Convergence of trigeminal input with visceral and phrenic inputs on primate C1–C2 spinothalamic tract neurons

Abstract

Trigeminal, spinal and vagal afferent fibers overlap in C1–C2 segments. We hypothesized that trigeminal input from the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) can excite C1–C2 spinothalamic tract (STT) neurons receiving thoracic visceral or phrenic inputs. Effects of SSS stimulation were evenly divided among cells responding to each nerve stimulus; magnitude of responses to ipsilateral vagal input was greater in neurons excited by SSS input. Somatic fields of 80% of neurons responding to SSS stimulation included face areas innervated by the trigeminal nerve, whereas somatic fields of 89% of neurons unaffected by SSS stimulation were located only on areas innervated by cervical spinal nerves. Results are consistent with the idea that pain referred to trigeminal areas could originate in thoracic organs.