The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus--I: Efferents in the rat brain.

摘要: The oculomotor accessory nucleus, often referred to as the Edinger-Westphal nucleus [EW], was first identified in 17th century. Although its most well known function is control of pupil diameter, some controversy has arisen regarding exact location these preganglionic neurons. Currently, EW thought consist two different parts. part [termed EW-EWpg], which controls lens accommodation, choroidal blood flow and pupillary constriction, primarily consists cholinergic cells that project ciliary ganglion. second centrally projecting EW-EWcp], involved non-ocular functions such feeding behavior, stress responses, addiction pain, peptidergic neurons brainstem, spinal cord prosencephalic regions. However, literature, we found few reports related either ascending or descending projections from EWcp are compatible with currently described functions. Therefore, objective present study systematically investigate rat brain. We injected anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine into retrograde cholera toxin subunit B multiple targets controls. Additionally, investigated potential EW-mediated innervation neuronal populations neurochemical signatures, melanin-concentrating hormone lateral hypothalamic area [LHA] corticotropin-releasing factor central amygdala [CeM]. observed anterogradely labeled fibers LHA, reuniens thalamic oval bed stria terminalis, medial amygdala, zona incerta. confirmed our EW-LHA EW-CeM connections using tracers. also moderate paraventricular hypothalamus posterior hypothalamus. Our findings provide anatomical bases for previously unrecognized roles modulation several physiologic systems.