Viscero-Motor Reflexes

Abstract

STIMULATION of the sensory nerves of the abdominal viscera has given mixed results in the hands of different observers. Miller and his colleagues^{1, 2} obtained movements of the hind legs and belly muscles on centripetal stimulation of the mesenteric nerves of decapitated cats. Squeezing the intestine and traction on the mesentery were also effective. Lewis and Kellgren³, on the other hand, obtained no movement of the legs or belly muscles on pinching the duodenum, but did record a rise of blood pressure. Pinching the pancreas caused both muscle movements and rise of blood pressure. McDowall⁴, in 1942, stated that occlusion of the carotid and vertebral arteries of a decerebrated cat produces a spinal preparation devoid of shock, and that certain stimuli, such as stretching the gut, cause marked limb movements. He pointed out that a successful result is obtained only if the preparation is not over-ventilated.