Problems associated with the identification of brain stem neurons responsible for sympathetic nerve discharge

A study of the role of lower brain stem neurons generating sympathetic nerve discharge and reactions. A discussion of the problem and requirements for its resolution is followed by a description of approaches made and discussion of reported findings as well as new observations. There is a discussion of the possible origin of respiratory linked rhythms in sympathetic nerve discharge. Spike-triggered averaging was used to relate medullary neuron and inferior cardiac sympathetic nerve discharge under varying external and internal circumstance. Data obtained indicate that it is possible to identify and distinguish reticular neurons which govern sympathetic nerve discharge from other functional types.