The subnucleus gelatinosus of the nucleus tractus solitarii is a catecholaminergic nucleus: Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies in the human fetal brain

Abstract

During the immunohistochemical investigations of catecholamine neurons in human fetal brain stems using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) as a marker, the subnucleus gelatinosus of the nucleus tractus solitarii was found to contain many small TH-immunoreactive neurons, 10-15 μm in diameter. The finding indicates that this particular subdivision of the nucleus tractus solitarii is a catecholaminergic nucleus. Ultrastructural features of the subnucleus were also described.