The distribution of cholecystokinin octapeptide-like structures in the lower brain stem of the rat: an immunohistochemical analysis.

The distribution of immunoreactive cholecystokininoctapeptide (CCK-8)-like structures in the lower brain stem of the rat was investigated using indirect immunofluorescence. In addition to the well known immunoreactive CCK-8-like containing cell groups such as those in the ventral tegmental area, substantia grisea centralis of the mesencephalon, and n. linealis rostralis, the present study demonstrated a much wider distribution of immunoreactive CCK-8-like cells in the lower brain stem, i.e. those in the inferior colliculus, n. parabrachialis colliculi posterioris, lateral lemniscus, lateral parabrachial area, n. centralis superior, nucleus of group O, pontine substantia grisea centralis, n. tractus solitarii, area postrema, n. tractus spinalis nervi trigemini and reticular formation just dorsal to the inferior olivary complex. We also demonstrated an extensive network of immunoreactive CCK-8-like fibers in various areas of the lower brain stem, including the auditory system, visual system, viscerosensory area, parabrachial nucleus, dorsal and ventral tegmental nuclei, and interpeduncular nucleus. The possible importance of CCK is briefly discussed.