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Rhythmogenesis in the sympathetic nervous system

G L Gebber, S M Barman

Federation Proceedings

|June 1, 1980

Summary

The 2--6 cycles per second (c/s) rhythm in sympathetic nerve discharge originates in the brain stem, not baroreceptor reflexes. This rhythm persists after decerebration, indicating inherent brain stem network capabilities.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Autonomic Nervous System Research

Background:

The 2--6 cycles per second (c/s) rhythm in sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) is a known physiological phenomenon.
Its precise origin, particularly whether it stems from baroreceptor reflexes or central nervous system networks, has been a subject of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the origin of the 2--6 c/s rhythm in feline sympathetic nerve discharge.
To determine the role of baroreceptor reflexes and brain stem networks in generating this rhythm.

Main Methods:

Experiments were conducted on cats, involving baroreceptor denervation and midcollicular decerebration.
Sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) was recorded and analyzed for rhythmic patterns.
High spinal transection was performed in some preparations.

Main Results:

The 2--6 c/s rhythm in SND was found not to be a simple consequence of baroreceptor reflexes.
The rhythm persisted in baroreceptor-denervated and decerebrate cats, but not after high spinal transection.
Two forms of the rhythm, simple and complex, were observed, with the complex form showing variability in slow wave occurrence.

Conclusions:

Brain stem networks possess the inherent capability to generate the 2--6 c/s rhythm in sympathetic nerve discharge (SND).
A model proposing coupled oscillators within the brain stem network, with a shifting lead oscillator, is presented to explain the complex form of the rhythm.

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