Dopaminergic afferents to the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus of the rat: a light and electron microscope immunocytochemistry study

• Published in: Brain research Vol. 514; no. 2; p. 343
• Main Authors: Copray, J C, Liem, R S, Ter Horst, G J, van Willigen, J D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 30-04-1990
• Subjects: Animals; Dopamine - metabolism; Dopamine - physiology; Hypothalamus, Middle - cytology; Hypothalamus, Middle - metabolism; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Substantia Nigra - cytology; Substantia Nigra - metabolism; Tegmentum Mesencephali - cytology; Tegmentum Mesencephali - metabolism; Trigeminal Nuclei - metabolism; Trigeminal Nuclei - ultrastructure
• ISSN: 0006-8993
• DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(90)91430-O

The localization and sources of dopaminergic projections on the primary afferent neurons in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Me5) of the rat were studied using light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical staining techniques combined with anterograde and retrograde neuroanatomical tract tracing methods. Me5 neurons were found to receive a dopaminergic input that is part of a dopaminergic fibre plexus extending over the neighbouring nucleus parabrachialis and locus coeruleus. These dopaminergic afferents originate from the substantia nigra, the ventral tegmental area and the medial hypothalamus.