Sneeze-evoking region within the brainstem.
The neuronal mechanisms of sneezing were examined in precollicular-postmammillary decerebrate cats. Mechanical stimulation (frequency 20 Hz, peak-to-peak displacement 0.5 mm) of the nasal membrane evoked a series of sneezes. In the same preparation, electrical stimulation (duration 0.2 ms, frequency 10 Hz, 5-50 microA) delivered to the lower brainstem also evoked sneezes. The changes in EMG activity and subglottic pressure during brainstem-induced sneeze were similar to those recorded nasal-induced sneeze. The sneeze-evoking region was located along the ventromedial part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus and the adjacent pontine-medullary lateral reticular formation, and extended rostrocaudally from P4.0 to P14.5 according to the Horsley-Clarke coordinates. These results suggest that the sneeze-evoking region is a distinct structure of the brainstem, having a homogeneous function. This region appears to control the epipharyngeal, intrinsic laryngeal and respiratory muscles. The integrated activity of these muscles underlies the generation of a sneeze.
Nonaka
S
S
Department of Otolaryngology, Asahikawa Medical College, Hokkaido, Japan.
Unno
T
T
Ohta
Y
Y
Mori
S
S
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology*; D002415:Cats; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000502:physiology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D012912:Sneezing / Q000502:physiology*