Spinal projections of the gigantocellular reticular formation in the rat. Evidence for projections from different areas to laminae I and II and lamina IX.

We have used the autoradiographic method to study the organization of spinal projections from the gigantocellular reticular nucleus in the rat. Of particular note was the evidence obtained for projections to laminae I, II and IX. Reticular projections to laminae I and II arise more rostrally in Gi than those to lamina IX. Projections to laminae III-VIII and X as well as to autonomic nuclei have also been documented. Our results suggest that the gigantocellular reticular nucleus of the rat can be subdivided on connectional grounds.