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Identification of CNS neurons with polysynaptic connections to both the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the submandibular gland

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Abstract

Coordinated modulation of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous activity is required for physiological regulation of tissue function. Anatomically, whilst the peripheral sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways are separate, the distribution of premotor neurons in higher brain regions often overlaps. This co-distribution would enable coordinated regulation and might suggest individual premotor neurons could project to both sympathetic and parasympathetic outflows. To investigate this one submandibular gland was sympathectomized. One of two isogenic strains of the pseudorabies virus, expressing different fluorophores, was injected into the cut sympathetic nerve and the other into the submandibular gland. Independent labeling of the peripheral sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways was observed. Dual-labeled neurons were observed in many CNS regions known to be involved in regulating salivary function. We propose these observations highlight a common pattern of organization of the CNS, providing the anatomical framework for the fine control of organ function required for homeostatic regulation and the coordination of organ responses to enable complex behaviors.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (#566536) and the Australian Research Council (DP1094301). BJO is currently supported by Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Fellowship 1003757 and MJMcK was supported by Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Fellowship 628657. NSH was the recipient of the Frederick Blake Shepherd postgraduate scholarship from the University of Melbourne.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia

    N. S. Hettigoda, A. Y. Fong & A. M. Allen

  2. School of Medical Sciences, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia

    E. Badoer

  3. Florey Neurosciences Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia

    M. J. McKinley & A. M. Allen

  4. Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia

    B. J. Oldfield

Authors
  1. N. S. Hettigoda
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  2. A. Y. Fong
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  3. E. Badoer
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  4. M. J. McKinley
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  5. B. J. Oldfield
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  6. A. M. Allen
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Correspondence to A. M. Allen.

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Hettigoda, N.S., Fong, A.Y., Badoer, E. et al. Identification of CNS neurons with polysynaptic connections to both the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the submandibular gland. Brain Struct Funct 220, 2103–2120 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-014-0781-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-014-0781-1

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