Urinary Bladder Irritation Alters Efficacy of Vagal Stimulation on Rostral Medullary Neurons in Chronic T8 Spinalized Rats

Abstract

The presence of pelvic visceral inputs to neurons in the rostral medulla that are responsive to electrical stimulation of the abdominal branches of the vagus nerve (VAG-abd) was investigated in a complete chronic T8 spinal transection rat model. Using extracellular electrophysiological recordings from single medullary reticular formation (MRF) neurons, 371 neurons in 15 rats responsive to pinching the ear (search stimulus) were tested for somato-visceral and viscero-visceral convergent responses to stimulation of the following nerves/territories: VAG-abd, dorsal nerve of the penis, pelvic nerve, distention of urinary bladder and colon, penile stimulation, urethral infusion, and touch/pinch of the entire body surface. In addition to these mechanical and electrical stimuli, a chemical stimulus applied to the bladder was assessed as well. Of the total neurons examined, 205 were tested before and 166 tested beginning 20 min after application of a chemical irritant (2% acetic acid) to the urinary bladder (same rats used pre/post irritation). As with intact controls, many ear-responsive MRF neurons responded to the electrical stimulation of VAG-abd. Although MRF neuron responses failed to be evoked with direct (mechanical and electrical nerve) pelvic visceral stimuli, acute chemical irritation of the urinary bladder produced a significant increase in the number of MRF neurons responsive to stimulation of VAG-abd. The results of this study indicate a central effect that potentially relates to some of the generalized below level pelvic visceral sensations that have been documented in patients with complete spinal cord injury.