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Activity patterns of neurons in the caudal medial medulla are modulated during swallow in the cat
Author(s) -
Rose Melanie J,
Pitts Teresa E,
Poliacek Ivan,
Davenport Paul W,
Morris Kendall F,
Bolser Donald C
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.1064.5
Subject(s) - anatomy , medulla , medicine , stimulation , brainstem , biology
Neurons in the medial reticular formation, caudal to obex, have activity patterns that are modulated during cough and participate in assemblies with raphe and ventral respiratory column neurons. We speculated that neurons in this area would also participate in swallow. Extracellular activity of neurons in the caudal medial medulla was recorded with multiple electrode arrays in 5 spontaneously breathing, anesthetized cats. Electromyograms were recorded from the geniohyoid, thyropharyngeus, thyroarytenoid, posterior criciarytenoid, upper esophageal sphincter, transversus abdominis, and parasternal muscles as indicators of swallow and other airway protective behaviors. Swallow was produced by mechanical stimulation of the pharynx or infusion of water into this region of the airway. Less than 10% of the neurons were modulated during breathing. The activities of 54% of neurons were altered during swallow. Response patterns included increases or decreases in discharge of spontaneously active neurons and recruitment of silent neurons. In some cases, neurons also were excited by mechanical stimulation of the trachea. The results are consistent with a swallow medullary network that is more widespread than previously appreciated. Neurons in this area also participate in other airway protective behaviors, such as cough. Supported by NIH R33 89104.