Supramedullary modulation of sympathetic vasomotor function

Abstract

1. Supramedullary structures including the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and the midbrain cuneiform nucleus (CnF) project directly and indirectly to premotor sympatho-excitatory neurons of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) that are critically involved in the generation of sympathetic vasomotor tone. 2. Electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that activation of depressor sites within the MPFC is associated with splanchnic sympathetic vasomotor inhibition and inhibition of the activity of RVLM sympatho-excitatory neurons. 3. Antidromic mapping and anatomical studies support the notion that a relay in the nucleus tractus solitarius is involved in the cardiovascular respo..