Cuneiform nucleus stimulation modifies laryngeal activity and subglottic pressure in spontaneously breathing anaesthetized rats

Abstract

Background Abduction and adduction of the vocal folds are performed by two populations of motoneurons located in the caudal portion of the nucleus Ambiguus (nA). In the rat, the loose formation of the nA contains motoneurons innervating the laryngeal muscles. In previous studies we have demonstrated a functional interaction between hypothalamic (DMH-PeF), mesencephalic (dlPAG) and pontine nuclei (PBc, A5 region) involved in cardiorespiratory control and in changes of laryngeal caliber (López-González et al., 2020; Lara et al., 2002). The Cuneifom nucleus (CnF) of the mesencephalon has afferent and efferent connections with all these nuclei. The aim of this study was to characterize the electrophysiological relationships between the CnF and those pontine-medullary neuronal circuits to understand their role in laryngeal control and its effect on vocalization.