Neuronal activity in the medulla oblongata during vocalization. A single-unit recording study in the squirrel monkey

Abstract

In six squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus), the medulla oblongata was explored with microelectrodes, looking for vocalization-correlated activity. The vocalizations were elicited by microinjections of glutamate agonists into the periaqueductal grey of the midbrain. Vocalization-related cells were found in greater numbers in the nucl. ambiguus (Ab) and retroambiguus (RAb), in the parvocellular, magnocellular and central reticular formation as well as in the solitary tract nucleus and spinal trigeminal nucleus. Small numbers were also found in the vestibular complex, cuneate nuclei, inferior olive and lateral reticular nucleus. A differentiation of the neuronal responses into 12 reaction types reveals that the frequency of each reaction type varies from brain structure to brain structure, thus allowing a specification of the different vocalization-related areas. According to this specification, it is proposed that initiation of vocalization takes place via the parvocellular reticular formation; vocal pattern control is mainly brought about by the parvocellular reticular formation, Ab, solitary tract nucleus and spinal trigeminal nucleus; expiratory control and respiratory-laryngeal coordination is carried out by the RAb, Ab and central nucleus of the reticular formation; vocalization-specific postural adjustments are carried out via the vestibular and cuneate nuclei.