Bulbospinal projections to the intermediolateral cell column: a neuroanatomical study

Abstract

The location of those neurones in the brain stem that project to the intermediolateral column (ILC) from which preganglionic sympathetic neurones have their origin was studied by the method of retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). In cats 30--50 nl of a 30% HRP solution was injected into the region of the ILC at T3 or L1 on one side. After a survival period of 72 h the lower brain stem from C1 to the inferior colliculi was sectioned and prepared for histological study under brightfield illumination. Neurones stained with exogenous HRP were found in three regions: (a) in the ipsilateral, dorsomedial part of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) (43% of all labeled neurones), in the cranial part of the NTS, and also on the contralateral side (7%); (b) in the ventrolateral reticular formation beginning at the level of the obex up to 8 mm cranial to the obex (25% ipsilateral, 3% contralateral); and (c) in the ventral part of the raphe nuclei (postpyramidal and inferior central nucleus) from 2 to 9 mm cranial to the obex (22%).