Asymmetric distribution of catecholamine-containing neuronal perikarya in the upper cervical spinal cord of rat

Hitherto undescribed catecholamine-containing neuronal perikarya (CCNP) were demonstrated in the white and grey matter of the rat cervical spinal cord. In the white matter they were mainly located in the dorsal part of the lateral funiculus; the number of CCNP in the left lateral funiculus was significantly higher than that in the right and they also extended further caudally. After colchicine treatment, a greater number of CCNP were visible on both sides, the left side again containing more CCNP than the right. In addition, CCNP in colchicine-treated animals were observed further caudally than in untreated animals. In contrast, no lateralization was apparent in the grey matter CCNP.