Journal of the autonomic nervous system
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The various transgenic strains of mice make this species an attractive experimental model. We compared qualitatively some cardiorespiratory reflexes in two different preparations of mouse: in vivo urethane anaesthetised and a working heart-brainstem preparation (WHBP). Cardiorespiratory reflexes were evoked by stimulating baroreceptors, pulmonary vagal C fibres and cardiac receptors in both preparations, while peripheral chemoreceptors were also stimulated in the WHBP. ⋯ Additionally, sodium cyanide stimulation of peripheral chemoreceptors in the WHBP produced an atropine-sensitive bradycardia and increased respiratory frequency and amplitude. Thus, the cardiorespiratory reflex responses elicited in the mouse are similar to those reported in other species. It is concluded that the qualitatively similar reflex performances between the in vivo anaesthetised mouse and the WHBP make the latter an adequate model for studying central mechanisms controlling the cardiorespiratory system.