Comparative study of the posterior red nucleus in baboons and gibbons

Autor: Y. Padel, J. Massion, P. Angaut, R. Sedan
Rok vydání: 1981
Předmět:
Zdroj: The Journal of Comparative Neurology. 202:421-438
ISSN: 1096-9861
0021-9967
DOI: 10.1002/cne.902020311
Popis: The posterior red nucleus (PRN) was studied in two species of primates by the technique of retrograde degeneration of rubrospinal cells following transection of the spinal cord at different levels. The form of the PRN was reconstructed for both a quadruped monkey (baboon) and an anthropoid with erect posture (gibbon). The PRN contains polymorphic cells characterized by their very chromophilic and granular NIssl substance. These neurons vary in diameter from 25 μm to 70 μm. Some of them give rise to the rubrospinal tract. Baboon: The approximately 1,300 rubrospinal cells in this species are divided into two equal groups, one related to the contralateral forelimb, with axons ending between the second cervical and third thoracic segment, and the otehr related to the contralateral hindlimb, projecting caudally beyond T3. Following a high cervical lesion, nondegenerated cells of similar description remain throughout the nucleus. A significantly large group of these cells occurs medially and may be the source of fibers ending in the brain stem or cerebellum. Gibbon: In this species, the number of rubrospinal cells controlling the hindlimb is less than half that found in the baboon. This reduction in the gibbon is much greater for medium-sized cells, but is also significant for the giant cells. These results obtained from primates are compared with those reported for the cat. A possible function for the PRN in the control of limb movements is discussed from the viewpoint of phylogeny.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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