The contribution of brain stem XXXX cell groups to the innervation of the sympathetic lateral cell column.

@entity935 @entity1425 @entity2922 @entity2661 @entity1063
Data are presented on the quantitative distribution of individual @entity2661 , @entity1063 (NA), @entity935 (DA) and @entity1425 (A) determined within specific microdissected areas of the third thoracic segment of the cat spinal cord, using a radioenzymatic assay. NA was found in much higher concentrations than the other @entity2661 with highest levels in medial-ventral grey matter (754 +/- 56 ng/100 mg protein) and in dorsal and intermediolateral grey matter. DA was present in much smaller amounts, but was relatively concentrated in medial and dorsal grey matter (up to 76 +/- 1 ng/100 mg protein). Very little A was detected ( less than 17 ng/100 mg protein). Experiments were carried out to determine the contribution made by various brain stem cell groups to the @entity2922 innervation of the spinal cord, and in particular the sympathetic lateral column. The concentrations of the @entity2661 was determined in 5 groups of animals, 3-5 days after decerebration, or decerebration together with bilateral lesions of the A1, A2, A5 or A6 groups. A major and selective NA input to the sympathetic lateral column from the A1 cell group was revealed. There may also be a small contribution from the A2 and A6 groups, but none was shown from the A5 group. The A6 group was also shown to provide a selective noradrenergic input to the ventral horn. Some evidence is presented for the origin of noradrenergic inputs to other regions, e.g. dorsal horn. The possibility of a separate dopaminergic innervation to specific regions of the spinal cord is discussed.
