INTEGRATION OF CNS MECHANISMS OF REFLEXES

二十多年来，人们一直认为棘上网络 主要通过抑制机制来控制性反射。而当 大多数工作都强调了下丘脑和中脑在 性行为，关于延髓的信息很少 控制男性的性反射。最近，我们定义了一个区域 大鼠巨细胞旁核(NPGi)的吻区 控制脊柱性下行抑制的腹侧延髓 雄性大鼠的反射(Marson&McKenna 1990a)。 这些研究的直接目标是检查脑干的作用。 在涉及脊髓的自主神经和躯体系统的整合中 性反射，并研究脑干通路和机制 控制性功能的神经活动。长期目标 这些研究的目的是了解中枢神经系统对性功能的调节 对环境刺激的反应。 拟议的研究将检验nPGi整合的假设。 自主神经和躯体活动服从持续和反射控制 脊椎性反射，并将检查假定的神经递质 参与了脑干控制性反射的过程。建议进行的研究 将包括相关的神经解剖学、神经生理学和 神经药理学实验。脑干的走行和位置 投射到nPGi吻部的神经元，这是一个控制下行的区域 脊椎性反射的抑制将被绘制出来。特征描述 神经递质/S参与脊髓性功能的阐述 反射将使用神经药理学和 免疫组织化学技术。假设5-羟色胺 在脊椎性反射中起抑制作用的将被检查。 从下丘脑视前内侧区(MPOA)到丘脑内侧视前区的通路 吻部nPGi将被映射。这些研究将提供一个解剖学和 对照组下丘脑和脊髓之间的功能联系 性的反应。延髓、MPOA和 相互连接的部位，包括阴部、盆腔和腹下神经 性交的活动性、阴部内血流和性交的激活 反射“将通过化学刺激和损伤进行检查 解剖学上确定的脑干神经元。每项研究都将推进 关于组织、集成和控制的现有知识 涉及男性性反射的脑干机制。 这项提案将研究延髓如何调节脊柱性反射。 最终为动物的执行和完成做好准备 性功能。有关解剖、功能和功能的新信息 调节性反射的通路的化学特异性/异质性 在男性身上会有所收获。这些研究具有很强的临床应用价值。 提供性功能障碍治疗的含义，并解释 由治疗剂引起的相对常见的功能障碍的基础。

For over two decades it has been hypothesized that supraspinal networks control sexual reflexes primarily by inhibitory mechanisms. While the majority of work has emphasized a role for the hypothalamus and midbrain in sexual behavior, little information is available concerning the medullary control of sexual reflexes in males. Recently, we have defined an area in the rostral region of the nucleus paragigantocellularis (nPGi) in the ventral medulla that controls the descending inhibition of spinal sexual reflexes in the male rat (Marson & McKenna 1990a). The immediate goal of these studies is to examine the role of the brainstem in the integration of autonomic and somatic systems involved in spinal sexual reflexes and to examine how brainstem pathways and mechanisms control the neural activity underlying sexual function. The long term goals of these studies are to understand CNS regulation of sexual function in response to environmental stimuli. The proposed studies will examine the hypothesis that the nPGi integrates autonomic and somatic activity subserving ongoing and reflex control of spinal sexual reflexes and will examine the putative neurotransmitters involved in the brainstem control of sexual reflexes. The proposed studies will consist of correlative neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and neuropharmacological experiments. The course and location of brainstem neurons projecting to the rostral nPGi, a region controlling the descending inhibition of spinal sexual reflexes will be mapped. Characterization of the neurotransmitter/s involved in the elaboration of spinal sexual reflexes will be identified using neuropharmacological and immunohistochemical techniques. The hypothesis that 5-hydroxytryptamine plays an inhibitory role in spinal sexual reflexes will be examined. Pathways from the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus (MPOA) to the rostral nPGi will be mapped. These studies will provide an anatomical and functional link between the hypothalamus and the spinal cord in the control of sexual reflexes. The contribution of the medulla, MPOA and interconnecting sites, with respect pudendal, pelvic and hypogastric nerve activity, internal pudendal blood flow and activation of the 'coitus reflex' will be examined using chemical stimulation and lesions of anatomically identified brainstem neurons. Each study will advance the existing knowledge of the organization, integration and control of the brainstem mechanisms involved in male sexual reflexes. This proposal will examine how the medulla modulates spinal sexual reflexes which ultimately prepare the animal for the execution and completion of sexual function. New information concerning the anatomical, functional and chemical specificity/heterogeneity of pathways modulating sexual reflexes in the male will be gained. These studies have strong clinical implications providing treatment of sexual dysfunction, and for explaining the basis for relatively common dysfunction produced by therapeutic agents.