Neuroscience 2000 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 310.1 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Visceral control sites in the human brainstem: a functional MRI study. |
| Authors: |
Topolovec, J.*1
; Gati, J. S.2
; Menon, R. S.2
; Cechetto, D. F.1
1Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada 2John P. Robarts Research Institute, London, Canada |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
E. Endocrine and Autonomic Regulation - 66. Cardiovascular regulation: central control |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | F. Sensory Systems<br />- 70. Somatic and visceral afferents |
| Session: |
310. Cardiovascular regulation: central control Slide |
| Presentation Time: | Monday, November 6, 2000 1:00 PM-1:15 PM |
| Location: | Room 395 |
| Keywords: | NUCLEUS OF THE SOLITARY TRACT, PARABRACHIAL NUCLEUS, PERIAQUEDUCTAL GRAY, CARDIOPULMONARY AFFERENTS |
The relay of visceral sensory information through the brainstem to cortical structures has been determined primarily in animals using neuroanatomical and/or electrophysiological techniques. Visceral sensation, including gustatory, cardiopulmonary and gastric, is relayed within the medulla, in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) to the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) for autonomic reflexes or to the parabrachial (PB) nucleus of the pons for relay to the forebrain. This representation of visceral information within the brainstem has not yet been demonstrated conclusively in humans. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to demonstrate that the NTS, VLM and PB are the critical brain stem sites mediating autonomic control in the human. The Valsalva's maneuver, isometric hand grip and maximal inspiration were used to stimulate cardiopulmonary receptors and cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Ten subjects were scanned in a 4T functional MRI while performing these tasks. High resolution (1.5 mm in-plane voxel size, 3 mm thick slices) functional images were acquired in 8 shots with an acquisition time of 6 sec (TE= 10 msec). Activation in response to the cardiopulmonary stimuli was observed in the dorsal medulla and pons as anticipated. This study demonstrates for the first time in humans that discrete sites within the brainstem mediate the relay of visceral sensory information to the forebrain.
Supported by Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2000 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2000. Online.
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