[Afferent connections of the nucleus of the facial nerve in the cat detected using the technic of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase]

Abstract

Neuronal populations in the brainstem and spinal cord as sources of fibre pathways to the facial nucleus were studied in adult cats by means of microionophoretic injections of horseradish peroxidase into restricted zones of the facial nucleus. Projection from nucleus nervi hypoglossi, nucleus praepositus hypoglossi, nucleus raphe pallidus, nucleus intercalatus, medial nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, neurons of genu of the facial nerve, ipsilateral red nucleus and reticular formation of the midbrain to the facial nucleus are found. Projections from a number of other brain structures to the facial nucleus are confirmed. A topographical map of distribution of the brainstem and spinal cord afferents in the facial nucleus is proposed.