Suppressive effect of the swallowing reflex by stimulation of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus

This study investigates whether the swallowing reflex is modulated by stimulation of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PTg). Sprague-Dawley rats under urethane anesthesia were used. The swallowing reflex was induced by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve and was identified by the electromyographic activities from the mylohyoid muscle. The number of swallows was reduced by electrical stimulation of the PTg. The latency of the onset of the first swallow was increased during stimulation of the PTg. The duration of electromyogram bursts of the mylohyoid muscle was significantly shorter during the PTg stimulation than with no stimulation. The number of swallows was reduced, latency of onset of the first swallow increased, the duration of electromyogram bursts of the mylohyoid muscle was significantly shorter and the peak-to-peak amplitude of electromyogram bursts of the mylohyoid muscle was significantly suppressed after microinjection of glutamate into the PTg. These results suggest that the PTg is involved in the control of swallowing.