus, habenula complex, median eminence, intermediate lobe of the pituitary, basal part of the subcommissural organ, torus semicircularis and nucleus reticularis isthmi. These results provide a framework for a further electron microscopic analysis of the GABAergic innervation of some encephalic areas involved in physiological regulations particular to this species especially the visual system.