RUI: Anatomy and Neurochemistry of Projection Neurons in the rNST

IBN-9603184 Pi：King，大脑的一个重要部分，包含通向更高中心的感觉通路，被称为脑干。在这个区域有许多不同的细胞团，称为核，负责处理和传递感觉器官的神经纤维带来的信息。对处理味觉信息很重要的一个核团被称为孤束核(或NTS)。这个核团的神经细胞从左右两侧的投射一直被认为是持续的，没有越过中线，但新的数据表明，可能有一个重要的双侧投射到更高的中继核。该项目使用解剖示踪和免疫细胞化学技术来澄清这些投射。结果将影响我们对这一重要的味觉处理核心的理解。这项在本科生机构(RUI)进行的研究也将对本科生提供参与重大研究项目的出色经验产生重大影响。

IBN-9603184 PI: King An important part of the brain that contains sensory pathways to higher centers is called the brainstem. In this region there are many distinct clusters of cells, called nuclei, that process and relay information brought to them by nerve fibers from the sense organs. One nucleus important for handling taste information is called the nucleus of the solitary tract (or NTS). The projections of nerve cells of this nucleus from left and right sides have been believed to continue without crossing the midline, but new data suggest that there may be a significant bilateral projection to a higher relay nucleus. This project uses anatomical tracing and immunocytochemical techniques to clarify those projections. Results will have an impact on our understanding of this important nucleus for taste processing. This research at an undergraduate institution (RUI) also will have a substantial impact on giving undergraduate students and excellent experience participating in a significant research project.