[Traditional and new concepts of the vasomotor center]

Abstract

Logical foundations of classical bulbar vasomotor center theory, experimental evidence on spinal localization of amphibian vasomotor center and results of electrophysiological investigation of the late components of somato-vasomotor reflexes in mammals provided basis for a new concept of the mammalian vasomotor center presenting this center as a functionally single system of spinal and bulbar mechanisms. According to this concept, phylogenetically ancient functions of the spinal part of that system (generation of tonic discharges of vasoconstrictor neurons and their reflex reactions to spinal afferent's signals) are maintained and controlled by the bulbar part, i.e. by autogenetically active neuronal circuits as well as by own afferents of the bulbar part of this single system.