Midbrain influences on ventrolateral medullo-spinal neurones in the rat

A study has been carried out to investigate the influence of the periaqueductal grey matter (PAG) on spinally-projecting neurones in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in rats anaesthetised with urethane. Microinjection of D,L-homocysteic acid was used to selectively activate nerve cell bodies in the PAG. Stimulation throughout the rostral half of the PAG and in the caudal PAG on a level with and dorsolateral to the level of the aqueduct evoked excitatory responses in 21 medullo-spinal cells in the RVLM. The neuronal excitation was associated with a rise in blood pressure. In contrast, stimulation within a restricted area of the ventrolateral PAG at the level of the dorsal raphe nucleus inhibited 10 medullo-spinal neurones in the RVLM, and produced variable changes in blood pressure. Convergence of excitatory and inhibitory influences from dorsolateral and ventrolateral stimulating sites in the PAG on to individual cells was also demonstrated. The results are discussed with respect to the role of the ventrolateral PAG in modulating the cardiovascular components of the "defence" response which is integrated by the dorsal PAG.