BULBAR INHIBITION AND FACILITATION OF MOTOR ACTIVITY

Abstract

Electrical stimulation of the bulbar reticular formation in the cat inhibited the blink reflex of the eyelids, the flexor reflex of the foreleg and the knee jerk. In the decerebrate cat, bulbar stimulation caused limb flaccidity and loss of limb reflexes. In some cases, the inhibitory effect was followed at the cessation of the stimulus by augmentation of whatever motor activity was proceeding. This may be due to activation of intermixed inhibitory and facilitatory elements.