Convergent inputs to neurones in the nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis in the cat

Extracellular recordings were made in the nucleus paragigantocellularis (PGL) of the cat in response to stimulation of the hypothalamic perifornical defence area (HPDA), dorsal periaqueductal grey matter (PAG), nucleus raphe obscurus (Rob), deep peroneal nerve (DPN), and superficial peroneal nerve (SPN). Stimulation of the HPDA, dorsal PAG and SPN evoked excitatory responses whilst the prevalent response to stimulation of Rob was inhibition. However, most of the defence-reaction-related neurones showed little response to stimulation of DPN. Of 53 cells tested 48 (91%) received convergent inputs from two or more sites of stimulation. These findings are discussed in relation to the integrative function of PGL in cardiovascular control.