[Discharge patterns of non-motoneurons in the facial nucleus of rats].

Abstract

Objective: To explore the discharge patterns of non-motoneurons in the facial nucleus of rats.

Methods: After retrograde degeneration of the facial motoneurons induced by section of the facial nerve, the discharge of non-motoneurons in the facial nucleus was extracellularly monitored, and their phase relations to the respiratory cycle were investigated.

Results: In 18 rats, totally 142 non-motoneurons with spontaneous discharge were recorded in the facial nucleus. Among them, 127 (89.4%) were non-respiratory related neurons (NRRNs) and 15 (10.6%), respiratory related neurons (RRNs).

Conclusion: There exist different kinds of nonmotoneurons in the facial nucleus. The results of this study suggest that the facial nucleus not only controls the movement of the facial skeletal muscles, but also participates in the regulation of other functions such as respiration.