The effects of the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus on respiratory neurons of the medulla oblongata and respiration in rats in conditions of hypoxia

The effects of the associated mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus on spike activity of respiratory neurons in the medulla oblongata and on respiration were studied in normal conditions and in oxygen insufficiency. At normal atmospheric pressure, before animals were elevated to low pressures, electrical stimulation of the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus had predominantly inhibitory effects. At the initial phase of hypoxia, at a "height" of 4,000-5,000 m, hypoxic activation of neuron discharge frequency occurred. with an increase in the frequency of respiration. In these conditions, the inhibitory effect of stimulation of the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus was less marked than in normoxic conditions. The opposite effect occurred at the second phase of hypoxia (7,500-8,000 m)-inhibition of activity in the medulla oblongata and thalamic center. In severe hypoxia, there was inhibition of neuron spike activity and a decrease in the frequency of respiration, which became superficial; in these conditions, the inhibitory effect of the thalamus was insignificant.