Functional characterization of preganglionic neurons projecting in the lumbar splanchnic nerves: vasoconstrictor neurons

Abstract

Lumbar preganglionic neurons, which project in the lumbar splanchnic nerves and which probably have a vasoconstrictor function (visceral vasoconstrictor, VVC neurons), were analyzed for their discharge patterns. The responses of these neurons to the following natural stimuli were tested: stimulation of arterial baroreceptors, arterial chemoreceptors and visceral afferents from the urinary bladder, the colon and the mucosal skin of the anus. Forty-nine preganglionic neurons were classified as VVC neurons. They showed the following characteristics: the ongoing activity of the VVC neurons exhibited pronounced cardiac rhythmicity and correlated with the cycle of the artificial ventilation. Stimulation of arterial baroreceptors, produced by increase of blood pressure or by increase of pressure in an isolated carotid blind sac, led to inhibition of activity in VVC neurons. Unloading of arterial baroreceptors, produced by decrease of blood pressure, led to an increase in VVC neuron activity. Stimulation of arterial chemoreceptors by bolus injections of CO2-enriched saline solution, close to a carotid glomus, led to a weak excitation of VVC neurons. Stimulation of arterial chemoreceptors by systemic hypoxia led to weak excitation and/or to depression of activity in VVC neurons. Stimulation of visceral afferents from urinary bladder and colon by isovolumetric contractions and distensions of the organs had no effect on most VVC neurons. Anal stimulation also did not induce reflexes in the majority of the VVC neurons. Some 14% of the VVC neurons (7 from 49) were excited by at least one of the visceral stimuli in the same manner as the motility-regulating (MR) neurons. This investigation shows that preganglionic neurons, probably involved in regulation of vascular resistance in colon and pelvic organs, are functionally a distinct population of neurons with some interesting functional overlap with the motility-regulating neurons.