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Spinal interneurons with sympathetic nerve-related activity.

S M Barman, G L Gebber

The American Journal of Physiology

|November 1, 1984

Summary

This study identified spinal interneurons (SIN) that transmit sympathetic signals from the brainstem to preganglionic sympathetic neurons (PSN). These findings reveal a crucial role for interneurons in regulating sympathetic outflow.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Autonomic Nervous System Research
Spinal Cord Physiology

Background:

Sympathetic nervous system outflow is critical for regulating cardiovascular function.
The precise neural pathways mediating brainstem control of sympathetic outflow via the spinal cord remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To test the hypothesis that spinal interneurons are involved in brainstem and reflex control of sympathetic outflow.
To identify and characterize spinal neurons involved in sympathetic nerve activity regulation.

Main Methods:

Used baroreceptor-denervated cats under anesthesia.
Searched for neurons in the intermediolateral nucleus (IML) with activity correlated to sympathetic nerve firing.
Employed spike-triggered averaging and electrical stimulation of medullary and spinal sites.

Main Results:

Identified two types of spinal neurons: preganglionic sympathetic neurons (PSN) and spinal interneurons (SIN).
SIN could not be antidromically activated via the white ramus, unlike PSN.
SIN and PSN exhibited similar activation latencies from medullary sites and cardiac sympathetic afferent stimulation.
SIN showed shorter spontaneous interspike intervals compared to PSN.

Conclusions:

Demonstrated the existence of spinal interneurons (SIN) that relay sympathetic information.
These SIN likely form part of the pathways that excite preganglionic sympathetic neurons (PSN).
Findings support the hypothesis that spinal interneurons mediate sympathetic outflow control.

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