title: The nervous control of intraluminal pressure in the vomeronasal organ of the domestic ram.
abstract: In order to examine whether an aspiration mechanism exists in the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the domestic ram, experiments were conducted in chloralose-anaesthetized animals using acute electromanometry and electrophysiological techniques. Stimulation of the ipsilateral cervical sympathetic nerve activated a mechanism producing a negative (with respect to atmospheric pressure) intraluminal pressure which drew fluid into the VNO from the nasopalatine canal. The mechanism was under alpha-adrenergic control and did not seem to involve the carotid blood supply. An ipsilateral increase in intraluminal pressure occurred following electrical excitation of the maxillary trigeminal innervation. Thus a mechanism was demonstrated in the ram for conveying odours to the putative olfactory receptors in the VNO.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh.
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Bland
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Cottrell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000502:physiology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008729:Methoxamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D009300:Nasal Septum; D009812:Odorants; D010646:Phentolamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D011312:Pressure; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000502:physiology; D012679:Sense Organs / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D012756:Sheep / Q000502:physiology*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D008729:Methoxamine; D004837:Epinephrine; D010646:Phentolamine