CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE LINGUO-MAXILLARY REFLEX

Abstract

Cephalic anemia produced in anesthetized dogs (number not stated) by peripheral vagus stimulation, pul-monary inflation, and occlusion of the cephalic blood vessels, did not produce a consistent augmentation of the linguo-maxillary reflex. Stimulation of the central end of the cut sciatic nerve, or the vagus, or of visceral afferent fibers, caused an immediate abolition of the linguo-maxillary reflex, with a quick return to normal upon cessation of the stimulation. The resistance to fatigue of the linguo-maxillary reflex varied with individual dogs. In 1 animal 90,000 successive stimulations produced no evidence of fatigue. The linguo-maxillary reflex is not "ultimate," as in progressive depression of the central nervous system it disappears before the knee jerk. A new reflex, closure of the mouth upon electrical stimulation of the soft palate, is described. The authors designate it as the palato-maxillary reflex.