The Journal of comparative neurology
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The lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTL) and central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce) are amygdaloid nuclei that have similar afferent and efferent connections within the brain. Previous studies have demonstrated that both regions send axonal projections to the dorsal vagal complex (dorsal motor nucleus and nucleus tractus solitarii). The present study used the combined retrograde fluorescence-immunofluorescence method to examine whether cells contributing to this pathway contained any of the following neuropeptides: corticotropin-releasing factor, neurotensin, somatostatin, substance P, enkephalin, or galanin. ⋯ However, it is also apparent that the majority of putative transmitter types within the amygdaloid vagal projection still are unknown. The results suggest that the dorsal and ventral BSTL and the lateral and medial Ce, respectively, are homologous zones with regard to chemoarchitecture and connections. The data is discussed considering the possible function of peptides within descending amygdaloid pathways to the brainstem.