Injection of horseradish peroxidase in the superior colliculus of the rate: afferent connections
Stanzani, S.; Russo, A.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 59(3): 369-372
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 9704137 Document Number: 216077
The superior colliculus is an area of interest for the integration of impulses influencing the oculomotor nucleus. It appears to be more important for visual functions in lower vertebrate species. Afferent projections to rat superior colliculus (CS) were studied. Horseradish peroxidase(HRP) was injected into CS and retrogradely labeled neurons were identified. HRP labeled neurons were found in nucleus dorsalis raphes (DR), and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) which send to superior colliculus visual information; dorsomedial thalamus (MD) and inferior colliculus (IC) which send acoustic information; dorsal and medial raphe nuclei (MR, DR), lateral habenula (HL), medial amygdaloid nucleus (AME), dorsomedial thalamus (MD), anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) and nucleus of olfactory tract (NOT) which send olfactory information. The account of the afferent connections of the superior colliculus given indicates that this small part of the brain cooperates with many others regions and is not related to visual function only. It is particulary important for integrating visual afferent input with other kinds of information and for mediating appropriate movements of eyes, head and body in response to such stimuli. A main function of the superior colliculus is the orientation of eyes, head and body toward visual, acoustic and olfactory stimuli in the environment.