Projection from trigeminal nuclei to neurons of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus in rat

The mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus contains cell bodies of primary somatic sensory neurons that innervate the head region. The neurons resemble dorsal root ganglion cells but a striking difference is the presence of synaptic boutons in the nucleus. The present report demonstrates with anterograde tracers, the existence of a direct trigeminal projection from secondary sensory neurons of the principal and spinal nuclei to the mesencephalic nucleus. Our observations strongly suggest that synaptic contact may be established on the cell bodies as well as on the neurites of the mesencephalic neurons. These pathways could play a modulatory role in the processing of sensory afferent information and in the control of orofacial and/or oculomotor functions.