Influences from Upper Respiratory Tract on Caudal Brainstem Neurones of Cat

Abstract

During microelectrode penetrations of the solitary tract nucleus and adjacent reticular formation, single neurones were located that discharged in a rhythm that was linked with respiration but that persisted after muscle paralysis. Many of these neurones could be activated from the vagus or upper respiratory tract areas. Some had no demonstrated excitatory input, yet their rhythmic activity could be abolished only by stimulation of nerves innervating the upper respiratory tract. This stimulation also abolished respiration. Such findings emphasize the significance of upper respiratory tract feedback in normal respiratory function and possibly in abnormal conditions such as the 'sudden infant death syndrome.'