Neurons of the motor trigeminal nucleus project to the hypoglossal nucleus in the rat

The hypoglossal nucleus (Mo12) contains motoneurons that innervate the tongue, while the motor trigeminal nucleus (Mo5) contains motoneurons that elevate or depress the mandible. Previous studies have revealed lateral and medial tegmental field neuronal afferents to the Mo12 adjacent to, but not within, the motor trigeminal nucleus (Mo5). The current studies demonstrate the presence of retrogradely labeled neuronal afferents to the Mo12 within the Mo5 produced by as little as 10 nl of Fast Blue (FB) injected into the Mo12. Retrograde labeling of Mo5 afferents to the Mo12 with injections of Diamidino Yellow (DY) combined with injections of FB into the lumbar spinal cord showed these neuronal afferents to the Mo12 are not part of the diffuse projections to motoneurons from the nucleus subcoeruleus. Retrograde labeling of Mo5 afferents to the Mo12 with DY combined with injections of FB into the masseter revealed these neuronal afferents to the Mo12 are not trigeminal motoneurons. These results indicate that Mo5 interneurons are part of the lateral tegmental field projections to the Mo12, and are likely to comprise part of the neural substrate coordinating the motor activity of the jaw and tongue.