T (tail)-rhythm oscillators: principles of nervous control of the vasculature revealed?
This review focuses on the nervous control of the caudal ventral artery of the rat tail, and aims to convince the reader that sympathetic control of the vasculature can be mediated via neural oscillators intrinsic to the sympathetic nervous system. The definitive functional significance of these oscillators is unknown at present. However, it is expected that through dynamic relationships with modulating and driving inputs, such oscillators would permit graded vascular responses.
Smith
J E
JE
Department of Physiology, St. George's Hospital Medical School, Tooting, London, UK. jesmith@sghms.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000502:physiology; D009991:Oscillometry; D010507:Periodicity; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D013623:Tail / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000294:innervation*