Schematic representation of the experimental design in relation to the spino–PBil–PC nociceptive pathway.A, Antidromic stimulation delivered in the PC nucleus (gray). A′, Terminal labeling in the PC nucleus from Phaseolus vulgarisleucoagglutinin (PHA-L) injection in the PBil (modified fromBester et al., 1999). B, Unitary recording in the PBil nucleus (gray). B′, Terminal labeling in the PBil nucleus from PHA-L injection in spinal reticular lamina V (modified from Bernard et al., 1995). C, Spinal region (gray) that projects densely to the PBil. Scale bars: A′, 1 mm; B′, 500 μm.CL, Central lateral thalamic nucleus; CM, central medial thalamic nucleus; OPC, oval paracentral thalamic nucleus; Rh, rhomboid thalamic nucleus;V/VI, spinal laminas V/VI.