Brainstem microstimulation differentially inhibits pudendal motoneuron reflex inputs.
Sensory information from the genitourinary tract is transmitted to perineal muscle reflex circuits in the spinal cord and to the medullary reticular formation (MRF). This is the first report of a functional descending connection between neurons in the MRF and sensory inputs of the pudendal motoneuron reflex circuitry. In anesthetized rats, microstimulation of the MRF produced a decrease in amplitude and increase in latency of pudendal motoneuron reflex discharges (PMRD) elicited by stimulation of the dorsal nerve of the penis. No effects on pelvic nerve-elicited PMRD were found. The most robust reflex depression was observed when the lateral paragigantocellular reticular nucleus was microstimulated bilaterally. Reproductive abnormalities that occur following severe spinal cord injury probably result from disruption of these descending connections.
Johnson
R D
RD
Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Florida Brain Institute, Gainesville 32610-0144, USA.
Hubscher
C H
CH
D000818:Animals; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D008297:Male; D008839:Microelectrodes; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D010413:Penis / Q000294:innervation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology