Origins and terminations of descending noradrenergic projections to the spinal cord of monkey.

This report describes the distribution of noradrenergic cells in the brainstem and the pattern of terminal varicosities in the spinal cord of monkey using the immunocytochemical localization of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH). Using two separate and equally reliable techniques, retrograde transport of the antibody to DBH and a double-labeling method, the cells of origin of noradrenergic fibers in the spinal cord have been identified. The results of these studies indicate that 79% of all noradrenergic cells with axons projecting to the spinal cord are located in the nucleus subcoeruleus and nucleus locus coeruleus. Other pontine noradrenergic cell groups contribute the remainder of the fibers to the cord. No medullary cells contribute to the noradrenergic innervation of the spinal cord.