Neuroanatomical evidence for electroreception in lampreys.

The patterns of the anterior lateral-line afferents of Lampetra fluviatilis as revealed by transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase are described. The afferents form two roots in entering the rhombencephalon. Fibers of the dorsalmost root can be traced to a short dorsal fascicle which runs along the dorsal nucleus. The ventral roots form two fascicles adjacent to the nucleus intermedius. Comparison with urodeles indicates that lampreys, like urodeles and other anamniotic vertebrates are electroreceptive.