The raphe magnus/pallidus regulates sweat secretion and skin vasodilation of the cat forepaw pad: A preliminary electrical stimulation study

In the human palm/sole, mental or physical stimuli induce an increase in sweat secretion and a decrease in skin blood flow (SkBF). However, the central pathways A these responses remain unclear. We measured sweat secretion and SkBF in the cat footpad by electrically stimulating the raphe. Stimulation of the rostra] raphe magnus/pallidus elicited a reduction in SkBF without affecting sweat secretion. Stimulation of the mid to caudal raphe magnus/pallidus elicited an increase in both sweat secretion and SkBF The raphe magnus/pallidus may play a crucial role in skin vasomotor and sudomotor responses, in the cat footpad. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.