Alterations of phrenic nerve activity caused by stimulation of neuronal structures in rostral area of ventral surface of the medulla oblongata

Electrical stimulation of neuronal structures in a rostral area of the ventral bulbar surface alters central inspiratory activity in anesthetized rats, augmenting the amplitude and velocity of this activity during the periods of its increase and plateau. The reactions are more pronounced in rats with transected vagal nerves. Blockade of pulmonary mechanoreceptors eliminates the influence of rostral neuronal structures only on the temporal parameters of the plateau. Bilateral cooling of neuronal structures to 20°C results in complete block of central inspiratory activity.