The types of neurones in the neostriatum of the guinea pig [Cavia porcellus]: Golgi and Kluver-Barrera studies

The Golgi technique stain was used to reveal the cellular structure of the neostriatum (nucleus caudatus and putamen) in the guinea pig. The computerised reconstructions were made from Golgi impregnated neurones. On the basis of various criteria, 4 types of neurones were distinguished in the guinea pig neostriatum: 1. The rounded neurones (most numerous) with 5–8 thin dendritic trunks; 2. The triangular nerve cells with 3 thick dendritic trunks; 3. Two types of multipolar neurones differing in dendritic arborisation pattern with 4–6 and 7–9 primary dendrites, respectively. 4. The pear-shaped cells, which divide into two distinctly different subpopulations.