Oculomotor areas involved in the parasympathetic control of accommodation and pupil size in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

The motoneurons of the oculomotor complex responsible for controlling accommodation and pupil size of the marmoset were identified by injecting horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the ciliary ganglion. The anatomical organization of accommodation and pupil constrictor motoneurons was determined using electrical stimulation techniques. HRP-labelled cells were found through the whole length of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EW) and also just ventral to this nucleus in caudal sections. A projection from the antero-median nucleus to the ciliary ganglion could not be demonstrated. Electrical stimulation data showed that currents of less than 1 microampere applied inside the EW evoked accommodation responses. Pupil constriction responses, on the other hand, were evoked with weak currents at sites ventral to those in the EW generating accommodation at caudal and central levels. It was concluded that the EW was responsible for accommodation and areas containing HRP-labelled cells ventral to the caudal part of the EW were responsible for pupil constriction.