[Distribution of met-enkephalin expression in the visual pathway. Experimental study by inmunocytochemistry].

PURPOSE The localization and distribution of neuropeptide expression in the cat visual pathway can provide information about the function of that pathway. METHOD Study of optic pathway in eight cats. Following extraction of the brain, slices were prepared using a microkeratome. The slices were examined by indirect immunocytochemistry using anti-metenkephalin as antibody to determine the presence or absence of this pentapeptide in the visual pathway. RESULTS Met-enkephalin receptors in both cortical and subcortical regions of the brain were detected. This suggests that met-enkephalin could be involved in the visual mechanism. CONCLUSIONS The presence of met-enkephalin receptors in both cortical and subcortical regions of the brain suggests that this pentapeptide could be involved in the visual mechanism.