Effect of stimulation of sublobule IX-b of the cerebellar vermis on cardiac function

Activation of sublobule IX-b of the cerebellar vermis evokes hypotension, bradycardia and decrease of the phrenic nerve activity in the anesthetized animal. Cardiac performance during the isovolumic phases of systole and relaxation can be evaluated by dP/dtmax, Vpm, dP/dt/DP40 and tau, respectively. In the present study, we evaluated the changes on cardiac function evoked by the stimulation of sublobule IX-b. New Zealand white rabbits were anesthetized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated. A posterior craniotomy was made to reveal and stimulate the cerebellar uvula (4 s train; 50 Hz; 1 ms; 20 microA). The femoral artery and veins were cannulated and a Swan-Ganz catheter was advanced in the upper abdominal aorta to control afterload when inflating the balloon. The left ventricle was catheterized with a Millar catheter. Blood pressure, heart rate, left ventricular pressure were monitored. Results showed a significant decrease on sublobule IX-b stimulation of all the indices of systolic function and an increase of tau indicating a decrease in the speed of the relaxation. These data provide the first evidence of the influence of sublobule IX-b on cardiac function. They may contribute to the understanding of the origin the cardiovascular changes that were observed in two patients with vermian and paravermian hemorrhage.