Baroreceptor sensitive neurones in the anterior hypothalamus of the cat

1. The activity of 372 neurones, located within or close to the hypothalamic depressor area, was recorded on raising the pressure within a vascularly isolated carotid sinus.2. When the intrasinusal pressure was raised abruptly to 200 mm Hg the activity of fifteen neurones was enhanced and of six inhibited.3. The neurones exhibiting excitation on baroreceptor afferent stimulation were broadly divisible into two groups. Nine neurones responded with a marked increase in discharge frequency, the other six responded with a ;burst-on' discharge with a minimum latency of 90 msec. Excitation in both cases was always within 500 msec of the presentation of the stimulus. No functional distinction has been drawn from these responses.4. Evidence has been obtained suggesting that the responses of both types of neurone showing excitation may be potentiated using a pulsatile rather than static stimulus.5. The role of the neurones in the integration of the carotid sinus baroreceptor reflex is discussed. It is suggested that the hypothalamic depressor area represents the rostral extension of the integrative centre for the reflex.