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Projections from the spinal trigeminal nucleus to the cochlear nucleus in the rat.

The integration of information across sensory modalities enables sound to be processed in the context of position, movement, and object identity. Inputs to the granule cell domain (GCD) of the cochlear nucleus have been shown to arise from somatosensory brain stem structures, but the nature of the projection from the spinal trigeminal nucleus is unknown. In the present study, we labeled spinal trigeminal neurons projecting to the cochlear nucleus using the retrograde tracer, Fast Blue, and mapped their distribution. In a second set of experiments, we injected the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine into the spinal trigeminal nucleus and studied the resulting anterograde projections with light and electron microscopy. Spinal trigeminal neurons were distributed primarily in pars caudalis and interpolaris and provided inputs to the cochlear nucleus. Their axons gave rise to small (1-3 microm in diameter) en passant swellings and terminal boutons in the GCD and deep layers of the dorsal cochlear nucleus. Less frequently, larger (3-15 microm in diameter) lobulated endings known as mossy fibers were distributed within the GCD. Ventrally placed injections had an additional projection into the anteroventral cochlear nucleus, whereas dorsally placed injections had an additional projection into the posteroventral cochlear nucleus. All endings were filled with round synaptic vesicles and formed asymmetric specializations with postsynaptic targets, implying that they are excitatory in nature. The postsynaptic targets of these terminals included dendrites of granule cells. These projections provide a structural substrate for somatosensory information to influence auditory processing at the earliest level of the central auditory pathways.

Animals↗

Neurotransmitter phenotypes of intermediate zone reticular formation projections to the motor trigeminal and hypoglossal nuclei in the rat.

Numerous studies suggest an essential role for the intermediate (IRt) and parvocellular (PCRt) reticular formation (RF) in consummatory ingestive responses. Although the IRt and PCRt contain a large proportion of neurons with projections to the oromotor nuclei, these areas of the RF are heterogeneous with respect to neurotransmitter phenotypes. Glutamatergic, GABAergic, cholinergic, and nitrergic neurons are all found in the PCRt and IRt, but the projections of neurons with these phenotypes to the motor trigeminal (mV) and hypoglossal nucleus (mXII) has not been fully evaluated. In the present study, after small injections of Fluorogold (FG) into mV and mXII, sections were processed immunohistochemically to detect retrogradely labeled FG neurons in combination with the synthetic enzymes for nitric oxide (nitric oxide synthase) or acetylcholine (choline acetyltransferase) or in situ hybridization for the synthetic enzyme for GABA (GAD65/67) or the brainstem vesicular transporter for glutamate (VGLUT2). In three additional cases, FG injections were made into one motor nucleus and cholera toxin (subunit b) injected in the other to determine the presence of dual projection neurons. Premotor neurons to mXII (pre-mXII) were highly concentrated in the IRt. In contrast, there were nearly equal proportions of premotor-trigeminal neurons (pre-mV) in the IRt and PCRt. A high proportion of pre-oromotor neurons were positive for VGLUT2 (pre-mXII: 68%; pre-mV: 53%) but GABAergic projections were differentially distributed with a greater projection to mV (25%) compared to mXII (8%). Significant populations of cholinergic and nitrergic neurons overlapped pre-oromotor neurons, but there was sparse double-labeling (<10%). The IRt also contained a high proportion of neurons that projected to both mV and MXII. These different classes of premotor neurons in the IRt and PCRt provide a substrate for the rhythmic activation of lingual and masticatory muscles.

Acetylcholine↗

Cytoarchitectonic subdivisions of the dorsolateral frontal cortex of the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus), and their projections to dorsal visual areas.

We describe the organization of the dorsolateral frontal areas in marmoset monkeys using a combination of architectural methods (Nissl, cytochrome oxidase, and myelin stains) and injections of fluorescent tracers in extrastriate areas (the second visual area [V2], the dorsomedial and dorsoanterior areas [DM, DA], the middle temporal area and middle temporal crescent [MT, MTc], and the posterior parietal cortex [area 7]). Cytoarchitectural field 8 comprises three subdivisions: 8Av, 8Ad, and 8B. The ventrolateral subdivision, 8Av, forms the principal source of frontal projections to the "dorsal stream," having connections with each of the injected visual areas. The cytoarchitectural characteristics of 8Av suggest that this subdivision corresponds to the marmoset's frontal eye field. The intermediate subdivision of area 8 (8Ad) has efferent projections to area 7, while the dorsomedial subdivision (8B) has few or no connections with extrastriate cortex. Area 46, located rostrolateral to area 8Av, has substantial connections with the medial extrastriate areas (DM, DA, and area 7) and with MT, while the cortex lateral to 8Av (area 12/45) projects primarily to MT and to the MTc. The rostromedial prefrontal (area 9) and frontopolar (area 10) regions have very few extrastriate projections. Finally, cells in dorsal area 6 (6d) have sparse projections to DM, MT, and the MTc, as well as strong projections to DA and to area 7. These results illuminate aspects of the evolutionary development of the primate frontal cortex, and serve as a basis for further research into cognitive functions using a marmoset model.

Amidines↗

Focal projections of cat auditory cortex to the pontine nuclei.

The pontine nuclei (PN) receive projections from the auditory cortex (AC) and they are a major source of mossy fibers to the cerebellum. However, they have not been studied in detail using sensitive neuroanatomical tracers, and whether all AC areas contribute to the corticopontine (CP) system is unknown. We characterized the projection patterns of 11 AC areas with WGA-HRP. We also compared them with their corticothalamic and corticocollicular counterparts. A third objective was to analyze the structure of the CP axons and their terminals with BDA. Both tracers confirm that all AC areas projected to lateral, central, and medial ipsilateral pontine divisions. The strongest CP projections were from nontonotopic and polymodal association areas. Preterminal fibers formed single terminal fields having many boutons en passant as well as terminal endings, and there was a specific morphological pattern for each pontine target, irrespective of their areal origin. Thus, axons in the medial division had a simpler terminal architecture (type 1 terminal plexus); both the central and lateral pons received more complex endings (type 2 terminal plexus). Auditory CP topographical distribution resembled visual and somatosensory CP projections, which preserve retinotopy and somatotopy in the pons, respectively. However, the absence of pontine tonotopy suggests that the AC projection topography is unrelated to tonotopy. CP input to the medial and central pons coincides with the somatosensory and visual cortical inputs, respectively, and such overlap might subserve convergence in the cerebellum. In contrast, lateral pontine input may be exclusively auditory.

Animals↗

Aldosterone-sensitive neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract: efferent projections.

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) contains a subpopulation of neurons that express the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2), which makes them uniquely sensitive to aldosterone. These neurons may drive sodium appetite, which is enhanced by aldosterone. Anterograde and retrograde neural tracing techniques were used to reveal the efferent projections of the HSD2 neurons in the rat. First, the anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin was used to label axonal projections from the medial NTS. Then, NTS-innervated brain regions were injected with a retrograde tracer, cholera toxin beta subunit, to determine which sites are innervated by the HSD2 neurons. The HSD2 neurons project mainly to the ventrolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTvl), the pre-locus coeruleus (pre-LC), and the inner division of the external lateral parabrachial nucleus (PBel). They also send minor axonal projections to the midbrain ventral tegmental area, lateral and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei, central nucleus of the amygdala, and periaqueductal gray matter. The HSD2 neurons do not innervate the ventrolateral medulla, a key brainstem autonomic site. Additionally, our tracing experiments confirmed that the BSTvl receives direct axonal projections from the neighboring A2 noradrenergic neurons in the NTS, and from the same pontine sites that receive major inputs from the HSD2 neurons (PBel and pre-LC). The efferent projections of the HSD2 neurons may provide new insights into the brain circuitry responsible for sodium appetite.

Aldosterone↗

Collateralization of the tectonigral projection with other major output pathways of superior colliculus in the rat.

Dopaminergic (DA) neurons exhibit a short-latency, phasic response to unexpected, biologically salient stimuli. The superior colliculus (SC) is also sensitive to such stimuli and sends a projection directly to DA-containing regions of the ventral midbrain. Recent evidence suggests that the SC is a critical relay for transmitting short-latency visual information to DA neurons. An important question is whether the ventral midbrain is an exclusive target of tectonigral neurons, or whether the tectonigral projection is a collateral branch of other tectofugal pathways. Double-label retrograde anatomical tracing techniques were used to address this issue. Injections of either Diamidino Yellow or Fluorogold into substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) were combined with larger injections of True Blue into one of the following efferent projections of the SC: 1) target regions of the ipsilateral ascending projection to the thalamus; 2) the crossed descending tecto-reticulo-spinal pathway; 3) target structures of the ipsilateral descending projection; and 4) the contralateral superior colliculus. Moderate numbers of double-labeled neurons were observed following combined injections into substantia nigra and individual nuclei in the thalamus (ventromedial nucleus, 21.3%; central lateral, 18.4%; parafasicular nucleus 6.0%). Much less double-labeling was associated with injections into either of the descending projections (crossed, 1.0-3.2%; uncrossed, 0.2-2.7%) or the contralateral SC (0.7-1.9%). These results suggest: i) the SC may provide a coordinated input concerning the occurrence of unpredicted sensory events to both the substantia nigra and striatum (via the thalamus); and ii) few gaze-related motor signals are simultaneously relayed to DA-containing regions of the ventral midbrain.

Animals↗

Descending GABAergic projections to the mesencephalic locomotor region in the lamprey Petromyzon marinus.

The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) plays a significant role in the control of locomotion in all vertebrate species investigated. Forebrain neurons are likely to modulate MLR activity, but little is known about their inputs. Descending GABAergic projections to the MLR were identified by double-labeling neurons using Neurobiotin injected into the MLR combined with immunofluorescence against GABA. Several GABAergic projections to the MLR were identified in the telencephalon and diencephalon. The most abundant GABAergic projection to the MLR came from the caudal portion of the medial pallium, a region that may have similarities with the amygdala of higher vertebrates. A small population of GABAergic cells projecting to the MLR was found in the striatum and the ventral portion of the lateral pallium, which could respectively correspond to the input and output components of the basal ganglia thought to be involved in the selection of motor programs. Other GABAergic projections were found to come from the thalamus and the hypothalamus, which could take part in the motivational aspect of motor behavior in lampreys. Electrophysiological experiments were also carried out to examine the effects of GABA agonists and antagonists injected into the MLR in a semi-intact lamprey preparation. The GABA agonist inhibited locomotion, whereas the GABA antagonist initiated it. These results suggest that the GABAergic projections to the MLR modulate the activity of MLR neurons, which would be inhibited by GABA at rest.

Afferent Pathways↗

Monkey retinal ganglion cells: morphometric analysis and tracing of axonal projections, with a consideration of the peroxidase technique.

This paper presents evidence on the retinal distribution and central projections of retinal ganglion cells of various cell body sizes in the adult macaque monkey. The ganglion cell sizes have been determined by computer assisted measurement of camera lucida drawings at various eccentricities of both flat mounted and sectioned retinae. The pattern of projections of individual ganglion cells to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and superior colliculus has been studied using retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase. Following peroxidase injections into the parvocellular laminae of the geniculate, virtually every ganglion cell was labeled within a circumscribed zone of the retina known to project to the region of the geniculate immediately surrounding the injection needle tip. After magnocellular injections, only the largest cells of the peripheral retina and approximately 26% of the ganglion cells of the parafovea were labeled. Peroxidase injections into the superior colliculus produced labeling of scattered ganglion cells of all sizes in the retina, although no labeled cells were found within the centralmost 10 degrees eccentricity. From these observations it is concluded that all ganglion cells of the macaque retina project to the parvocellular layers of the dorsal lateral geniculate, but that only the largest ganglion cells of the more peripheral retina and not all cells of the parafovea project to the magnocellular laminae. In contrast, only scattered ganglion cells, although these are of all sizes, appear to project to the superior colliculus. Two major problems with the peroxidase tracing technique are described: 1. The extent of stainable peroxidase activity around the injection site appears to be larger than the area of injected tracer actually available for uptake by axons to produce labeled cells. 2. Cut or damaged axons appear to incorporate peroxidase sufficiently to produce labeling of the cell body.

Animals↗

Corticoseptal projections in the snakes Natrix sipedon and Thamnophis sirtalis.

The projections of the cerebral cortex upon the septum in water snakes (Natrix sipedon) and garter snakes. (Thamnophis sirtalis) were studied with the Fink-Heimer degeneration techniques. Two cortical areas send major projections to the septum. Medial cortex projects bilaterally to the dorsal portion of the precommissural septum along its full rostrocaudal extent. The ipsilateral projection is more massive than the contralateral one. Dorsal cortex projects ipsilaterally to a column within the septum which is present dorsally, caudal to the level of the anterior commissure, but shifts ventrally as the septum is followed rostrally. Lateral cortex may send a sparse projection to the ipsilateral ventral septum.

Animals↗

Topographic organization of the projections from the entorhinal area to the hippocampal formation of the rat.

The present study re-examines, with autoradiographic methods, the pattern of termination of fibers originating from various medio-lateral divisions of the entorhinal cortex on dentate granule cells and on hippocampal pyramidal cells of the rat. Entorhinal fibers were found to distribute in a proximo-distal gradient along the dendrites of dentate granule cells, with afferents from the medial entorhinal area terminating in the innermost portion of the entorhinal synaptic field, afferents from the lateral entorhinal area terminating in the most superficial portions of the entorhinal synaptic field, and intermediate medio-lateral locations in the entorhinal area terminating in intermediate locations in the entorhinal synaptic zone. A similar graded pattern of termination of medial and lateral entorhinal fibers was apparent in the very slight crossed projection of the entorhinal area to the contralateral dentate gyrus. In addition, a comparable gradient in the pattern of termination of entorhinal fibers was evident in the entorhinal projection field in the distal regions of the pyramidal cells of regio inferior of the hippocampus proper. Entorhinal projections to regio superior were, however, organized in quite a different fashion. In this zone, there was no evidence of a proximo-distal gradient in the patterns of termination of medial and lateral entorhinal areas along the dendrites of regio superior pyramidal cells. Rather, the medio-lateral organization was in a longitudinal dimension, with medial entorhinal afferents terminating in the portions of regio superior near the CA1-CA2 transition, and lateral entorhinal afferents terminating furthest from the CA1-CA2 transition, immediately adjacent to the CA1-subicular transition, and in the molecular layer of the subiculum proper. A comparable longitudinal organization of entorhinal projections to regio superior was also evident in the zones of termination of the crossed temporo-ammonic tract, contralateral to the injection. These results demonstrate a heretofore unrecognized complexity in the patterns of projection of the entorhinal area to the hippocampal formation, and illustrate that the entorhinal cortex cannot be divided into only two discrete divisions on the basis of the pattern of projection.

Animals↗

Demonstration of bilateral projection of the central retina of the monkey with horseradish peroxidase neuronography.

In the primate, ganglion cells of the temporal retina project ipsilaterally and those of the nasal retina, contralaterally into the optic tract. The vertical meridian passing through the fovea defines the border between these two populations of ganglion cells and has been demonstrated in four Macaque monkeys after unilateral injection of horseradish peroxidase into the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and examination of the pattern of retrograde labeling of those ganglion cells projecting to the injected side. A median 1 degree vertical strip in which ipsi- and contralaterally projecting ganglion cells intermingle was found, confirming the report by Stone et al. ('73). In addition, occasional extrafoveal labeled ganglion cells were found as far as 2 degrees from the vertical midline in the otherwise unlabeled hemiretinae. These ganglion cells were not numerous and had somata of all sizes, suggesting that they do not constitute a separate class of ganglion cells as found in the temporal retina of the cat. In contrast to the description by Stone et al. ('73), the strip of vertical overlap did not show a constant width through the fovea, since mixing of labeled and unlabeled ganglion cells was found in a band approximately 1/2 degree wide along both the nasal and temporal rims of the foveal pit which is 500 mum (2 degrees) in diameter. Beyond these 1/2 degree arcs, the appropriate hemiretina was either completely unlabeled, or contained virtually every ganglion cell labeled on the side projecting to the injected dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. The scattered labeled ganglion cells rimming an otherwise unlabeled hemifovea represent a possible anatomical basis for the phenomenon of "macular" or "foveal sparing" in which unilateral damage to the occipital cortex produces homonymous hemianopsia with sparing of a small island of centralmost vision extending about 1 degree from the foveal center. From this study, it is not possible to define the receptive fields or specific photoreceptor connections of the ganglion cells labeled with horseradish peroxidase, so that at the present time quantitative correlations cannot be made between the numbers of ganglion cells remaining on the affected side of the fovea and the extent of preservation of visual function in the spared zone. The presence of labeled ganglion cells rimming the fovea in its entirety is compatible with the sequence of foveal development in late prenatal life. After lateral displacement both nasally and temporally of ganglion cells which initially lay in the median vertical overlap strip of 1 degree, in the adult retina a strip approximately 1/2 degree wide around the perimeter of the foveola should contain a mixture of ipsi- and contralaterally projecting ganglion cells. The total population of ganglion cells beyond this 1/2 degree band should be completely ipsi- or contralateral in their projection patterns, as is observed...

Animals↗

The parasagittal zonation within the olivocerebellar projection. I. Climbing fiber distribution in the vermis of cat cerebellum.

After lesions of inferior olive, survival times of 5 to 12 days and Nauta staining, degeneration is present in white matter and central cerebellar nuclei and Deiters' nucleus. Shorter survival times from 40 to 60 hours and Fink-Heimer impregnantion reveal degenerating climbing fiber terminals in the molecular layer. With 3H-leucine autoradiography and survival times of three to seven days the entire trajectory of the climbing fibers can be traced. Olivocerebellar fibers cross in the brain stem and terminate contralaterally in cortex and central nuclei. Occasional labeling of mossy fiber terminals is explained by involvement of reticular nuclei. Small parts of the inferior olive connect with narrow longitudinal zones in the cortex through compartments in the white matter. The corresponding distribution of olivocerebellar fibers and Purkinje cell axons over these compartments suggests that the organization of the olivocerebellar and corticonuclear projection is essentially similar. Collaterals always terminate in the central cerebellar nucleus which receives a corticonuclear projection from the zone in which the parent fibers terminate. Caudal medial accessory olive projects to medial vermal zone A and to fastigial nucleus, subnucleus beta projecting to lobule VII and caudal fastigial nucleus. Caudal dorsal accessory olive projects to lateral vermal zone B in lobules I-VI, Deiters' nucleus and dorsomedial subnucleus of interposed nucleus. The caudal principal olive (dorsal cap, ventrolateral outgrowth receiving visual and vestibular input) projects to flocculo-nodular lobe.

Afferent Pathways↗

Retinogeniculate projections in the rabbit: an autoradiographic study.

As shown by autoradiographic techniques, the pattern of retinogeniculate projections in the pigmented rabbit is generally similar to that described in previous studies. Each retina projects bilaterally to the alpha segment of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGd) and to the external segment of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (LGv). The beta segment of the LGd and internal layer of the LGv receive contralateral inputs only. The alpha segment of the LGd contains an irregularly shaped region which receives overlapping bilateral projections. Within this region the ipsilateral input is continuous and predominant. This pattern of ipsilateral projection can account for both the laminar arrangement perpendicular to the lines of projection and the "hidden lamination" which have been described previously for the rabbit LGd. A separate bilateral projection is identified for a group of cells lying between the LGd and LGv rostrally. Caudally this intergeniculate leaflet extends medial and ventral to the LGv and appears to merge with the zona incerta.

Animals↗

The locus and cytoarchitecture of the projection areas of the olfactory bulb in Macaca mulatta.

A study was made of the normal and experimental anatomy of the olfactory system of the young adult male rhesus monkey. The cytoarchitecture of the central olfactory areas was studied with cell and fiber stains, while the extent and pattern of the projections of the olfactory bulb were determined by the Fink-Heimer and autoradiographic methods. The brain of one animal that had sustained damage to the olfactory bulb two days prior to sacrifice, and of one that had a transection of the olfactory tract ten days prior to sacrifice, were processed with the Fink-Heimer technique. The first of these and four others received injections of 3H-proline or 3H-leucine into the olfactory bulb, and following a survival period of 18 hours, or 2, 4, 12, or 20 days, their brains were processed with the autoradiographic technique. The results were the same for both experimental methods and for all survival periods. The projections of the olfactory bulb in this microsmatic animal are entirely ipsilateral. All of the structures that receive direct olfactory afferents have a laminar organization except for the anterior olfactory nucleus, which is laminated only in its anterior, peduncular, portion. While the olfactory bulb projects to the entire extent and depth of the anterior olfactory nucleus, the olfactory afferents of all other structures are confined to layer IA of the plexiform layer. These structures are: all divisions of the olfactory tubercle; the frontal and temporal prepiriform cortices; the oral, medial, and dorsal divisions of the superficial amygdaloid nucleus; and polar and anterior entorhinal cortex. The rhesus monkey does not have a recognizable accessory olfactory bulb, and no projections were seen to one of its targets, the nucleus of the stria terminalis. Also, no projections were seen to the taenia tecta or the ventral division of the superficial amygdaloid nucleus. With these exceptions, the projections of the olfactory bulb in the rhesus monkey are similar to those in macrosmatic species.

Afferent Pathways↗

The organization of olivo-cerebellar projections in the opossum, Didelphis virginiana, as revealed by the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase.

The retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase was utilized to map olivo-cerebellar projections in the Virginia opossum. The spinal cerebellum (anterior lobe, paramedian lobule and pyramis) receives input from several separate regions in the dorsal accessory nucleus, the medial accessory nucleus and portions of the principal nucleus. Evidence is present for a topographical organization whereby specific regions of the olive project to restricted longitudinal zones. The visual-auditory region of the posterior vermis receives input from small areas within the caudal part of the medial accessory nucleus. From a distinctly separate region of the caudal medial accessory nucleus (as well as the principal nucleus), axons project to the uvula. The vestibulo-cerebellum is the recipient of axons from the cap of Kooy and from two spatially separate regions of the medial accessory nucleus. The cerebellar hemisphere (Crus I and II, lobus simplex) is the target of axons from parts of all three olivary nuclei and it is possible that the projections from the different nuclei are targeted upon separate zones. The paraflocculus was found to receive an input from the rostral part of the medial accessory nucleus and from the principal nucleus. The present results suggest that a distinct olivary region may project to several widely separate areas of the cerebellum, and that one cerebellar region may receive input from several areas of the olive. The organization of the olivocerebellar projection is highly complex, but when considered in light of known inputs to the olive, certain patterns emerge.

Animals↗

The trigeminal system in the pigeon (Columba livia). I. Projections of the gasserian ganglion.

The central projections of the Gasserian ganglion were investigated in the pigeon, Columba livia. Lesions were placed in the ganglion either by direct surgical exposure or stereotaxically, and following survival times of one to four days, the brains stained with the Fink-Heimer method. The main group of central axons bifurcate to form distinct ascending and descending branches, the tractus trigemini ascendens (TTA) and the tractus trigemini descendens (TTD). A smaller tract also courses caudally (ITTD) separate of TTD proper to terminate in the nucleus cuneatus externus. The TTA projects topographically upon the principal sensory nucleus of the trigeminus, ending in both the pars dorsalis and a smaller pars ventralis. The neurons at the point of bifurcation of the entering radix have been designated as the pars oralis of nTTD. The TTD distributes caudally to several distinct subnuclei at each level, and extends into the cervical spinal cord. Relatively discrete regions corresponding to the pars interpolaris and caudalis were recognized. The projections to the cervical cord terminate in laminae I-IV. There was no evidence of projections to the cerebellum, or contralateral PrV or TTD. There was a small projection to the contralateral cervical spinal cord. No clear evidence of a projection to the nucleus solitarius was found. The distribution of primary trigeminal axons is compared to that described in other vertebrates.

Animals↗

The organization of afferents to the cerebellar cortex in the cat: projections from the deep cerebellar nuclei.

The topography of the cerebellar nucleo-cortical projection was investigated in the cat by experiments employing the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique or by combined HRP-autoradiographic methods. The results of the HRP studies extend previous findings showing that neurons in the deep nuclei project to the cerebellar cortex in an orderly way. Thus, it appears that the cortex of the vermis-proper receives projections from neurons located predominately in the fastigial nucleus. Intermediate and lateral zones of mid-vermal cerebellar cortex are projected on by neurons located in the interposed and dentate nuclei. Crus II receives input from neurons located predominately in the dentate nucleus, while the paramedian lobule is projected on by neurons located in a large postero-dorsal sector of the interposed nucleus and in a smaller medial strip of the dentate nucleus. Neurons in the ventral part of the dentate nucleus and the lateral part of the interposed nucleus send fibers to the paraflocculus. The nucleo-cortical pathway to the flocculus and nodulus arises largely from a population of neurons located in a ventral region stretching from the medial border of the dentate nucleus to the lateral border of the fastigial nucleus. The results of experiments using the combined HRP-autoradiographic method show that clusters of neurons in the deep cerebellar nuclei project back to the cerebellar cortical areas from which they receive input, establishing a fairly precise feedback loop between the cerebellar cortex and deep nuclei.

Afferent Pathways↗

Tectal projections in the goldfish (Carassius auratus): a degeneration study.

Efferents revealed by degeneration staining following tectal lesions in goldfish are presented. Four major projections were found. Ascending ipsilateral projections to pretectal-diencephalic areas exit the tectum rostrally and laterally and terminate in the area pretectalis (AP), lateral geniculate (LGN), nucleus pretectalis (NP), and nucleus rotundus (NR). Ascending contralateral projections exit rostrally and possibly laterally, enter the posterior and postoptic commissures and terminate in the contralateral AP, LGN, NP, NR, and rostral tectum. A medially directed projection enters the intertectal commissure, and some of these fibers may terminate sparsely in an area of the contralateral tectum homotopic to the lesion. A descending projection exits the tectum laterally and projects ipsilaterally to a dorsolateral tegmental nucleus (DLT) and the lateral reticular formation of the tegmentum and pons, and contralaterally to the medial reticular formation of the tegmentum and pons.

Animals↗