Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
1-2
pubmed:dateCreated
1996-10-11
pubmed:abstractText
The present study was designed to ascertain whether the vagus nerves convey functional sensory activity from the reproductive tract in rats. Previously, vaginocervical mechanostimulation (VS) was shown to increase pupil diameter (PD) and the threshold of vocalization to tail shock (Voc-T). These responses were attenuated but not abolished by combined bilateral transection of the 'genito-spinal' nerves (i.e. pelvic, hypogastric and pudendal). Subsequent bilateral vagotomy further reduced or abolished the residual responses. In the present study, spinal cord transection above the known level of entry of the genito-spinal nerves was combined with bilateral vagotomy. In ovariectomized rats, after spinal cord transection at thoracic 7 (T7X), lumbar 5 (L5X) levels, or sham surgery (Sh), responses to VS were measured, the vagus nerves were then transected bilaterally, and responses to VS were again measured. VS significantly increased Voc-T and PD after sham procedure or spinal cord transection at either level. Subsequent bilateral vagotomy abolished the VS-induced increase in PD in the T7X group. Due to low survival rate, the effect of vagotomy on Voc-T could not be determined. Consequently, we performed a second experiment. In non-ovariectomized rats, VS significantly increased PD but reduced Voc-T in the T7X group compared to the Sh group, and subsequent bilateral vagotomy abolished both responses. These findings provide evidence that, in the rat, the vagus nerves provide a functional sensory pathway from the reproductive tract directly to the medulla oblongata of the brain, bypassing the spinal cord.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Feb
pubmed:issn
0006-8993
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
5
pubmed:volume
708
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
128-34
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-14
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1996
pubmed:articleTitle
Brain-mediated responses to vaginocervical stimulation in spinal cord-transected rats: role of the vagus nerves.
pubmed:affiliation
Institute of Animal Behavior, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Newark, 07102, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.