Changes in the Breuer-Hering reflexes following rostral pontine lesion

Abstract

The lung stretch reflex characteristics of unanesthetized decerebrate cats were determined using servo-controlled lung volume changes before and after bilateral lesion of the dorsolateral rostral pons in the region of nucleus parabrachialis medialis (NPBM). During the inspiratory phase the time-dependent threshold curve for inspiratory inhibition by lung inflation was shifted to larger volumes after lesion with no change in the constant describing its rate of decay. During the expiratory phase the gain of the inflation reflex was found to be increased by lesion, but otherwise to remain qualitatively the same. Deflations during the expiratory phase revealed a prolonged central inhibitory state with reduced rate of decay late in expiration. It is concluded that with intact vagi structures in the region of NPBM constitute but one of at least three sources of inspiratory inhibition, feedback derived from peripheral lung stretch receptors and from caudal pontine or medullary neurons also being involved. It is also concluded that the structures in the vicinity of NPBM affect the switching mechanisms differently during the two phases of the cycle: During inspiration they contribute a tonic threshold lowering input to the inspiratory 'offswitch'; whereas, during expiration they provide inspiratory-facilitatory influences late in the phase.