EN
We studied the effects of MNR stimulation on phrenic (Phr) electroneurogram and external intercoastal muscles (EI)electromiogram in spontaneously breathing rabbits.Additionally, experiments were performed before and after lignocaine blockade of nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) to determine whether the information from MNR is transmitted via NTS neurones.The completness of the blockade of NTS region was checked by studying the Hering-Breuer reflex.Stimulation at the rostral part of this region produced inhibition of phasic inspiratory activity, whereas stimulation in the caudal part elicited tonic activity throughout the respiratory cycle.These effects were more pronounced on EI than on Phr.Responses to MNR stimulation were attenuated after lignocaine blockade, suggesting that the neurones located in NTS take part inthe transmission of the modulatory information from the MNR to respiratory motoneurones.