Reflex activation of the lower oesophageal sphincter in the cat induced by stimulation of the splanchnic afferent fibres.
Reflex responses of the lower oesophageal sphincter (l.o.s.) to electrical stimulation of the splanchnic afferent fibres were recorded by electromyographic and manometric techniques. Repetitive stimulation of the central end of a splanchnic nerve induced a long latency excitation of the l.o.s., i.e. bursts of spike potentials concomitant with repetitive phasic contractions. Experiments involving nerve sections showed that the efferent pathways of this reflex were served either by stellate sympathetic and/or splanchnic fibres, or by vagal fibres. These responses were abolished following the administration of atropine. These results show that the splanchnic afferent fibres are involved in l.o.s. reflex motor responses through the activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic efferent supply to the sphincter.
D000818:Animals; D001285:Atropine / Q000494:pharmacology; D002415:Cats; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004576:Electromyography; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012018:Reflex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013153:Splanchnic Nerves / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014628:Vagotomy
D001285:Atropine