AMONG the topics which Kinnier Wilson 1 has selected as representing some modern problems in neurology is that presented by the clinical picture of dissociation of the voluntary and emotional innervation of the facial muscles. It has long been known that patients suffering a paralysis of volitional movement of the facial musculature, as a result of supranuclear cortical or capsular lesions, may retain an activity of these muscles in the expression of emotion. Conversely, cases have been reported in which voluntary activation of the facial muscles has been unimpaired, while emotional excitement failed to produce the appropriate facial expression.In his review of this subject, Kinnier Wilson 2 has suggested in explanation that the voluntary and emotional innervations of the facial nuclei are effected by different systems within the brain. Enlarging upon this suggestion, Wilson has postulated a brainstem mechanism which subserves the synkinesis of the facial, vocal and respiratory activity observed in emotional behaviour. Further elucidation has been provided by Bard 3 in a consideration of facial and vocal activity from the point of view of his 4' 5 recent studies of the brainstem mechanisms involved in the expression of emotion.Our interest in this problem has developed from a series of investigations of these brainstem mechanisms
In dogs anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital, unilateral stimulation of intact pelvic nerves or of their distal cut ends, with or without section of the hypogastrics, and at various frequencies and intravesical pressures, always produced prompt and vigorous contractions in all regions of the corresponding side of the viscus. On the contralateral side the responses were weaker, more variable and, in general consisted of several types: a) prompt and vigorous contractions similar to those observed on the stimulated side; b) slightly delayed contractions which were also similar to those obtained on the homolateral side; c) contractions preceded by relaxations; d) relaxations of the detrusor which persisted for the duration of the stimulation; e) isolated segments of the viscus which were totally unresponsive to stimulation. The responses obtained in dogs following unilateral stimulation of pelvic nerves were similar in most respects to those observed previously in cats.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.