Midbrain central grey: regional haemodynamic control and excitatory amino acidergic mechanisms

The haemodynamic responses to electrical and chemical stimulation of the periaqueductal or central grey (CG) was investigated in urethane-anaesthetized rats. CG stimulation resulted in a characteristics pattern of mesenteric and renal vasoconstriction accompanied by modest hindquarter vasodilatation. This haemodynamic response was also accompanied by widening of the palpebral fissure, tachycardia and by twitching of the vibrissae. This constellation of physiological responses constitutes the 'defence reaction' and indicates that the CG area under investigation is involved in these phenomena. Both electrical and chemical (kainic acid) lesions of the pressor area of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) attenuated the pressor responses to CG stimulation. Intrathecal administration of the excitatory amino acid receptor antagonist kynurenic acid (0.5 mumole/10 microliter) markedly reduced the pressor responses produced by stimulation of both the CG and the RVLM. These results provide additional evidence in support of the notion that neurons arising in the CG relay in the RVLM where they may, in turn, communicate with a descending excitatory amino-acidergic pathway involved in cardiovascular control.