Does the interstitial nucleus of Cajal project to the hypoglossal nucleus in the rat?

Abstract

The present study sought to determine whether or not the hypoglossal nucleus receives direct afferent projections from the interstitial nucleus of Cajal. Results from anterograde and retrograde labeling experiments in the rat indicated that while projections from the interstitial nucleus of Cajal do not terminate within the hypoglossal nucleus, they do so among a small group of neurons located ventrolateral to the hypoglossal nucleus, the nucleus of Roller. These findings are discussed in relation to orolingual motor behavior.

Oromotor Nuclei

“…In the midbrain, a few cells in the contralateral reticular formation project to 12N (Aldes, 1980;Travers and Norgren, 1983;Aldes and Boone, 1984). Although some controversy exists as to whether Me5 projects directly to 12N via Probst's tract (see : Lowe, 1981;Zhang et al, 2001) or onto dendrites of 12N motoneurons extending laterally into the adjacent RF (Matesz, 1981;Ruggiero et al, 1982), work combining anterograde, retrograde and electron microscopy have clearly demonstrated a Me5 12N projection .…”

Pure upbeat nystagmus in association with bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia

“…The nucleus of Roller appears to play a role in upward vestibular eye movements and vertical oculomotor integration since it receives projections from SVN and INC, and projects strongly to the flocculus [8]. The projections from INC also terminate within the nucleus of Roller via MLF [9]. …”