A critical reticular site involved in the spino-bulbo-spinal reflex system

Samuel H.H. Chan*, Charles D. Barnes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

1. In precollicular decerebrate cats, the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis in the medulla was identified to be critically involved in the spino-bulbospinal (SBS) reflex system. 2. Electrolytic lesion placed in this nucleus eliminated the SBS reflex and its associated effects in the spinal cord. 3. Ascending volleys from the spinal cord were found to excite neurons within this nucleus, whereupon further direct stimulation was able to enhance the inhibitory effects of the SBS reflex on spinal motoneurons. These interactions were also facilitated by physostigmine and suppressed by atropin,, indicating the cholinoceptive nature of these neurons, another criterion which qualified them as being associated with the SBS reflex. 4. The functional roles of SBS reflex and nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis in somatic and visceral activities were discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)313-321
Number of pages9
JournalPflugers Archiv European Journal of Physiology
Volume357
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - 09 1975
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cat
  • Descending Inhibition
  • Nucleus Reticularis Gigantocellularis
  • Spinal Cord
  • Spino-Bulbo-Spinal Reflex

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