The connections of the trigeminal and facial motor nuclei in the brain of the carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) as revealed by anterograde and retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase.

The connections of the rostral and caudal parts of the trigeminal and facial motor nuclei in the carp were studied with the horseradish peroxidase technique. Following ionophoretic peroxidase injections in these motor nuclei, retrogradely labeled cells were observed together with anterogradely labeled motor cell processes. Several cellular areas in thalamus, cerebellum and medulla oblongata were shown to project to the V and VII motor nuclei. Labeled cells were found in the inferior lobe and the glomerular complex of the thalamus. In the medulla oblongata, cells in the descending trigeminal nucleus, reticular nuclei and motor nuclei other than those injected were labeled. Besides these conspicuous projections several smaller connections were also found. These findings are discussed on their significance to respiratory function. Anterogradely labeled cellular processes constitute a relatively simple network of fiber connections between the various motor nuclei and the reticular nuclei of the brainstem. This apparently dendritic system of the bulbar motor complex shows a certain degree of similarity to the structure of the motor system in the spinal cord, and might play a role in the coordinated control of the muscular system.