CNS structures presumably involved in vagal control of ovarian function

The contribution of the vagus nerve to viral transneuronal labeling of brai n structures from the ovaries demonstrated recently by us was investigated. Unilateral vagotomy was performed prior to ipsilateral intraovarian Virus injection. Virus-infected neurons were visualized by immunostaining. In vag otomized rats such neurons were detected only in certain cell groups of the brain (parapyramidal nucleus, A,, A, cell group, caudal raphe nuclei, hypo thalamic paraventricular nucleus, lateral hypothalamus). Vagotomy interfere d with labeling of several structures that were labeled in controls, includ ing area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal vagal complex, nuc leus ambiguus, A, cell group, Barrington's nucleus, locus coeruleus, periaq ueductal gray, dorsal hypothalamus. Findings provide a morphological basis to study the functional significance of brain structures presumably involve d in the control of ovarian function and acting via the vagus or the sympat hetic nerves. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.