Does the interstitial nucleus of cajal project to the hypoglossal nucleus in the rat?

The present study sought to determine whether or not the hypoglossal nucleus receives direct afferent projections from the interstitial nucleus of Cajal. Results from anterograde and retrograde labeling experiments in the rat indicated that while projections from the interstitial nucleus of Cajal do not terminate within the hypoglossal nucleus, they do so among a small group of neurons located ventrolateral to the hypoglossal nucleus, the nucleus of Roller. These findings are discussed in relation to orolingual motor behavior.