Synaptic potentials produced in jaw-closer and jaw-opener motoneurons by palatal stimulation

Excitation and inhibition of temporal and digastric motoneurons (Temp. and Dig. Mns) during transient jaw closing, the so-called jaw-closing reflex, were studied in cats. Application of diffuse pressure stimulation to the posterior palatal surface produced the jaw-closing reflex and it was found that mechanosensory inputs from the posterior palatal mucosa produce depolarizing potentials on the Temp. Mns responsible for jaw closure during the jaw-closing reflex. We have demonstrated that in one-third of 27 explored Temp. Mns the initial bursts of spikes were elicited before the onset of jaw closure, suggesting that these cells contribute to initiate jaw closure during the jaw-closing reflex. The remaining cells probably contributed to maintain the occlusal phase. Furthermore, it was found that mechanosensory inputs from the posterior palatal mucosa produce a hyperpolarization-depolarization sequence in the Dig. Mns responsible for the jaw-closing reflex. In addition, when pressure stimulation was applied to the anterior palatal mucosa, sustained jaw opening was elicited and an increase of firing frequency of Dig. Mns occurred 40 ms before the onset of jaw opening and continued for 80 ms.