Axonal transport of HRP in descending tectal fibers of the pit viper.
Micro injections of 30% HRP were made into the superficial layers of the rattlesnake's optic tectum. The results demonstrate the presence of: an intertectal connection, a tectal --> contralateral medial reticular formation projection, a reciprocal tectal <--> ipsilateral lateral reticular formation projection, and a direct trigemino --> contralateral tectal projection. This latter projection may be related to the relay of infrared information from the trigeminal system to the contralateral tectum in pit vipers.
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Division of Neurosurgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208, USA.