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The application of nanoparticles comprising amphiphilic block copolymers for the delivery of drugs is a subject of great interest as they hold promise for more effective and selective therapies. In order to achieve this ambition, it is of critical importance to develop our understanding of the self-assembly mechanisms by which block copolymers undergo so that we can control their morphology, tune their ability to be loaded with biofunctional cargoes, and optimize their interactions with target cells. To this end, we have developed a strategy by which blends of (biocompatible) amphiphilic block copolymers generate nonspherical nanovectors, simultaneously enhancing drug loading without the need for subsequent purification owing to the use of the biocompatible direct hydration approach. The principal morphology achieved using this blending strategy are wormlike nanovectors (nanoworms, NWs), with an elongated form known to have a profound effect on flow behavior and interactions with cells. Unloaded nanoworms are not toxic toward human retinal (ARPE-19) cells and can be effectively endocytosed even after varying the surface charge. In terms of drug loading, we demonstrate that uptake of dexamethasone (DEX; a clinically relevant therapeutic agent) in nanoworms (DEX@NWs) can be enhanced using this process, increasing drug content up to 0.5 mg/mL (10 wt % in particles). Furthermore, such nanoworms are stable for at least 5 months and are, therefore, a promising platform for nanomedicine applications.

Single whiskers are topographically represented in the trigeminal (V) nucleus principalis (PrV) by a set of cylindrical aggregates of primary afferent terminals and somata (barrelettes). This isomorphic pattern is transmitted to the thalamus and barrel cortex. However, it is not known if terminals in PrV from neighboring whiskers interdigitate so as to violate rules of spatial parcellation predicted by barrelette borders; nor is it known the extent to which higher order inputs are topographic. The existence of inter-whisker arbor overlap or diffuse higher order inputs would demand additional theoretical principles to account for single whisker dominance in PrV cell responses. In adult rats, first, primary afferent pairs responding to the same or neighboring whiskers and injected with Neurobiotin or horseradish peroxidase were rendered brown or black to color-code their terminal boutons. When collaterals from both fibers appeared in the same topographic plane through PrV, the percentage of the summed area of the two arbor envelopes that overlapped was computed. For same-whisker pairs, overlap was 5 ± 6% (mean ± SD). For within-row neighbors, overlap was 2 ± 5%. For between-row neighbors, overlap was 1 ± 4%. Second, the areas of whisker primary afferent arbors and their corresponding barrelettes in the PrV were compared. In the transverse plane, arbor envelopes significantly exceeded the areas of cytochrome oxidase-stained barrelettes; arbors often extended into neighboring barrelettes. Third, bulk tracing of the projections from the spinal V subnucleus interpolaris (SpVi) to the PrV revealed strict topography such that they connect same-whisker barrelettes in the SpVi and PrV. Thus, whisker primary afferents do not exclusively project to their corresponding PrV barrelette, whereas higher order SpVi inputs to the PrV are precisely topographic.

Trigeminal (V) nucleus principalis (PrV) is the requisite brainstem nucleus in the whisker-to-barrel cortex model system that is widely used to reveal mechanisms of map formation and information processing. Yet, little is known of the actual PrV circuitry. In the ventral "barrelette" portion of the adult mouse PrV, relationships between V primary afferent terminals, thalamic-projecting PrV neurons, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic terminals were analyzed in the electron microscope. Primary afferents, thalamic-projecting cells, and GABAergic terminals were labeled, respectively, by Neurobiotin injections in the V ganglion, horseradish peroxidase injections in the thalamus, and postembedding immunogold histochemistry. Primary afferent terminals (Neurobiotin- and glutamate-immunoreactive) display asymmetric and multiple synapses predominantly upon the distal dendrites and spines of PrV cells that project to the thalamus. Primary afferents also synapse upon GABAergic terminals. GABAergic terminals display symmetric synapses onto primary afferent terminals, the somata and dendrites (distal, mostly) of thalamic-projecting neurons, and GABAergic dendrites. Thus, primary afferent inputs through the PrV are subject to pre- and postsynaptic GABAergic influences. As such, circuitry exists in PrV "barrelettes" for primary afferents to directly activate thalamic-projecting and inhibitory local circuit cells. The latter are synaptically associated with themselves, the primary afferents, and with the thalamic-projecting neurons. Thus, whisker-related primary afferent inputs through PrV projection neurons are pre- and postsynaptically modulated by local circuits.

Trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons innervate the grid-like array of whisker follicles on the face of the mouse. Central TG axons project to the trigeminal (V) brainstem nuclear complex, including the nucleus principalis (PrV) and the spinal subnucleus interpolaris (SpVi), where they innervate barrelettes that are organized in a pattern that recapitulates the whisker pattern on the face. Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) supports a population of TG cells that supply slowly adapting mechanoreceptors in the whisker pad. We examined mice at embryonic day 17 (E17) and on the day of birth (P0) with null mutations of NT-3, Bax, a proapoptotic gene associated with naturally occurring cell death, and Bax/NT-3 double knockout (KO) mutants to determine if: (1) the number of TG cells would be reduced; (2) eliminating the Bax gene would rescue the NT-3-dependent neurons; and (3) the central projections of the rescued axons in the Bax/NT-3 double KO mice would fail to develop the barrelette patterns in the PrV and SpVi subnuclei. In mice at E17, NT-3(-/-) mutants had 65% fewer TG neurons than found in age-matched wild-type (WT) mice, and at P0, the number was reduced by 55% (p < 0.001 for both). Bax null mutant mice at E17 had 132% of the WT number of TG cells (p < 0.001), although the numbers returned to WT levels by P0. Bax/NT-3 double KO mice at E17 had TG cell numbers equal to those seen in WT, but the double KO failed to retain WT TG neuron numbers in P0 mice (39% fewer cells; p < 0.001). In all cases of reduced experimental neuron numbers, and in the E17 Bax(-/-) mice with supernumerary cells, the barrelette patterns in the PrV and SpVi were normal. Only a slight qualitative reduction in overall barrelette field area and clarity of barrelettes were seen. These results suggest that NT-3 is not necessary for barrelette pattern formation in the brainstem.

Little is known of transcriptional mechanisms underlying the development of the trigeminal (V) principal sensory nucleus (PrV), the brainstem nucleus responsible for the development of the whisker-to-barrel cortex pathway. Lmx1b, a LIM homeodomain transcription factor, is expressed in embryonic PrV. In Lmx1b knockout ((-)(/)(-)) mice, V primary afferent projections to PrV are normal, albeit reduced in number, whereas the PrV-thalamic lemniscal pathway is sparse and develops late. Excess cell death occurs in the embryonic Lmx1b(-)(/)(-) PrV, but not in Lmx1b/Bax double null mutants. Expression of Drg11, a downstream transcription factor essential for PrV development and pattern formation, is abolished in PrV, but not in the V ganglion. Consequently, whisker patterns fail to develop in PrV by birth. Rescued PrV cells in Lmx1b/Bax double (-)(/)(-)s failed to rescue whisker-related PrV pattern formation. Thus, Lmx1b and Drg11 may act in the same genetic signaling pathway that is essential for PrV pattern formation.

A previous study (Ding et al., 2003) showed that the homeodomain transcription factor DRG11 is necessary for pattern formation in the trigeminal nucleus principalis (PrV), the requisite brainstem nucleus for development of the whisker-to-barrel cortex pathway. However, it is not known how DRG11 contributes to pattern formation. Anatomical studies were performed in DRG11 knock-out (-/-) and DRG11/Bax double -/- mice to test the hypotheses that DRG11 is required for neuronal survival in the V pathway and that PrV cell death is sufficient to explain pattern alterations. At birth, DRG11(-/-) mice had equivalent cell loss in the V ganglion, PrV, and spinal V subnucleus interpolaris (SpVi). Because whisker-related patterns were normal in the SpVi, cell death would not appear to explain failed pattern formation in the mutant PrV. Electron microscopy revealed exuberant apoptosis and necrosis as the mechanisms of PrV cell death occurring in the late prenatal and newborn DRG11(-/-), when such cell death was up to six times more prevalent than normal. DRG11 heterozygote and Bax(-/-) mice were crossed in an attempt to dissociate PrV patterning anomalies from exuberant apoptosis in DRG11(-/-) mice. Both DRG11(-/-) and DRG11/Bax double -/- mutants lacked whisker-related patterning in their PrV, despite Bax(-/-)-induced rescue of V ganglion and PrV cells. Thus, apoptotic cell death is not a sufficient cause of failed pattern formation in the PrV of the DRG11(-/-). A signaling pathway involving DRG11 may, therefore, be the elusive PrV pattern maker.

Glucocorticoid excess causes insulin resistance and hypertension. Hepatic expression of PPARalpha (Ppara) is required for glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance. Here we demonstrate that afferent fibers of the vagus nerve interface with hepatic Ppara expression to disrupt blood pressure and glucose homeostasis in response to glucocorticoids. Selective hepatic vagotomy decreased hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hepatic insulin resistance, Ppara expression, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) enzyme activity in dexamethasone-treated Ppara(+/+) mice. Selective vagotomy also decreased blood pressure, adrenergic tone, renin activity, and urinary sodium retention in these mice. Hepatic reconstitution of Ppara in nondiabetic, normotensive dexamethasone-treated PPARalpha null mice increased glucose, insulin, hepatic PEPCK enzyme activity, blood pressure, and renin activity in sham-operated animals but not hepatic-vagotomized animals. Disruption of vagal afferent fibers by chemical or surgical means prevented glucocorticoid-induced metabolic derangements. We conclude that a dynamic interaction between hepatic Ppara expression and a vagal afferent pathway is essential for glucocorticoid induction of diabetes and hypertension.

Advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas has a very poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a combination of the chemotherapeutic agents gemcitabine and raltitrexed. Chemonaive patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were treated with a combination of raltitrexed (3.5 mg m(-2) on day 1 of a 21-day treatment cycle) and gemcitabine (800 mg m(-2) intravenously (i.v.) on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle). Between April 2000 and February 2003, 27 patients were enrolled onto the study. The mean duration of treatment was 11 weeks. Four of 27 patients experienced at least one episode of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. One patient with grade 4 neutropenia died due to sepsis. Four of 27 patients experienced grade 4 diarrhoea. There was one partial remission (4%) and 12 patients experienced disease stabilisation (44%). The 6-month and 1-year survival rates were 37 and 11%, respectively. Symptomatic benefit occurred in seven (26%) patients. We conclude that a combination of raltitrexed and gemcitabine, using the schedule and doses in this study, cannot be recommended for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

This study examined the time course of mechanical and cold allodynia in rat hindpaw after spinal cord contusion. Hindpaw withdrawal threshold to graded von Frey hair stimulation and withdrawal frequency to acetone application were measured in rats subjected to contusions of varying severity, produced by a MASCIS impactor device with a 10 g weight dropped from 6.25, 12.5, or 25 mm. Mechanical and cold allodynia developed following the injury, and differences in the incidence of allodynia and in withdrawal threshold were significant among these groups. The least severe injury (6.25 mm) most consistently caused a decreased hindpaw threshold to mechanical stimulation and an increased withdrawal frequency to cold.

To clarify the role of neurotrophin receptors in the development of Ruffini endings, periodontal ligaments and trigeminal ganglia of trkA, trkB, and trkC knockout mice were immunostained for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), parvalbumin (PV), and calretinin (CR). Innervation patterns of PGP 9.5- and CGRP-immunoreactive fibers were examined in the periodontal ligament of the knockout mice. PGP 9.5-positive fibers in the incisal periodontal ligaments of trkA and trkC knockout mice form Ruffini endings distinguished by dendritic ramifications and branches. However, Ruffini endings were not present in the periodontal ligament of trkB knockout mice. Only free nerve endings were observed in tissue of trkB knockout mice. Compared with trkA and trkC knockouts, the proportion of CR-positive neurons in mandibular and maxillary regions of the trigeminal ganglion of trkB knockout mice is decreased. These findings indicate that the development of periodontal Ruffini endings is regulated by trkB-dependent and CR-coexpressing neurons.

Studies were conducted at swine facilities in Illinois and North Carolina to evaluate the effect of treatment with doramectin injectable solution on transmission prevention of Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis from sows to nursing piglets. Approximately 42 days prefarrowing, 58 mange-free sows were experimentally infested with 200 S. scabiei in each ear. Seven to fourteen days prior to farrowing, 22 sows were given doramectin injectable intramuscularly at a dose of 300 microg/kg of body weight. A total of 21 sows served as untreated controls. Skin scrapings for mite counts and lesion scoring were performed on sows before treatment on day 21, and on either day 35 or 42. Each sow was observed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 or 42 for the incidence of scratching/rubbing. Skin scrapings, lesion scoring, and observation of scratching/rubbing were performed on the piglets after weaning and at the end of the nursery stage. Geometric mean mite counts of the untreated sows were 0.70 and 0.26 on days 21 and 35 or 42, respectively, and 0.00 for doramectin-treated sows over the same time periods (P<0.05). Lesions scores and the incidence of scratching/rubbing were both higher in the untreated sows as compared to the doramectin-treated sows during the same time periods (P<0.05). Geometric mean mite counts of piglets farrowed by untreated sows were 0.50 and 0.60 after weaning and at the end of the nursery stage, respectively, and 0.00 for piglets from doramectin-treated sows over the same time periods (P>0.05). Lesion scores and the incidence of scratching/rubbing were both higher in piglets from untreated sows as compared to those piglets from doramectin-treated sows (P<0.05). Treating S. scabiei-infested sows with doramectin injectable solution before farrowing eliminated mite infestation and prevented the transmission of S. scabiei to piglets.

The vestibular apparatus provides information about the position and movements of the head. Craniocervical muscles position the head with respect to the upper part of the neck. Motoneurons innervating these muscles are located in the supraspinal nucleus and ventral horn of the rostral cervical cord. Premotor neurons of craniocervical muscles have been found in the medial two-thirds of the medullary reticular formation: the ventromedial part of the parvocellular reticular formation and the gigantocellular reticular formation. In the present study, projections from vestibular nuclei upon craniocervical premotor neurons were investigated using anterograde and retrograde tracers. Vestibulospinal fibers run bilaterally in the medial vestibulospinal tract and ipsilaterally in the lateral vestibulospinal tract. Vestibuloreticular projections are mainly ipsilateral, and originate from the n. vestibularis lateralis pars ventralis and pars dorsalis, and from the n. vestibularis descendens. Terminal labeling is found in the border zone between the parvocellular and gigantocellular reticular formation. These projections show that in addition to direct bilateral vestibulo-craniocervical projections an indirect vestibular pathway to craniocervical motor nuclei exists. The direct pathway probably is the neural substrate for the vestibulocollic reflex, whereas the vestibular projection upon the reticular formation might influence head orientation during various kinds of activities, such as pecking, preening and so on., (Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel)

To investigate the nerve growth factor requirement of developing oro-facial somatosensory afferents, we have studied the survival of sensory fibers subserving nociception, mechanoreception or proprioception in receptor tyrosine kinase (trkA) knockout mice using immunohistochemistry. trkA receptor null mutant mice lack nerve fibers in tooth pulp, including sympathetic fibers, and showed only sparse innervation of the periodontal ligament. Ruffini endings were formed definitively in the periodontal ligament of the trkA knockout mice, although calcitonin gene-related peptide- and substance P-immunoreactive fibers were reduced in number or had disappeared completely. trkA gene deletion had also no obvious effect on the formation of Meissner corpuscles in the palate. In the vibrissal follicle, however, some mechanoreceptive afferents were sensitive for trkA gene deletion, confirming a previous report [Fundin et al. (1997) Dev. Biol. 190, 94-116]. Moreover, calretinin-positive fibers innervating longitudinal lanceolate endings were completely lost in trkA knockout mice, as were the calretinin-containing parent cells in the trigeminal ganglion.These results indicate that trkA is indispensable for developing nociceptive neurons innervating oral tissues, but not for developing mechanoreceptive neurons innervating oral tissues (Ruffini endings and Meissner corpuscles), and that calretinin-containing, trkA dependent neurons in the trigeminal ganglion normally participate in mechanoreception through longitudinal lanceolate endings of the vibrissal follicle.

Peripheral innervation patterns of proprioceptive afferents from dorsal root ganglia and the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus were assessed in trkC-deficient mice using immunohistochemistry for protein gene product 9.5 and parvalbumin. In trkC knockout mice, spinal proprioceptive afferents were completely absent in the limb skeletal muscles, M. biceps femoris and M. gastrocnemius, as previously reported. In these same animals, however, proprioceptive afferents from mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus innervated masseter muscles and formed primary endings of muscle spindles. Three wild-type mice averaged 35.7 spindle profiles (range: 31-41), six heterozygotes averaged 32.3 spindles (range: 27-41), and four homozygotes averaged 32.8 spindles (range: 26-42). Parvalbumin and Nissl staining of the brain stem showed approximately 50% surviving mesencephalic trigeminal sensory neurons in trkC-deficient mice. TrkC-/- mice (n = 5) had 309.4 +/- 15.9 mesencephalic trigeminal sensory cells versus 616.5 +/- 26.3 the sensory cells in trkC+/+ mice (n = 4). These data indicate that while mesencephalic trigeminal sensory neurons are significantly reduced in number by trkC deletion, they are not completely absent. Furthermore, unlike their spinal counterparts, trigeminal proprioceptive afferents survive and give rise to stretch receptor complexes in masseter muscles of trkC knockout mice. This indicates that spinal and mesencephalic trigeminal proprioceptive afferents have different neurotrophin-supporting system during survival and differentiation. It is likely that one or more other neurotrophin receptors expressed in mesencephalic trigeminal proprioceptive neurons of trkC knockout mice compensate for the lack of normal neurotrophin-3 signaling through trkC.

Two studies were performed to compare the persistent efficacy of doramectin and ivermectin in swine experimentally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis. In the Study 1, 84 pigs were treated with doramectin, ivermectin, or saline solution on Day 0. Pigs were then challenged with mites on Days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, or 42. Weekly evaluations were performed for 5 weeks following challenge with mites. Weekly evaluations included physical examination for clinical signs of sarcoptic mange and collection of skin scrapings for determination of mite counts. In the Study 2, 80 pigs were treated with doramectin, ivermectin, or saline solution on Day 0, and challenged with mites on Days 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, or 27. Weekly evaluations were performed for 6 weeks after challenge exposure. All negative-control (saline-treated) animals in both studies developed evidence of mite infestation. In the Study 1, doramectin prevented mite infestations 7 days longer than ivermectin. Results from the Study 2 indicated that the persistent efficacy of doramectin was 18 days on the basis of mite recovery. This was twice as long as the persistent efficacy of ivermectin, which was 9 days on the basis of mite recovery.

The role of the cerebellum in motion and posture control as deduced from the behaviorial effects of lesions has long been known. Subsequent recording and tracing studies in mammals yielded a cerebellar sensory representation featuring 'animalculi', not unlike those seen in the cerebral cortex. This image of cerebellar representation had to be revised with the demonstration of the 'fractured somatotopy' in somatosensory projections (Welker, 1987). A point in case is the trigeminal representation in the mammalian cerebellum, which still lacks a functional explanation. While a fractured somatotopy--if present--has yet to be demonstrated in birds, the topographical details of the trigeminal representation appear to vary considerably between and within both classes. This undoubtedly reflects the variety of functions trigeminocerebellar links subserve in the two classes, but is also indicative of species-specific cerebellar output variation. In this context the importance of cerebellar afferent topography for cerebellar function is discussed.

Varieties of Sarcoptes scabiei from different hosts are highly host specific but they are morphologically indistinguishable. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immunologic cross-reactivity among several varieties of scabies mites using serum from a human scabies patient and from several other species of infested hosts. Homologous and heterologous crossed-immunoelectrophoretic (CIE) analysis of extracts prepared from var. canis (dog) and var. suis (pig) mites yielded very similar antigen profiles. Serum from a human patient infested with var. hominis had circulating IgE that bound to antigens present in extracts prepared from each animal mite variety. Antigen homology was further confirmed by fused peaks on tandem CIE. Additionally, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis/immunoblot analysis showed that the 2 extracts contained proteins that bound antibody in serum from a var. suis-infested pig, a var. canis-infested dog, var. canis-infested rabbits, and a var. hominis-infested human. The results of this study clearly indicate that different varieties of scabies mites, though host specific, introduce some immunologically cross-reactive molecules into the host. However, each serum from the 4 scabies-infested hosts also contained antibody that was specific for proteins in extract from only 1 variety of mite. These data indicated that each variety of scabies introduced some unique molecules into the host, each strain produced some similar molecules, or both, but different hosts responded immunologically to different sets of these.

We followed developmental changes in "barreloid" thalamocortical relay cell (TCR) dendritic arbors between postnatal day 5 (P5; birth = P0) and adulthood. Single neurons in 150- to 250-microns coronal or oblique slices through the somatosensory thalamus in mice of different postnatal ages were injected with lucifer yellow (LY) under direct visualization. Filled cells in the ventroposterior medial nucleus (VPM) were imaged with a confocal microscope, and rendered and analyzed on a computer workstation with special-purpose software. The whisker representation in the thalamus, as revealed by the pattern of barreloids, was demonstrated by oblique illumination of the slices and/or later cytochrome oxidase (CO) staining. VPM cross-sectional area trebles from P5 to adulthood. Barreloids (single-whisker representations) are well delineated in unstained sections until P10-P11; thereafter, barreloids can only be recognized with difficulty with the CO stain. Thalamocortical relay cell (TCR) somal volumes increase rapidly in the first 2 weeks. The number of primary dendrites does not change, nor does the length of the primary dendritic segments, from P5 to adulthood; however, distal dendritic segments elongate and increase in number. Dendritic arbors are confined on P5 to single barreloids; in adults they extend to adjacent barreloids. The postnatal transformation of dendritic arbors by process growth to adjacent barreloids is mainly completed by P18. A change in the developmental role of these cells, from instructing whisker pattern formation to integrating sensory information from more than one whisker, thus occurs after the whisker pattern in the barrel cortex is established. It coincides with the age at which animals are known to begin exploratory whisking behaviors. The mechanism appears to be by growth and remodeling of distal dendrites rather than by oriented growth and regression, as has been reported for stellate cells in cortical whisker barrels.

Neurons in slices though the somatosensory thalamus of postnatal day 6 and adult mice were injected with Lucifer yellow. Dendritic arbors on postnatal day 6 are confined to single barreloids (single whisker representations); in adults they are seven times longer, extending beyond their barreloid to adjacent barreloids. The postnatal transformation of dendritic arbors by total process growth and extension to adjacent barreloids suggests a developmental change in the role of these cells from instructing whisker pattern formation to integrating sensory information from more than one whisker.

A study was conducted from November 1990 to February 1992 on the prevalence of protozoan infections in the darkling beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), from turkey and broiler houses in the southeastern, northeastern, and central Piedmont regions of North Carolina. Darkling beetles were commonly infected with the eugregarine Gregarina alphitobii, an undescribed species of Gregarina (Eugregarinorida, Gregarinidae) and the neogregarine Farinocystis tribolii (Neogregarinorida, Lipotrophidae). Both eugregarine and neogregarine parasites were present throughout the sampling period. A decreasing trend in percentage infection by eugregarines in darkling beetles from broiler houses was observed through time while percentage infection in turkey houses showed a variable trend. Percentage neogregarine infection exhibited a variable trend with a significant difference in the overall rate of infection in the two types of production houses. Neogregarine infection was higher in the broiler houses than in the turkey houses. Both adult and larval stages of the beetle were infected with the gregarines with higher levels of infection observed in the larval stages. Mixed infections with both types of gregarines were highest in the smallest larvae.

Developing dendritic trees often acquire their mature form by selective pruning and reorientation relative to anatomical boundaries, such as cortical 'barrel' walls. Whether similar constraints are imposed on the developing dendrites of subcortical somatosensory neurons is not clear, although it is known that the cells in trigeminal nucleus principalis (PrV) of adult rats have polarized trees. In attempting to resolve this issue we adopted and subsequently optimized a strategy of intracellular injection of Lucifer Yellow into PrV neurons and cerebellar granule cells in slices of fixed brain. Postinjectionally, immunohistochemical staining produced a stabilized image of the Lucifer Yellow injected cells and created the opportunity to apply also an antiserum to J1-tenascin in order to detect whisker-related compartmental boundaries in the neonatal PrV. In 6-day-old rats, most PrV dendrites are polarized and they do not cross tenascin-stained, whisker-related, patch borders. Notable exceptions are dendrites from the minority of PrV cells that have large somata and are responsive to multiple whiskers.

The contribution of forebrain structures to the control of visually guided eating behaviors was studied using a technique for reversible 'visual decerebration'. The procedure is based upon the fact that structures in the thalamus and telencephalon receive their visual inputs primarily from the contralateral eye. When the eye contralateral to the ablated hemisphere is occluded, the remaining eye has unilateral access to these structures. When the eye ipsilateral to the ablated hemisphere is occluded, the bird is functionally decerebrate; i.e., visual processing by the remaining eye is restricted to structures caudal to the forebrain. The performance of normal and hemispherectomized subjects under binocular and monocular (unilateral, decerebrate) viewing conditions was compared on tests of ingestive efficiency, identification, conditioned peck localization, and grasping. In normal subjects, differences between right and left eye were not significant on any of these tasks. In hemispherectomized subjects, monocular performance on the first three tasks depended critically upon which eye was occluded. In the decerebrate condition (i.e., when the eye opposite the ablated hemisphere was used) performance on the identification, ingestive efficiency and peck localization tasks was significantly degraded, but grasping was unimpaired. We conclude that the brain structures critical for the visuomotor control of grasping lie caudal to the forebrain.

The projections of the cerebellar cortex upon the cerebellar nuclei and the vestibular complex of the pigeon have been delineated using WGA-HRP as an anterograde and retrograde tracer. Injections into individual cortical lobules (II-IXa) produce a pattern of ipsilateral terminal labeling of both the cerebellar and vestibular nuclei. The pattern of corticonuclear projections indicates both a rostrocaudal and a mediolateral organization with respect to the lobules and is consistent with a division of the cerebellar nuclei into a medial (CbM) and a lateral (CbL) nucleus. The retrograde experiments indicate that these nuclei receive projections, respectively, from Purkinje cells within medial (A) and lateral (C) longitudinal zones, which alternate with longitudinal zones (B, E) projecting upon the vestibular complex. Purkinje cells in (vestibulocerebellar) lobules IXb-X show only limited projections upon the cerebellar nuclei, but do project extensively upon the cerebellovestibular process (PCV), as well as upon the medial, superior, and descending vestibular nuclei. As the injection site shifts from medial to lateral, there is a corresponding shift in focus of the projection within PCV from areas bordering CbM to those abutting CbL. The topographic organization of corticovestibular projections is less clear-cut than those of the corticonuclear projections. Lobules II-X project upon the lateral vestibular nucleus (anterior lobe) or the dorsolateral vestibular nucleus (posterior lobe). These projections originate from either side of the lateral (C) zone. Projections originating from the medialmost (B) zone are interrupted in lobules VI and VII. The anterior and posterior portions of the lateralmost (E) zone overlap along lobules VI and VII. In addition, the E zone of the anterior lobe is the source of projections upon the medial, the descending, and the superior vestibular nuclei. Projections from the auricle and adjacent lateral unfoliated cortex (F zone) focus upon the infracerebellar nucleus, the medial tangential nucleus, and the medial division of the superior vestibular nucleus. The data suggest that the cerebellar cortex of the pigeon, like that of mammals, may be subdivided into a mediolaterally oriented series of longitudinal zones, with Purkinje cells in each zone projecting ipsilaterally to specific cerebellar nuclei or vestibular regions. For cortical regions exclusive of the auricle and lateral unfoliated cortex, three such zones (A, B, and C) are defined that are comparable in their efferent targets with the A, B, and C zones of mammals. There does not appear to be a D zone in the pigeon. The results are discussed in relation to comparative data on amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

The connections of the cerebellar cortex with vestibular premotor neurons of the oculomotor and collimotor systems in the pigeon were delineated in experiments using WGA-HRP as an anterograde and retrograde tracer. Putative premotor neuron pools were identified by injections into the oculomotor (mIII) and trochlear nuclei (mIV) and into the most rostral portion of the cervical neck motor nucleus, nucleus supraspinalis (SSp). The retrograde data indicate that ipsilateral projections upon oculomotor neurons arise from the medial portions of the superior (VeS) and tangential (Ta) nuclei. Contralateral projections originate from the infracerebellar nucleus, the interstitial vestibular region including the main (lateral) portion of the tangential nucleus, and from the descending and medial vestibular nuclei (VeD, VeM). These projections were confirmed in anterograde studies that also defined the connections of these vestibular premotor regions with specific subnuclear divisions of the pigeon's "oculomotor" nuclei (mIII, mIV, mVI). The organization of projections from the vestibular nuclei to the pigeon's extraocular motoneurons is similar to that reported in mammals. Projections upon neck premotor neurons arise primarily from neurons in the interstitial region of the vestibular nuclear complex. After injections in SSp, retrogradely labeled neurons were found, contralaterally, in the lateral part of the tangential and superior vestibular nuclei and in the dorsolateral vestibular nucleus (VDL). Ipsilateral labeling was seen in the medial interstitial region (VeM, VeD, and medial Ta). These projections were confirmed in anterograde experiments. With the exception of VDL, vestibular nuclei projecting to neck motoneurons also project to extraocular motoneurons. Thus the infracerebellar nucleus projects exclusively, and the superior vestibular nucleus predominantly, upon oculomotor (mIII, mIV) nuclei; VDL projects predominantly upon the neck motor nucleus, whereas the interstitial vestibular regions (medial Ta, rostral VeD, intermediate VeM) project upon both collimotor and oculomotor neurons. The pattern of retrograde labeling seen in the cerebellar cortex after injections into vestibular premotor nuclei was used to define the projections of specific cerebellar cortical zones upon vestibular eye and neck premotor neurons. Corticovestibular projections upon these regions arise from the auricle and lateral unfoliated cortex, the posterior lobe components of cortical zones B and E, and from the vestibulocerebellum. Each of these cortical zones projects upon components of the vestibular nuclear complex, which are premotor to either oculomotor nuclei or collimotor nuclei. The hodological findings are related to the functional organization of the oculomotor and collimotor systems in the pigeon and compared with the mammalian data.

The projections of the deep cerebellar nuclei in the pigeon have been delineated using autoradiographic and histochemical (WGA-HRP) tracing techniques. A medial (CbM) and lateral (CbL) cerebellar nucleus are recognized and CbM may be further partitioned into internal, intermediate, and intercalate divisions. As in mammals, most extracerebellar projections of CbM travel in the fasciculus uncinatus (FU); the rest travel with those of CbL in the brachium conjunctivum (BC). In the pigeon, both of these pathways are bilaterally but primarily contralaterally projecting systems. FU is a predominantly descending tract, with terminations within (1) the vestibular complex, (2) a column of contiguous medial reticular nuclei from pontine to caudal medullary levels; (3) the plexus of Horsley portion of the parvicellular reticular formation, continuing through the nucleus centralis medullae oblongatae, pars dorsalis, into intermediate layer VII of the cervical spinal cord, down to cervical segment 8-9; (4) the lateral reticular nucleus and the paragigantocellular reticular nucleus; (5) the dorsal lamella of the inferior olive. Rostrally FU terminals are found in the locus ceruleus and dorsal subcerulean nucleus. Minimal FU projections are also seen to the motor trigeminal nucleus and the subnucleus oralis of the descending trigeminal system. A small projection from the intercalate division of CbM travels in BC and projects upon the midbrain central grey, the intercollicular nucleus, the lateral tectal periventricular grey, the stratum cellulare externum and, sparsely, upon the dorsolateral thalamus. The bulk of BC originates from the lateral cerebellar nucleus and consists of a massive ascending and a small descending branch. The ascending system projects upon the red nucleus and the dorsally adjacent interstitial nucleus of Cajal and midbrain central grey, the prerubral fields continuing into the stratum cellulare externum, the nucleus intercalatus thalami, the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus, the medial spiriform nucleus, the nucleus principalis precommissuralis, the nucleus of the basal optic root, the nucleus geniculatus lateralis pars ventralis, the dorsolateral thalamus, including the dorsal intermediate posterior, and the dorsolateral intermediate and anterior nuclei. BC also contains axons from the infracerebellar nucleus, which projects upon the trochlear and the oculomotor nuclei. The descending branch of BC distributes to the papilioform nucleus, the medial pontine nucleus, the gigantocellular and paramedian reticular nuclei, and, minimally, the rostral portions of the medial column and ventral lamella of the inferior olive. Taken in conjunction with data on amphibia and reptiles the present findings suggest that the fundamental ground plan of vertebrate cerebellar organization involves a medial and lateral cerebellar nucleus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The impact of Sarcoptic mange on sows and on performance of their offspring from birth to slaughter was determined. Sows naturally infested with Sarcoptic mange were paired, mated to the same boar, and assigned randomly to treated or control farrowing groups. Treated sows received ivermectin s.c. at 300 micrograms/kg body weight; control sows received the vehicle s.c. Sow performance was evaluated via sow feed consumption, litter size, litter birth weights, litter weaning weights and piglet death loss from birth to weaning. Seven replicates (farrowing groups), each with six sow pairs, were included in the trial. Offspring from treated and control sows, 35 head/group, were fed to slaughter weights. Untreated sows had litters that weighed 4.14 kg less than ivermectin-treated sow litters at 21 d (P less than .07). Treated sows consumed 1.95 kg less feed per weaned piglet and .13 kg less feed per kilogram of weaned piglet (P less than .05). Piglets from treated sows were 5.79 kg/head heavier at slaughter (P less than .05) and had a .05 kg/d superior average daily gain (P less than .05).

The ascending and descending projections of the parabrachial nuclear complex in the pigeon have been charted with autoradiographic and histochemical (WGA-HRP) techniques. The ascending projections originate from a group of subnuclei surrounding various components of the brachium conjunctivum, namely, the superficial lateral, dorsolateral, dorsomedial, and ventromedial subnuclei. The projections are predominantly ipsilateral and travel in the quintofrontal tract. They are primarily to the medial and lateral hypothalamus (including the periventricular nucleus and the strata cellulare internum and externum), certain dorsal thalamic nuclei, the nucleus of the pallial commissure, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the ventral paleostriatum, the olfactory tubercle, the nucleus accumbens, and a dorsolateral nucleus of the posterior archistriatum. There are weaker or more diffuse projections to the rostral locus coeruleus (cell group A8), the compact portion of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, the central grey and intercollicular region, the ventral area of Tsai, the medial spiriform nucleus, the nucleus subrotundus, the anterior preoptic area, and the diagonal band of Broca. The parabrachial subnuclei have partially differential projections to these targets, some of which also receive projections from the nucleus of the solitary tract (Arends, Wild, and Zeigler: J. Comp. Neurol. 278:405-429, '88). Most of the targets, particularly those in the basal forebrain (viz., the periventricular nucleus and the strata cellulare internum and externum of the hypothalamus, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and its lateral extension into the ventral paleostriatum, which may be comparable with the substantia innominata), have reciprocal connections with the parabrachial and solitary tract subnuclei and therefore may be said to compose parts of a "visceral forebrain system" analogous to that described in the rat (Van der Kooy et al: J. Comp. Neurol. 224:1-24, '84). The descending projections to the lower brainstem arise in large part from a ventrolateral subnucleus that may be comparable with the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus of mammals. They are mainly to the ventrolateral medulla, nucleus ambiguus, and massively to the hypoglossal nucleus, particularly its tracheosyringeal portion. These projections are therefore likely to be importantly involved in the control of vocalization and respiration (Wild and Arends: Brain Res. 407:191-194, '87). Some of these results have been presented in abstract form (Wild, Arends, and Zeigler: Soc. Neurosci. Abst. 13:308, '87).

The worldwide spread of modern, high-density confined poultry production systems under the direction of integrators has intensified the importance of a select number of arthropod ectoparasites and habitat pests. This concentrated production of poultry provides artificial ecosystems that are sometimes ideal for the development of large populations of arthropod pests. At the same time the systems are amenable to integrated pest management involving a multipest and multimethod approach to reducing or eliminating arthropod pests. Since rodents are major pests, they should be included in an integrated pest management program to make the program most cost-effective and attractive to the integrators and producers (5). Quantitative data are scarce on economic effects, and the concept of economic thresholds is difficult to apply either to ectoparasites or to habitat pests. The risk of transporting ectoparasites among flocks is difficult to evaluate and necessitates treatment after early detection of the arthropods. Flies and litter beetles present a threat of disease transmission and the potential for lawsuits from neighbors or public health agencies that are factors not subject to easy cost estimates. The monetary losses of a flock devastated by disease or a farm forced to close are so great that the risks are unacceptable. Production losses from lowered feed conversion ratios and insulation damage are likely to be detected by the sophisticated record-keeping of the integrators. Minimal use of pesticides and other chemicals on poultry and in poultry housing is an objective of the integrators and, consequently, an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that reduces the need for pesticides is attractive. The key to further development of effective arthropod management programs for poultry is the implementation of pest and disease monitoring programs for the complete system. Improvements in arthropod sampling methods and more attention to monitoring the biosecurity systems to minimize ectoparasite dispersal are needed. The integrators have servicemen who regularly visit the production facilities and can be trained to perform monitoring functions and to instigate and supervise integrated pest management measures. With the increasing use of computers by the integrators, the prospects for utilizing the monitoring data in predictive computer simulation models for pest management decision-making justify more efforts to develop such tools (64, 102, 168). Future poultry pest management programs must be based on sound data, which presently is too limited, and must be flexible enough to adjust rapidly to evolving pest problems in rapidly changing production systems.

Anterograde and retrograde tracing experiments employing WGA-HRP were used to identify an auditory projection area within the frontal telencephalon of the pigeon. The projection originates in a nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, travels with the quintofrontal tract and terminates within nucleus basalis. The location of the projection area and the absence of a thalamic relay in its pathway are consistent with previous reports of short-latency auditory potentials evoked in the vicinity of the nucleus basalis in several avian species.

A combination of autoradiography and horseradish peroxidase histochemistry was used to identify telencephalic structures linking the sensory and motor components of the trigeminal system in the pigeon. A direct telencephalic projection from the principal trigeminal sensory nucleus upon the nucleus basalis via the quintofrontal tract was confirmed. Nucleus basalis projects upon a belt of neurons within the overlying neostriatum. This region (neostriatum frontale, pars trigeminale: NFT) gives rise to the fronto-archistriate tract which terminates both in the archistriatum intermedium and in the overlying neostriatum caudale, medial to the ventricle (neostriatum caudale, pars trigeminale: NCT). NCT projects, in turn, upon a region of archistriatum intermedium containing cell bodies of the occipito-mesencephalic tract. This pathway provides a link between the telencephalon and premotor areas within the lateral (parvicellular) reticular formation of the lower brainstem. The trigeminal sensorimotor circuit defined in these experiments has been implicated by neurobehavioral studies in the control of pecking, grasping, and feeding in the pigeon.

The impact of a northern fowl mite (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago), infestation on broiler breeder layers in the field was evaluated by comparing flocks in two adjacent houses (ca. 5,000 birds each). The NFM-free birds produced 3,158.7 dozen more eggs than NFM-infested birds, which was equal to 7.7 eggs per hen housed more than infested birds over the life of the flock. Feed efficiency was affected; feed costs for NFM-infested birds ranged from $ .01 to $ .06/dozen higher than the feed costs for NFM-free birds.

A combination of autoradiographic and histochemical tracing procedures was used to identify telencephalic structures, linking the sensory and motor components of the trigeminal system in the pigeon. In addition to the nucleus basalis, these structures include trigeminal projection areas in the frontal and caudal neostriatum both of which project upon the intermediate archistriatum . Archistriatal output reaches premotor areas in the lateral (parvocellular) reticular formation via a descending pathway, the occipitomesencephalic tract. The trigeminal sensorimotor circuit defined in these experiments has been linked, by neurobehavioral studies, to the control of pecking, grasping and feeding in the pigeon.

Wheat germ-agglutinin conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) was used to delineate trigeminocerebellar connections in the pigeon. Subnucleus oralis of the nucleus of the descending trigeminal tract (nTTD) is the exclusive origin of trigeminal mossy fibers, which terminate in lobules VIII and IXa. The trigemino-olivary projection originates from subnucleus interpolaris of nTTD, but the existence of an additional pathway relaying in the adjacent lateral reticular formation (i.e. the plexus of Horsley) cannot be excluded. Structures linking the trigeminal cerebellar projections to jaw motoneurons were identified within the cerebellar cortex, the deep cerebellar nuclei and the lateral medullary reticular formation, completing a trigeminocerebellar sensorimotor circuit for the jaw.

Constant levels of amino acids enhanced the velocity of Bacillus subtilis 60015 cells about 2-fold and stimulated the response in motility assays. The stimulation of velocity did not occur via the receptors for chemotaxis. Cysteine and methionine, general inhibitors of chemotaxis, both completely inhibited the smooth response in a temporal gradient of attractant. After methionine starvation B. subtilis 60015 showed no measurable response in a temporal gradient of attractant, this in contrast to the effect observed with some other bacteria. Addition of methionine to starved cells restored the response toward attractant. Revertants of B. subtilis 60015 for methionine requirement could not be starved and showed a normal behavior toward temporal gradients of attractant.

Efficacies of mixtures of diluted commercial formulations of selected insecticides and disinfectants were evaluated. Insecticides tested included representative pyrethroids (fenvalerate [Ectrin WDL and WD] and permethrin [Ectiban EC]), organophosphates (dichlorvos [Vapona EC], tetrachlorvinphos [Rabon WP] and dichlorvos/tetrachlorvinphos [RaVap EC], and a carbamate (carbaryl [Sevin S]). Disinfectants tested included representatives of cresylic acid (Biolene), cresylic acid/phenol (BioGuard X-185), phenol (1-Stroke Environ), quaternary ammonium (BioGuard S-3 and PFP-4), quaternary ammonium/formalin (DC & R), and formalin classes of disinfectants. Mixtures were tested for toxicity to two target insects (Musca domestica on plywood, Alphitobius diaperinus in litter) and two bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus). Of 56 mixtures evaluated, 24 showed reduced insecticidal toxicity and 35 showed reduced bactericidal activity compared with insecticides or disinfectants alone.

With the aid of autoradiographic and histochemical (WGA-HRP) tracing techniques, the projections of the nucleus of the tractus solitarius (nTS) in the pigeon have been delineated and related to the viscerotopic organization of the nucleus. As in mammals, nTS projects to both brainstem and forebrain structures. At medullary levels, projections were seen to nTS itself, to the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and to the subjacent and more ventral reticular formation. There is a substantial projection to the parabrachial nuclear complex with terminations in all its subnuclei and minor projections to locus coeruleus and several mesencephalic areas, including the ventral area of Tsai, the nucleus of the ascending brachium conjunctivum, and the compact portion of the tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus. At diencephalic levels, projections to the hypothalamus (magnocellular periventricular nucleus, stratum cellulare internum and externum) and dorsal thalamus were seen. Terminal fields within the basal telencephalon included the nucleus of the pallial commissure, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the nucleus accumbens. The organization of nTS projections in pigeons is correlated with the pattern of inputs to specific nTS subnuclei. Lateral tier subnuclei receiving cardiovascular and pulmonary inputs project upon the ventrolateral reticular formation and the ventrolateral parabrachial complex. Medial tier subnuclei receiving gustatory and gastrointestinal inputs project upon dorsal and medial parabrachial nuclei. Transparabrachial projections arise from nTS subnuclei receiving little or no primary input from the viscera.

The efferent and intranuclear connections of the nuclei of the descending trigeminal tract of the mallard have been studied with lesion methods, and by axonal transport techniques following injections of tritiated leucine, and of horseradish peroxidase. The large subnucleus oralis neurons, including those belonging to the nucleus of the ascending glossopharyngeal tract, have proven to be the sole origin of trigeminocerebellar connections. The cerebellar afferents are of the mossy fiber type, and terminate predominantly in lobules V, VI and VII, and possibly, lobule IV. Trigeminocerebellar projections are ipsilateral except for the vermal area. Subnucleus interpolaris is the main source of intratrigeminal fibers that terminate in subnucleus oralis and the ventral part of the main sensory nucleus. These intranuclear connections are bilateral, but the medium-celled caudal part of subnucleus interpolaris in particular contains the majority of bi- and/or contralaterally projecting neurons. Additionally, the small cells in the rostral part of subnucleus interpolaris project ipsilaterally upon the parabrachial region, and upon the lateral reticular formation. Projections upon the parabrachial region furthermore emanate bilaterally from layer I of the rostral subnucleus caudalis. A minor part of layer I neurons sends its axons contralaterally along with those of the dorsal column nuclei toward the thalamic nucleus dorsolateralis posterior. Associated with the medial lemniscus, contralateral termination is also present in the lateral part of the ventral lamella of oliva caudalis, in the marginal zone of nucleus mesencephalicus lateralis, pars dorsalis and immediately surrounding intercollicular grey and, finally, in the nucleus intercalatus thalami. Furthermore, a bilaterally descending projection from subnucleus caudalis upon layers I and II of the rostral cervical cord was observed. Close to their origin subnucleus caudalis neurons project upon the adjoining caudal part of the lateral reticular formation.

Central pathways converging upon the trigeminofacial motor nuclei of the mallard were studied in order to elucidate neuroanatomically the presumed influence of primary sensory trigeminal afferents upon jaw muscle activity. The techniques used included the Fink-Heimer I method after lesions, and axonal transport labeling following injections of 3H-leucine or of HRP for retrograde identification of the neurons of origin. A general description is given of the trigeminofacial motor complex. Jaw closer muscles are innervated by trigeminal motor neurons, and facial motor neurons innervate the jaw depressor muscles. Two afferents premotor systems, one including the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MesV) and the other the rhombencephalic reticular formation, are distinguished. The proprioceptive neurons of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus project upon the ipsilateral trigeminal motor nucleus and upon the nucleus supratrigeminalis. The latter cell group bilaterally projects upon the dorsal and intermediate parts of the facial motor nucleus and upon the dorsal and intermediate parts of the facial motor nucleus and upon part of the trigeminal motor nucleus. Exteroceptive information, relayed through the primary sensory trigeminal column (PrV and nTTD), ultimately reaches the motor nuclei via the reticular formation. The reticular formation forms the final link of three separate circuits: a telencephalic one entered through the principal trigeminal sensory nucleus, a cerebellar one via subnucleus oralis of the descending trigeminal system, and a direct one via subnucleus interpolaris. No direct connections between the principal trigeminal sensory nucleus or subnuclei of the descending trigeminal system and the motor nuclei of the trigeminal (NV) and facial (NVII) nerves have been observed, nor are such direct projections present in the outflow of the presumed telencephalic and cerebellar circuits, viz. of the archistriatum and the central cerebellar nuclei, respectively. The archistriatum projects via the occipitomesencephalic tract upon the lateral rhombencephalic reticular formation as far down as the rostral cervical cord, as well as upon the subnucleus interpolaris of the descending trigeminal system. Similarly, efferents from the central cerebellar nuclei reach the reticular formation, which in turn projects bilaterally upon the motor nuclei. Finally, commissural intermotor connections apparently are mediated by reticular cells surrounding the motor nuclei of NV or NVII, rather than emanating from these nuclei directly.

To provide an anatomical basis for the interaction of respiration and vocalization, neuroanatomical tracing experiments were undertaken to define the link between the nucleus receiving input from the lung and the tracheosyringeal motor nucleus (nXIIts). The ventral parabrachial nucleus (PBv) receives a projection from the lateral parasolitary nucleus and from the midbrain and projects to nXIIts. The PBv is therefore well placed to gate the activity of nXIIts neurons during respiration.

The descending trigeminal tract and its nuclei were described in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.). The borders of the system were established in Fink-Heimer preparations after unilateral lesions placed in the Gasserian ganglion using the distribution of degenerated particles as a criterion. Adjacent sections, stained with the Nissl, Kluver-Barrera and Haggqvist methods were used in the description of cyto- and fibroarchitecture of the descending trigeminal system and surrounding structures. Descending fibers of the trigeminal root could be traced from the sensory root, ventral to the main sensory nucleus, into the descending tract and its nuclei. Its fibers pass into the spinal cord, but not farther than the third cervical segment. Seven subdivisions (parts a-g) were recognized, but could be combined into four subnuclei, viz. in the terminology of Olszewski: subnucleus oralis containing parts a and b; subnucleus interpolaris parts c and d; subnucleus caudalis part f; dorsal horn part g, etc. No primary trigeminal fibers could be traced to structures outside the main sensory nucleus and nuclei of the descending trigeminal tract; all projections were ipsilateral with the exception of a slight bilateral projection caudal to the obex. Partial lesions in the Gasserian ganglion showed a distribution of the mandibular, maxillary and ophthalmic fibers from dorsal to ventral respectively in the subnuclei oralis and interpolaris, and from medial to lateral in the subnuclei caudalis and dorsal horn. Afferents from the petrosal ganglion project upon the medial part of subnucleus interpolaris and upon a small cell group (nucleus of the ascending glossopharyngeal tract) that may be functionally part of the subnucleus oralis. The subnucleus caudalis receives afferents from the jugular ganglion. These differences in afferentation are used in a tentative functional interpretation of the subdivisions of the nucleus of the descending trigeminal system.