Tooth pulp primary neurons: cell size analysis, central connection, and carbonic anhydrase activity

Cell bodies and central terminals of trigeminal primary afferent neurons innervating the mandibular molar and incisor tooth pulps were labeled by injecting various neuroanatomical tracers into these tooth pulps. The cell bodies of major constituents of primary neurons innervating the tooth pulp, cornea, and cutaneous branch of the mylohyoid nerve were large (> or = 500 microns2, 65%), medium (300-400 microns2, 35%), and small (100-200 microns2, 34%), respectively. Those innervating the tooth pulp (tooth pulp cells) had the Nissl pattern characteristic of large light cells of the A type, while those innervating the cornea were small dark cells of the B type. Thirty percent of the tooth pulp cells exhibited histochemically demonstrable carbonic anhydrase activity. The transganglionic transport of HRP-WGA indicated marked concentration of central terminals of the tooth pulp primaries in the rostral subdivisions of the brain stem sensory trigeminal nuclear complex. In contrast, central terminals of the corneal primaries were concentrated in the medullary dorsal horn.