Anatomic connections between nucleus reticularis rostroventrolateralis and some medullary cardiovascular sites in the rat.
Based on wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase histochemistry in Sprague-Dawley rats, we identified a reciprocal and bilateral connection between the nucleus reticularis rostroventrolateralis (NRRVL) and the nucleus ambiguus. The rostral ventrolateral medulla also received bilateral inputs from the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (NRGC) and nucleus reticularis medullae oblongatae, a projection from the caudal ventrolateral medulla, and had a close relationship with the NRGC pars lateralis. Thus, apart from its well-established projection to the spinal sympathetic preganglionic neurons and innervation from the nucleus tractus solitarius, the NRRVL may also have rich connections with many medullary sites that participate in cardiovascular regulations.
D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000294:innervation*; D008297:Male; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D011149:Pons / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012154:Reticular Formation / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000033:anatomy & histology*