A Descending Vesicopressor Pathway in the Monkey 1

Abstract

Summary

The location of a descending vesicopressor pathway in the spinal cord was investigated in Macaca mulatta, lightly anesthetized (pentobarbital) and immobilized in a stereotaxic frame. The lateral columns of the spinal cords were explored with stimulating microelectrodes moved 250 to 500 μ between stimuli using dorsoventral penetration. Detrusor activity was monitored using a pressure transducer connected to an intravesical catheter. A descending vesicopressor pathway was outlined in the lateral funiculus of spinal cord segments C₆ through T₁ by mapping the points of maximum detrusor response. These points of maximum detrusor response were found in an area near the junction of the dorsal and ventral halves of the lateral columns extending from the region of the denticulate ligament laterally, to the spinal cord gray medially.

The author wishes to thank Dr. Edward W. Lauer and Dr. Charles L. Votaw in whose laboratories and under whose guidance much of this work was done. My appreciation goes also to Mr. William L. Brudon who prepared the drawings and photographs.