Electrophysiological evidence for hypothalamic defense area input to cells in the lateral tegmental field of the medulla of rabbits

Single cell recordings were made from neurons in the lateral tegmental field of the medulla (LTFM) during electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic defense area (HDA) of the rabbit. Fifty-four cells were inhibited by HDA stimulation; 23 of these cells received barosensory input. Twenty-two LTFM cells showed an increase in firing rate during HDA stimulation; 10 of these cells received barosensory input. The results of this study provide evidence that the hypothalamic defense area makes functional connections with cardiovascular-influenced neurons in the LTFM.