The density, distribution and topographical organization of spinocervical tract neurones in the cat
Abstract
1. In acute experiments, detailed grids of micro-electrode recordings were made from spinocervical tract (s.c.t.) cells in the lumbosacral cord of anaesthetized cats. These grids provided electrophysiological data on the location, distribution, density and somatotopic organization of s.c.t. neurones.2. In acute experiments lasting up to 48 hr, retrograde labelling of s.c.t. cells was carried out by injecting horseradish peroxidase into the lateral cervical nucleus in anaesthetized cats. The aim was to flood the nucleus with the enzyme so that all s.c.t. neurones would be labelled in order to provide an independent check on the location, density and distribution data obtained in the electrophysiological experiments.3. The electrophysiological and the anatomical experiments were sometimes performed on the same animal.4. The electrophysiological and anatomical results were in excellent agreement. (a) S.c.t. cells are located mainly in ipsilateral laminae III, IV and V. About 25% are in lamina III, 60% in lamina IV and 10% in lamina V. There are a few cells in laminae I, II and VI making up the remaining 5%. (b) There are about 550-800 s.c.t. cells in the lumbosacral enlargement (L4-S2 inclusive) on each side of the cord. Most cell...Continue Reading
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