[P1-3-16] Modulation of the swallowing reflex by the stimulation of the gigantocellular reticular nucleus
Keywords:嚥下反射、巨大細胞網様核、上喉頭神経
Our previous study reported that the swallowing reflex is suppressed by stimulation of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PTg). Morphological studies have demonstrated that the gigantocellular reticular nucleus (Gi) receives projection fibers from the PTg and projects to the solitary tract nucleus. This study explored whether the swallowing reflex is modulated by stimulation of the Gi. The swallowing reflex was evoked by repetitive electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN). In electrical experiments, the SLN and the Gi were stimulated simultaneously. The SLN alone was stimulated before and after the simultaneous stimulation. In chemical experiments, the glutamate was injected into the Gi. The SLN alone was stimulated before and after microinjection. After each recording, the stimulus sites were confirmed histologically. In both experiments, the number of swallows was increased or decreased by stimulation of the Gi. The onset latency of the first swallow was extended when the number of swallows was decreased by stimulation of the Gi. The present study suggests that the Gi is involved in the control of the swallowing reflex.