Evidence for central patterning of sympathetic discharge in kittens

Cervical sympathetic nerve discharges in kittens were examined using power spectral techniques to describe the frequency components of nerve activities and to obtain evidence of modulation by central rhythm generators. Peaks in sympathetic spectra appeared in the 4-11 Hz band; however, coherences between sympathetic nerves occurred at 4-5 Hz, while that between sympathetic and phrenic nerves occurred at 8-9 Hz. These findings indicate modulation by sympathetic and inspiratory rhythm generators.