GABA receptor-mediated inhibition of reflex deglutition in the cat

In anesthetized cats, swallowing elicited by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerves (SLNs) was inhibited by the GABA-mimetic muscimol and by diazepam, an action that was reversed by picrotoxin and bicuculline. This inhibition supports the involvement of GABA receptors, specifically those of the GABAA subtype which both antagonists have been shown to block in various areas of the central nervous system. The inhibition of reflex swallowing and its reversal were unaltered by a transection of the brainstem at a midcollicular level. Stimulation of the SLNs also caused a bradycardia that was inhibited by both muscimol and diazepam and was restored by both GABA antagonists. Data from these experiments provide suggestive evidence for a role of GABA-ergic transmission in the central control of the deglutitory reflex.