Hypothalamic connections of the insular cortex in the cat

We have investigated the anatomical organization of the connections between the hypothalamus and the insular cortex of the cat by using retrograde and anterograde transport of horseradish peroxidase-wheat germ agglutinin. The rostroventral sectors of the insular cortex are strongly interconnected with the supramammillary and caudal lateral hypothalamic areas. The possible relationship of these connections with the well-known participation of the insular cortex in visceral and autonomic integration is discussed.