The interstitial system of the trigeminal spinal tract projects to the red nucleus in mice

We studied projections from the interstitial system of the spinal trigeminal tract (InSy-S5T) to the red nucleus of the mouse with retrograde tracers (fluorogold and latex microbeads impregnated with rhodamine and fluorescein). Injections in the magnocellular part of the red nucleus caused labeling of cells in the rostral, intermediate, and caudal paratrigeminal nucleus (Pa5), dorsal paramarginal nucleus (PaMD), insular trigemeo-lateral cuneate nucleus (I5CuL), and the trigeminal extension of the parvocellular reticular formation (5RPC). All projections were bilateral, but contralateral projections were stronger. The number of retrogradely labeled cells in the InSy-S5T in 3-, 6-, and 12-month-old mice was similar. Injections restricted to the parvocellular red nucleus did not label the nuclei of the InSy-S5T. This projection from the InSy-S5T to the red nucleus may mediate modulation of the facial muscles by pain and other sensory information.     

A trigeminoreticular pathway: implications in pain

Neurons in the caudalmost ventrolateral medulla (cmVLM) respond to noxious stimulation. We previously have shown most efferent projections from this locus project to areas implicated either in the processing or modulation of pain. Here we show the cmVLM of the rat receives projections from superficial laminae of the medullary dorsal horn (MDH) and has neurons activated with capsaicin injections into the temporalis muscle. Injections of either biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) into the MDH or fluorogold (FG)/fluorescent microbeads into the cmVLM showed projections from lamina I and II of the MDH to the cmVLM. Morphometric analysis showed the retrogradely-labeled neurons were small (area 88.7 μm(2)±3.4) and mostly fusiform in shape. Injections (20-50 μl) of 0.5% capsaicin into the temporalis muscle and subsequent immunohistochemistry for c-Fos showed nuclei labeled in the dorsomedial trigeminocervical complex (TCC), the cmVLM, the lateral medulla, and the internal lateral subnucleus of the parabrachial complex (PBil). Additional labeling with c-Fos was seen in the subnucleus interpolaris of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, the rostral ventrolateral medulla, the superior salivatory nucleus, the rostral ventromedial medulla, and the A1, A5, A7 and subcoeruleus catecholamine areas. Injections of FG into the PBil produced robust label in the lateral medulla and cmVLM while injections of BDA into the lateral medulla showed projections to the PBil. Immunohistochemical experiments to antibodies against substance P, the substance P receptor (NK1), calcitonin gene regulating peptide, leucine enkephalin, VRL1 (TPRV2) receptors and neuropeptide Y showed that these peptides/receptors densely stained the cmVLM. We suggest the MDH- cmVLM projection is important for pain from head and neck areas. We offer a potential new pathway for regulating deep pain via the neurons of the TCC, the cmVLM, the lateral medulla, and the PBil and propose these areas compose a trigeminoreticular pathway, possibly the trigeminal homologue of the spinoreticulothalamic pathway.     

The Ganglionic Origins and Central Projections of Primary Sensory Neurons Innervating the Upper and Lower Lips in the Rat

Retrograde and transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used to investigate the neurons innervating the upper and the lower lips and their central projections in the rat. Both the upper and the lower lips were observed to be innervated by a very large number of trigeminal sensory neurons, with their cell bodies located in the maxillary and the mandibular parts of the trigeminal ganglion, respectively. The central projections of neurons innervating the upper lip formed a long continuous column starting rostrally at midlevels of the trigeminal main sensory nucleus (5P) and extending caudally through the CI dorsal horn, with occasional fibers reaching the C3 segment. The heaviest projections appeared in the middle portions of 5P and nucleus interpolaris (51), as well as in the rostral part of nucleus caudalis (5C). A small but consistent projection to the solitary tract nucleus, originating from cells in the inferior vagal ganglion, was observed in the upper-lip experiments. The central projections from neurons innervating the lower lip also appeared as a long column located dorsally or dorsomedially to the projections from the upper lip. The most prominent projections from the lower lip were located in the caudal part of 5P, the middle part of 5I, and the caudal two-thirds of 5C. Sparse projections could be traced as far caudally as C4. At 5C and cervical levels, some labeling appeared contralaterally in the same location as on the ipsilateral side.     

Central Representation of Dental Structures in the Kitten,Including Projections to the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected into either a single maxillary or a single mandibular primary (deciduous) cuspid tooth of 8- to 10-week-old kittens. The large apex of the primary cuspid allowed for some leakage of the HRP from the pulpal chamber to the periodontal ligament (PDL). Thus, the injection procedure resulted in the application of HRP to the PDL as well as to the pulpal tissues. The transganglionic transport of HRP resulted in discrete terminal fields within the spinal trigeminal nucleus (STN) and the main sensory nucleus (MSN). These projections were clearly somatotopically organized within the STN, but less so within MSN. Within pars oralis (PO) and pars interpolaris (PI), mandibular cuspid dental structures (MdCDS) were represented in a dorsal position relative to the maxillary cuspid dental structures (MxCDS), whereas within pars caudalis (PC) and the adjacent reticular formation the somatotopic representation was not dorsoventral, but rather mediolateral, with the MdCDS represented more medially than the MxCDS. Areas of overlap between MxCDS and MdCDS were found within MSN and to a lesser degree within the superficial laminae of PC. In addition, the fiber pathway leading to labeled somata in the mesencephalic trigeminal (Mes V) nucleus was clearly identified. The majority of the fibers traced to the Mes V nucleus exited the spinal trigeminal tract at the level of the transition from PO to the MSN and traversed the nuclear region in a position dorsal to and separate from the trigeminal motor tract. As in STN, fibers within the caudal Mes V tract appeared to be somatotopically organized, with the fibers from the MdCDS generally more dorsal than the ones from the MxCDS. Labeled fibers, some with terminal arbors, were also identified in close association with the trigeminal motor tract. The findings show a complex pattern of central representation in the immature feline central nervous system for deciduous dental structures.     

Topographical representation of the jaw muscles within the trigeminal motor nucleus. An HRP study in the mallard, Anas platyrhynchos

The location of the trigeminal motoneurons of the jaw muscles has been determined in the brainstem of the mallard utilizing retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Injections with HRP into the jaw muscles or application of HRP to the mandibular nerve showed that the trigeminal motor nucleus can be subdivided into five subnuclei, mV1-mV5. Three functional groups of jaw muscles are represented in separate subnuclei. The most lateral subnucleus mV2 innervates all but one adductor muscles, the intermediate mV1 innervates the pterygoid muscles + one adductor and the medial mV4 the two protractor muscles. The most ventral subnucleus mV3 contains the neurons innervating two extrinsic tongue muscles as well as some perikarya of adductor muscles. Subnucleus mV5 lies dorsomedial to mV4 and contains the motoneurons of the depressor muscle of the lower eye lid. Elements of the proprioceptive system, viz. presumptive gamma-neurons and mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus cells, could also be visualized. The topological and functional aspects of the subdivision of the motor nucleus are discussed.     

The Distribution of Afferent Neurons in the Trigeminal Mesencephalic Nucleus and the Central Projection of Afferent Fibers of the Mylohyoid Nerve in the Rat

Horseradish peroxidase conjugated to wheatgerm agglutinin (HRP:WGA) was injected into the proximal cut ends of three branches of the mylohyoid nerve in rats: the branch to the mylohyoid muscle (BrMh), the branch to the anterior belly of the digastricus muscle (BrDg), and the cutaneous branch (BrCu). HRP-labeled cells were detected in the ipsilateral caudal portion of the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus (Vmes) and the ipsilateral ventromedial division of the trigeminal motor nucleus, except when HRP:WGA was applied to the BrCu. Morphologically, all labeled Vmes cells were of the pseudounipolar type.

Projections of the primary afferents of the BrMh were observed in the ipsilateral trigeminal nucleus caudalis, the upper cervical dorsal horns of laminae I -III, and the dorsolateral recticular formation (Rf), whereas the primary afferents of the BrDg terminated in the ipsilateral trigeminal nucleus principalis and Rf. These observations suggest that the role of the afferent inputs of the mylohyoid muscle differs from that of those of the anterior belly of the digastricus muscle in terms of several functions associated with jaw-closing and infrahyoid muscles.     

Selective Labeling of [3H]2-Deoxy-d-Glucose in the Snake Trigeminal System: Basal and Infrared-Stimulated Conditions

[³H]2-Deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) and high-resolution autoradiography were employed to investigate labeling patterns of the trigeminal and infrared sensory system in acrotaline snake, the pit viper (Trimeresurus flavoviridis). Following intracardiac injection of 9.25 MBq [³H]2-DG, neurons in the nucleus of the lateral descending trigeminal tract (LTTD), nucleus reticularis caloris (RC), nucleus trigemini mesencephalicus, nucleus trigemini motorius, and trigeminal ganglia were labeled in various degrees after the pit organ had been removed (basal condition). This revealed that a higher rate of glucose utilization occurred in these nuclei than in the common sensory trigeminal nuclei, which lacked labeling entirely. When a pit was stimulated periodically with an infrared stimulus for 45 min, the difference in percentage of labeled cells was ipsilaterally increased by 12.84% in large cells of the LITD and by 7.55% in the RC, as compared with the contralateral, basal-condition side. These slight changes indicate a small increase of glucose consumption during infrared reception. On the other hand, the small cells in the LTTD showed labeling that did not change with stimulation, suggesting that 2-DG uptake in inhibitory interneurons is relatively constant.     

Collateral projections from trigeminal sensory nuclei to ventrobasal thalamus and cerebellar cortex in rats

The retrograde fluorescent labeling technique reveals that trigeminal projections to the ventroposteromedial nucleus of the thalamus (VPM) of the rat originate from the main sensory nucleus (MSN) of the trigeminal and subnuclei interpolaris (V1) and caudalis (Vc) of the spinal trigeminal nucleus. These projections are predominantly contralateral; however, the presence of a few ipsilateral labeled cells in MSN suggests an uncrossed trigeminothalamic pathway. Trigeminocerebellar fibers projecting to the paramedian lobule (PML) of the cerebellar cortex are located in Vi and caudal subnucleus oralis (Vo). This is principally an ipsilateral pathway, but several bisbenzimide-labeled cells are present in contralateral Vi. The most notable finding occurred after paired injections of Evans Blue into VPM and bisbenzimide into PML, demonstrating neurons in Vi with divergent projections to both structures. The presence of this type of projection was not found in mice (Steindler: J. Comp. Neurol. 237:155-175, 1985) and has not been reported in other species.     

Intersubnuclear connections within the rat trigeminal brainstem complex

Prior intracellular recording and labeling experiments have documented local-circuit and projection neurons in the spinal trigeminal (V) nucleus with axons that arborize in more rostral and caudal spinal trigeminal subnuclei and nucleus principalis. Anterograde tracing studies were therefore carried out to assess the origin, extent, distribution, and morphology of such intersubnuclear axons in the rat trigeminal brainstem nuclear complex (TBNC). Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) was used as the anterograde marker because of its high sensitivity and the morphological detail provided. Injections restricted to TBNC subnucleus caudalis resulted in dense terminal labeling in each of the more rostral ipsilateral subnuclei. Subnucleus interpolaris projected ipsilaterally and heavily to magnocellular portions of subnucleus caudalis, as well as subnucleus oralis and nucleus principalis. Nucleus principalis, on the other hand, had only a sparse projection to each of the caudal ipsilateral subnuclei. Intersubnuclear axons most frequently traveled in the deep bundles within the TBNC, the V spinal tract, and the reticular formation. They gave rise to a number of circumscribed, highly branched arbors with many boutons of the terminal and en passant types. Retrograde single- or multiple-labeling experiments assessed the cells giving rise to TBNC intersubnuclear collaterals. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and/or fluorescent tracer injections into the thalamus, colliculus, cerebellum, nucleus principalis, and/or subnucleus caudalis revealed large numbers of neurons in subnuclei caudalis, interpolaris, and oralis projecting to the region of nucleus principalis. Cells projecting to more caudal spinal trigeminal regions were most numerous in subnuclei interpolaris and oralis. Some cells in lamina V of subnucleus caudalis and in subnuclei interpolaris and oralis projected to thalamus and/or colliculus, as well as other TBNC subnuclei. Such collateral projections were rare in nucleus principalis and more superficial laminae of subnucleus caudalis. TBNC cells labeled by cerebellar injections were not double-labeled by tracer injections into the thalamus, colliculus, or TBNC. These findings lend generality to currently available data obtained with intracellular recording and HRP labeling methods, and suggest that most intersubnuclear axons originate in TBNC local-circuit neurons, though some originate in cells that project to midbrain and/or diencephalon.     

Arrangement and connections of mesencephalic trigeminal neurons in the rat

The morphology of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus was examined microscopically in serial frozen sections. The nucleus extends over a length of about 4.5 mm, and its cell number was calculated to range from 1,000 to 1,600. 60% of the cells were located in the caudal third of the nucleus. Clustering of large unipolar cells was seen throughout the nucleus. Small spindle-shaped multipolar cells were found in the pontine part of the nucleus. The efferent connections of the mesencephalic trigeminal neurons were investigated by means of iontophoretically delivered Phaseolus vulgaris leuco-agglutinin or horseradish peroxidase after electrophysiological identification of mesencephalic trigeminal neurons. All projections were found ipsilateral to the injection site; they were confined to the trigeminal motor nucleus, especially to its lateral part, and to the dorsolateral reticular formation. The latter projection area included the supratrigeminal nucleus, the nucleus of Probst, and the parvocellular reticular zone. There were no direct projections to the facial or hypoglossal motor nuclei. It is concluded that proprioceptive input from one side is mediated polysynaptically to the bilateral oral final common-path neurons, with the exception of the ipsilateral trigeminal motoneurons.     

Intersubnuclear Connections within the Rat Trigeminal Brainstem Complex

Prior intracellular recording and labeling experiments have documented local-circuit and projection neurons in the spinal trigeminal (V) nucleus with axons that arborize in more rostral and caudal spinal trigeminal subnuclei and nucleus principalis. Anterograde tracing studies were therefore carried out to assess the origin, extent, distribution, and morphology of such intersubnuclear axons in the rat trigeminal brainstem nuclear complex (TBNC). Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) was used as the anterograde marker because of its high sensitivity and the morphological detail provided. Injections restricted to TBNC subnucleus caudalis resulted in dense terminal labeling in each of the more rostral ipsilateral subnuclei. Subnucleus interpolaris projected ipsilaterally and heavily to magnocellular portions of subnucleus caudalis, as well as subnucleus oralis and nucleus principalis. Nucleus principalis, on the other hand, had only a sparse projection to each of the caudal ipsilateral subnuclei. Intersubnuclear axons most frequently traveled in the deep bundles within the TBNC, the V spinal tract, and the reticular formation. They gave rise to a number of circumscribed, highly branched arbors with many boutons of the terminal and en passant types.

Retrograde single- or multiple-labeling experiments assessed the cells giving rise to TBNC intersubnuclear collaterals. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and/or fluorescent tracer injections into the thalamus, colliculus, cerebellum, nucleus principalis, and/or subnucleus caudalis revealed large numbers of neurons in subnuclei caudalis, interpolaris, and oralis projecting to the region of nucleus principalis. Cells projecting to more caudal spinal trigeminal regions were most numerous in subnuclei interpolaris and oralis. Some cells in lamina V of subnucleus caudalis and in subnuclei interpolaris and oralis projected to thalamus and/or colliculus, as well as other TBNC subnuclei. Such collateral projections were rare in nucleus principalis and more superficial laminae of subnucleus caudalis. TBNC cells labeled by cerebellar injections were not double-labeled by tracer injections into the thalamus, colliculus, or TBNC.

These findings lend generality to currently available data obtained with intracellular recording and HRP labeling methods, and suggest that most intersubnuclear axons originate in TBNC local-circuit neurons, though some originate in cells that project to midbrain and/or diencephalon.     

Afferent projections of the trigeminal nerve in the goldfish,Carassius auratus

The horseradish peroxidase (HRP) histochemical technique was used to examine the peripheral distribution and afferent projections of the trigeminal nerve in the goldfish, Carassius auratus. Sensory fibers of the trigeminal nerve distribute over the head via four branches. The ophthalmic branch distributes fibers to the region above the eye and naris. The maxillary and mandibular branches innervate the regions of the upper and lower lip, respectively. A fourth branch of the trigeminal nerve was demonstrated to be present in the hyomandibular trunk. Upon entering the medulla the trigeminal afferent fibers divide into a rostromedially directed bundle and a caudally directed bundle. The rostromedially directed bundle terminates in the sensory trigeminal nucleus (STN) located within the rostral medulla. The majority of fibers turn caudally, forming the descending trigeminal tract. Fibers of the descending trigeminal tract terminate within three medullary nuclei: the nucleus of the descending trigeminal tract (NDTV), the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Spv), and the medial funicular nucleus (MFn). All projections, except for those to the MFn, are ipsilateral. Contralateral projections were observed at the level of the MFn following the labeling of the ophthalmic and maxillomandibular branches. All branches of the trigeminal nerve project to all four of the trigeminal medullary nuclei. Projections to the STN and MFn were found to be topographically organized such that the afferents of the ophthalmic branch project onto the ventral portion of these nuclei, while the afferents of the maxillo- and hyomandibular branches project to the dorsal portion of these nuclei. Cells of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus were retrogradely labeled following HRP application to the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve. In addition to demonstrating the ascending mesencephalic trigeminal root fibers, HRP application to the above-mentioned branches also revealed descending mesencephalic trigeminal fibers. The descending mesencephalic trigeminal fibers course caudally medial to the branchiomeric motor column and terminate in the ventromedial portion of the MFn.     

Primary projections of the trigeminal nerve in two species of sturgeon: Acipenser oxyrhynchus and Scaphirhynchus platorynchus

Horseradish peroxidase histochemical studies of afferent and efferent projections of the trigeminal nerve in two species of chondrostean fishes revealed medial, descending and ascending projections. Entering fibers of the trigeminal sensory root project medially to terminate in the medial trigeminal nucleus, located along the medial wall of the rostral medulla. Other entering sensory fibers turn caudally within the medulla, forming the trigeminal spinal tract, and terminate within the descending trigeminal nucleus. The descending trigeminal nucleus consists of dorsal (DTNd) and ventral (DTNv) components. Fibers of the trigeminal spinal tract descend through the lateral alar medulla and into the dorsolateral cervical spinal cord. Fibers exit the spinal tract throughout its length, projecting to the ventral descending trigeminal nucleus (DTNv) in the medulla and to the funicular nucleus at the obex. Retrograde transport of HRP through sensory root fibers also revealed an ascending bundle of fibers that constitutes the neurites of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, cell bodies of which are located in the rostral optic tectum. Retrograde transport of HRP through motor root fibers labeled ipsilateral cells of the trigeminal motor nucleus, located in the rostral branchiomeric motor column.     

Evidence for Glutamatergic Projections from the Cochlear Nucleus to the Superior Olive and the Ventral Nucleus of the Lateral Lemniscus

Abstract: This study attempts to determine if projections ascending from the guinea pig cochlear nucleus (CN) could be glutamatergic and/or aspartatergic. Multiple radio frequency lesions were made to ablate the right CN. The ablation was verified histologically. To identify the principal targets of CN efferents, silver impregnation methods were used to localize the preterminal degeneration of fibers in transverse sections of the brainstem 5 and 7 days after CN ablation. CN efferents projected heavily to the lateral superior olive (LSO) ipsilaterally, the medial superior olive (MSO) bilaterally, and contralaterally to the medial (MNTB) and ventral (VNTB) nuclei of the trapezoid body, the ventral (VNLL) and intermediate nuclei of the lateral lemniscus and the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICc). There were smaller projections to the lateral nucleus of the trapezoid body ipsilaterally, the dorsal and dorsomedial periolivary nuclei bilaterally, and the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus contralaterally. There were sparse projections to the VNLL and ICc ipsilaterally and the CN contralaterally, and a very sparse projection to the contralateral LSO. To determine if CN efferents were glutamatergic and/or aspartatergic, the fresh brainstem was sectioned transversely and samples of the LSO, MSO, MNTB, VNLL, and ICc were taken to measure the electrically evoked release and the uptake of d -[³H]Asp and [¹⁴C]Gly or [¹⁴C]GABA 3–5 days after the CN ablation. The release studies suggest that only certain of the histologically identified projections ascending from the CN may be glutamatergic and/or aspartatergic. CN ablation depressed d -[³H]Asp release in the MSO bilaterally and in the contralateral MNTB and VNLL, suggesting that the CN efferents to these nuclei may use glutamate or aspartate as a transmitter. It was unclear whether a marginal depression of d -[³H]Asp release in the ipsilateral LSO reflected the presence of glutamatergic CN projections to this nucleus. d -[³H]Asp release in the ICc was unaffected, suggesting that CN efferents to this nucleus may not be glutamatergic. There were no deficits in d -[³H]Asp uptake. [¹⁴C]Gly release from the LSO and MSO was unchanged. [¹⁴C]Gly uptake was unchanged in the MSO and depressed only in the contralateral LSO, possibly reflecting subnormal uptake activity in endings contributed by contralateral MNTB cells that had lost their CN efferents. [¹⁴C]GABA uptake in the MNTB, VNLL, and ICc was unchanged. [¹⁴C]GABA release was unchanged in the VNLL and ICc. [¹⁴C]GABA release was depressed only in the contralateral MNTB, possibly reflecting the loss of a small complement of GABAergic CN efferents and the reaction of GABAergic projections from the contralateral VNTB to their loss of CN efferents.     

5—HT能纤维向猫脊髓膈神经核及延髓膈肌前运动神经元的投射

实验在6只成年猫上进行,将WGA－HRP微量注入C5膈神经核内,通过逆行追踪及5－HT免疫组织化学FITC荧光双重标记方法,研究了中缝核5－HT能神经元向脊髓膈神经核的投射,同时观察了延髓膈肌产运动神经元接受5－HT能纤维投射的情况,结果在中缝苍白核观察到较多的HRP－5－HT双标记神经元,在中缝大核,中缝隐核观察到少数散在的双标记神经元,在延髓疑核,孤束核腹外侧区域的HRP单核记神经元（即膈肌前运动神经元）周围观察到5－HT能轴突末梢,结构表明：发自中缝苍白核5－HT能神经元的传出纤维可投射到脊髓膈神经核,延髓膈肌前运动神经元接受5－HT能纤维的传入投射。     

Independent effects of cholinergic and serotonergic lesions on acetylcholine and serotonin release in the neocortex of the rat

Rats received a unilateral lesion of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) by infusion of ibotenic acid. In addition, the dorsal raphe nucleus was lesioned by infusion of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT). The release of acetylcholine (ACh), choline, serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) was measured in the frontal neocortex by means of microdialysis. Lesions of the NBM, but not the raphe nucleus, reduced the release of ACh significantly (–47%). The release of 5-HT and 5-HIAA was reduced by raphe lesions (–44% and –79%), but not by NBM lesions. In no case did the combined lesion affect neurotransmitter release more than a single lesion. These results suggest that serotonergic projections from the dorsal raphe nucleus are not involved in tonic inhibition of ACh release in the neocortex.     

鸣禽欧椋鸟带状核的传出投射—PHAL顺行示踪法研究

本实验应用顺行神经示踪物ＰＨＡＬ对鸣禽欧椋鸟（Ｓｔｕｒｎｕｓ ｖｕｌｇａｒｉｓ）带状核（Ｔｎ）的传出投射作了定位研究。Ｔｎ核的传出投射经背腹两条路线：（１）从Ｔｎ核背部进入端脑的ＰＨＡＬ标记纤维,分别终止在新纹状体内侧,隔内侧核（ＳＭ）,侧室腔外侧带和额上层腹侧带;（２）另一组标记纤维从Ｔｎ核腹侧直接向丘脑投射,在下丘脑腹内侧核（ＶＭＮ）和外侧核（ＬＨｙ）分别获得大量ＰＨＡＬ免疫反应纤维的终末标记。结果提示：Ｔｎ核可能为鸟类旁听觉神经通路的一个组成部分。     

Corticotropin releasing factor-like immunoreactivity in sensory ganglia and capsaicin sensitive neurons of the rat central nervous system: colocalization with other neuropeptides

Immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay (RIA) revealed that corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-like immunoreactivity was found to be colocalized with substance P (SP)-, somatostatin (SST)- and leu-enkephalin (LENK)-like immunoreactivity in the dorsal root- and trigeminal ganglia, the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (laminae I and II), the substantia gelatinosa, and at the lateral border of the spinal nucleus and in the tractus spinalis of the trigeminal nerve. These peptides were also located in fast blue labeled cells of the trigeminal ganglion following injection of the dye into the spinal trigeminal area. This indicates that there are possible sensory projections of these peptides into the spinal trigeminal area. Capsaicin treatment of neonatal rats resulted in a marked decrease in the density of CRF-, SP-, VIP- and CCK-containing neurons in the above mentioned hindbrain areas, whereas SST- and LENK-immunoreactivity were not changed. RIA revealed that, compared to controls, CRF, SP and VIP concentrations in these areas were decreased in rats pretreated with capsaicin, while SST levels were increased; CCK and LENK levels were unchanged. It is concluded that the primary afferent neurons of the nucleus and tractus spinalis of the trigeminal nerve are richly endowed with a number of peptides some of which are sensitive to capsaicin action. The close anatomical proximity of these peptide containing neurons suggests the possibility of a coexistance of one or more of these substances.     

Central representation of dental structures in the kitten, including projections to the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected into either a single maxillary or a single mandibular primary (deciduous) cuspid tooth of 8- to 10-week-old kittens. The large apex of the primary cuspid allowed for some leakage of the HRP from the pulpal chamber to the periodontal ligament (PDL). Thus, the injection procedure resulted in the application of HRP to the PDL as well as to the pulpal tissues. The transganglionic transport of HRP resulted in discrete terminal fields within the spinal trigeminal nucleus (STN) and the main sensory nucleus (MSN). These projections were clearly somatotopically organized within the STN, but less so within MSN. Within pars oralis (PO) and pars interpolaris (PI), mandibular cuspid dental structures (MdCDS) were represented in a dorsal position relative to the maxillary cuspid dental structures (MxCDS), whereas within pars caudalis (PC) and the adjacent reticular formation the somatotopic representation was not dorsoventral, but rather mediolateral, with the MdCDS represented more medially than the MxCDS. Areas of overlap between MxCDS and MdCDS were found within MSN and to a lesser degree within the superficial laminae of PC. In addition, the fiber pathway leading to labeled somata in the mesencephalic trigeminal (Mes V) nucleus was clearly identified. The majority of the fibers traced to the Mes V nucleus exited the spinal trigeminal tract at the level of the transition from PO to the MSN and traversed the nuclear region in a position dorsal to and separate from the trigeminal motor tract. As in STN, fibers within the caudal Mes V tract appeared to be somatotopically organized, with the fibers from the MdCDS generally more dorsal than the ones from the MxCDS. Labeled fibers, some with terminal arbors, were also identified in close association with the trigeminal motor tract. The findings show a complex pattern of central representation in the immature feline central nervous system for deciduous dental structures.     

Gamma-aminobutyric acid-immunoreactive neurons in the rat trigeminal nuclei

The distribution of GABAergic neurons in the rat trigeminal nuclei was studied using a highly specific monoclonal antibody (mAb3A12) to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Immunopositive cells were relatively abundant in the marginal and gelatinosa beds of the caudal part of the trigeminal spinal tract nucleus, and in the dorsomedial areas of the oral subnucleus and the principal nucleus. A high density of GABA-immunoreactive somata was also found in the rostral part of the oral subnucleus and in the adjacent parvicellular reticular formation as well as in the supratrigeminal and intertrigeminal regions. Thus, the distribution of the GABAergic cells showed a relatively high density in areas related to the convergence of sensory stimuli, and in zones that contain interneurons inhibiting masticatory motorneurons. The results suggest, therefore, that GABA might play an important role both in discriminative sensory processing and in reflex modulation of the orofacial region.Abbreviations RF reticular formation - FRp parvicellular reticular formation - Vc trigeminal nucleus of the spinal tract, subnucleus caudalis - Vmes mesencephalic nucleus - Vmo trigeminal motor nucleus - Vo trigeminal nucleus of the spinal tract, subnucleus oralis - Vp principal trigeminal nucleus - Vsp spinal trigeminal nucleus - Vsup supratrigeminal nucleus