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Spinal projections of the gigantocellular reticular formation in the rat. Evidence for projections from different areas to laminae I and II and lamina IX

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Summary

We have used the autoradiographic method to study the organization of spinal projections from the gigantocellular reticular nucleus in the rat. Of particular note was the evidence obtained for projections to laminae I, II and IX. Reticular projections to laminae I and II arise more rostrally in Gi than those to lamina IX. Projections to laminae III–VIII and X as well as to autonomic nuclei have also been documented. Our results suggest that the gigantocellular reticular nucleus of the rat can be subdivided on connectional grounds.

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Abbreviations

Amb:

ambiguus nucleus

DOR:

dorsal

Fac:

facial nucleus

g7:

genu of facial nerve

Gi:

gigantocellular reticular nucleus

IML:

intermediolateral cell column

LAT:

lateral

OI:

inferior olive

PCRt:

parvocellular reticular nucleus

PGi:

paragigantocellular reticular nucleus

PMn:

paramedian reticular nucleus

PrH:

prepositus hypoglossal nucleus

Py:

pyramidal tract

RMg:

raphe magnus nucleus

Sol:

nucleus of the solitary tract

Sp5i:

spinal trigeminal nucleus; pars interpolaris

Sp50:

spinal trigeminal nucleus; pars oralis

SpVe:

spinal vestibular nucleus

12:

hypoglossal nucleus

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, 1645 Neil Avenue, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA

    G. F. Martin & R. Waltzer

  2. Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, 31207, Macon, GA

    R. P. Vertes

Authors
  1. G. F. Martin
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  2. R. P. Vertes
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  3. R. Waltzer
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Additional information

This investigation was supported by BNS-8309245 and NS-10165-10 to Dr. Martin

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Martin, G.F., Vertes, R.P. & Waltzer, R. Spinal projections of the gigantocellular reticular formation in the rat. Evidence for projections from different areas to laminae I and II and lamina IX. Exp Brain Res 58, 154–162 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00238963

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00238963

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