A Hypothalamic Structure with a Marked Inhibitory Effect on Tonic Sympathetic Activity

Abstract

Abstract In cats the brain has been explored with the Horsley‐Clarke technique in a search for hypothalamic structures from which distinct inhibitions of sympathetic activity can be elicited. Just behind and below the anterior commissure, about 2 mm from the midline, a restricted area has been localized, from which often drastic inhibitions of sympathetic vasoconstrictor‐accelerans tone can be induced. It is suggested that this structure constitutes a hypothalamic relay station for cortical inhibitory pathways to subordinated sympathetic structures, mainly affecting the discharge of the medullary vasomotor centre.