Pulpal and cutaneous inputs to somatosensory neurons in the parabrachial area of the cat.

The majority of somatosensory neurons recorded from the mesencephalic parabrachial area and pontine parabrachial nucleus of the cat responded exclusively to noxious mechanical stimuli to the skin. Their receptive fields were very large. Two-thirds of the neurons tested responded to electrical stimulation of the tooth pulp. These results suggest that neurons in this area have extensive convergence of spinal and trigeminal inputs, and contribute to the affective or autonomic aspects of pain.