Nucleus of the solitary tract and the J reflex

Experiments were carried out on cats anaesthetized with chloralose-urethane with a view to defining certain central pathways for the J reflex elicited by the right atrial injection of phenyldiguanide. The resulting motor inhibition was manifested by reduction in the amplitude of the knee jerk. The dorsal surface of the medulla was exposed and free riding platinum quartz electrodes were introduced into the nucleus of solitary tract. Lesions were made in the NTS by passing current of know intensity through the electrodes. The J reflex was abolished by bilateral lesions in the NTS. It was concluded that the nucleus of solitary tractisan essential part of the central pathway of the J reflex.