Sessle BJ, Henry JL. Neural mechanisms of swallowing: neurophysiological and neurochemical studies on brain stem neurons in the solitary tract region.
Dysphagia 1989;
4:61-75. [PMID:
2484181 DOI:
10.1007/bf02407148]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neurophysiological studies of the nuclei of the tractus solitarius (NTS) and adjacent regions have provided a partial understanding of the integrative brainstem network underlying swallowing and related functions such as respiration. The NTS is also richly endowed with an abundance of neuropeptides and other neuroactive substances, but only limited information is available on their influences on neurons involved specifically in swallowing. Since dysfunction of these neurophysiological and neurochemical regulatory mechanisms in the NTS region may be important in pathophysiological conditions such as dysphagia, increased awareness of and focus on these mechanisms are warranted. This paper outlines recent neurophysiological and neurochemical data that provide information on the afferent inputs and neurophysiological properties of neurons in NTS and adjacent caudal brainstem regions implicated in swallowing, respiration, and respiratory-related reflexes.
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