Evidence for a direct retinal projection to the anterior pretectal nucleus in the cat

The retinal projections to the anterior pretectal nucleus were investigated using the anterograde transport of tritiated amino acids or horseradish peroxidase. Both Nissl and myelin stained tissue were used to identify the anterior pretectal nucleus and tissue containing labelled terminals was analyzed in each of the 3 stereotaxic planes. A restricted strip of bilateral terminal labelling was identified along the rostral border of the anterior pretectal nuclear subdivision, the pars compacta. The labelling was more dense contralaterally and extended for approximately three-quarters of the distance along this subdivision.