[Afferents of vagus nerve to intercalary nucleus]

In 11 rabbits operations of intracranial transection of IXth and Xth cranial nerves and transections of vagal nerve on its several levels were performed. After survival 271-327 days karyometric investigations of neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes contained in intercalary nuclei of both sides of medulla were performed. It was stated that after transection of the vagus nerve on the levels proximally to the arising of the recurrent laryngeal nerve the volume of cross-area of neurons and nuclei of astrocytes decreases on the operated side. The authors concluded that atrophic changes found in the intercalary nucleus may be probable of transsynaptic in character. It indicated, that intercalary nucleus receives afferents from the vagus nerve.