TRIGEMINAL NEUROTOMY AND BLOOD PRESSURE RESPONSES FROM STIMULATION OF LATERAL CEREBRAL CORTEX OF MACACA MULATTA

Abstract

This study was performed on macaques under curare or dial anesthesia. The extent of lateral neocortex which when stimulated will result in systemic blood pressure responses of more than 10 mm. Hg is much greater than had previously been reported. Such responses could be obtained from as far back as the lunate sulcus, anteriorly well in front of the arcuate sulcus, superiorly to the midline and interiorly to the base in the occipital region and below the sylvian fissure in the temporal region. (The results of stimulation of the temporal polar, orbitofrontal and cingulate cortex are not reported.) Section of the trigeminal nerve eliminated all the responses except those obtained from the pre- and post-central cortex. All responses after trigeminal neurotomy were drops in blood pressure. Incidentally it was observed that changes in the temp. of the irrigating soln. of as little as 5[degree] above and below body temp. was accompanied by a 20 mm. fall or a 5-10 mm. rise in blood pressure, respectively.