The central distribution of vagal catecholaminergic neurons which project into the abdomen in the rat.

A double labeling technique employing retrograde labeling of vagal neurons with horseradish peroxidase from injections into the stomach wall and immunocytochemistry for dopamine-beta-hydroxylase revealed catecholaminergic neurons in the medulla oblongata which project into the abdomen. The great majority of such neurons were located in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, particularly in its rostral third.