A brainstem circuit for the expression of defensive facial reactions in rat.

ABSTRACT: The brainstem houses neuronal circuits that control homeostasis of vital functions. These include the depth and rate of breathing^1,2 and, critically, apnea, a transient cessation of breathing that prevents noxious vapors from entering further into the respiratory tract. Current thinking is that this reflex is mediated by two sensory pathways. One known pathway involves vagal and glossopharyngeal afferents that project to the nucleus of the solitary tract.^3,4,5 Yet, apnea induced by electrical stimulation of the nasal epithelium or delivery of ammonia vapors to the nose persists after brainstem transection at the pontomedullary junction, indicating that the circuitry that mediates this reflex is intrinsi

SUBMITTER: Callado Perez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11034846 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature