Spinal trigeminal tractotomy and nociceptive reactions evoked by tooth pulp stimulation in the cat

The effect of transection of the descending root of the spinal trigeminal tract on nociceptive and aversive reactions evoked by stimulation of the tooth pulp nerve was studied in cats. The transection was performed 1-1.5 mm caudally to the obex. 1. The nociceptive reaction, characterized by wide opening of the jaw, dorsiflexion and rotation of the head and by signs of affective behaviour, remained unchanged after transection of the descending root of the trigeminal nerve (n = 6). 2. The instrumental escape reaction was elaborated in three cats before transection of the descending root of the trigeminal nerve and in three cats after transection. The escape reaction was retained after transection of the descending root and the speed of learning to escape the tooth pulp stimulation did not significantly differ in these two groups of animals. 3. It is to be concluded that the transection of the descending root of the spinal trigeminal tract in the cat does not result in dental analgesia.