Afferent and efferent connections of the mesencephalic cardioinhibitory area (CIM) in the cat

Abstract

The afferent and efferent connections between the cardioinhibitory area in the midbrain tegmental field (CIM) and brain stem structures related to cardiovascular integration in cats were investigated by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for both cell origins and axonal terminations and by chemical (kainic acid) lesion for topographic pathways. Retrogradely labeled neurons were observed in the gigantocellular reticular nucleus (GRN), the pontine reticular nucleus of the pons (PON), the ambiguus nucleus (AN) and the paramedian reticular nucleus (PRN). A few neurons were also labeled in the following structures i.e., ventrolateral medulla (VLM), dorsomedial medulla (DMM), dorsomotor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV) and nucleus of solitary tract (NTS). Anterograde HRP labeled terminals were found surrounding the cell bodies of the aforementioned structures. They were most abundant in VLM, DMM, DMV, NTS, moderate in GRN, PRN and AN, but only scanty in hypothalamus. The fiber pathway of CIM neurons was also traced by degenerating fibers consequent to kainic acid lesion and by means of silver stain. Degenerating fiber bundle was found primarily projecting through the medial portion of the mesencephalic pontine structures. As the bundle reached the medulla oblongata, it bifurcated into a dorsal and a ventral tracts on its course. The dorsal tract was primarily coursing through the dorsomedial area, including DMM, NTS and DMV, and the ventral tract was mainly passing VLM, AN and inferior olivary nucleus (ION) areas. The present findings suggest that neurons in the CIM may receive inputs from various cardiovascular-related structures and make output bilaterally to some of pontine and medullary structures to modulate cardiovascular functions. Based on the anatomical findings, the profound bradycardia produced by CIM stimulation may be mediated through the following mechanisms: A. Direct activation of vagal preganglionic neurons in DMV, AN and ION. B. Indirect activation of neurons in GRN for vagal activation and of neurons in PRN for sympathetic inhibition.