Abstract

Introduction

Materials & Methods

Results

Discussion & Conclusion

References

Discussion
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Estrous cats and rats are suitable models to study reflex responses after stimulation which mimics stimulation by the male. In Cat: tapping of the genital area and pressuring the fur of the neck produce facilitation of the monosynaptic response evoked during electrical stimulation of the gastrocnemius nerve (extensor) and inhibits the polysynaptic component. Slight pressure against the cervix produces, in intact and ovariectomized groups, inhibition of the monosynaptic response, while estrogen treatment inverts the effect. In Rat: stimulation of the perineal skin, clitorial sheath or lower vagina elicits reflexive electromiographic activity in the iliococcygeous and pubococcygeous muscles, while no effect is obtained in the psoas major and iliacus muscles. By slight pressure to the cervix, the latter muscles are strongly activated and iliococcygeuos and pubococcygeous muscles inhibited. Pelvic, pudendal and genitofemoral nerves are mediating this reflex activity. The vaginal orifice of the rat occasionally dilates. Tapping of the perigenital area reflexively dilates this orifice. Taps are proportionally effective according to the different stages of the estrous cycle, estrus being the more significant. Ovariectomy abolishes spontaneous dilations and reduces effectiveness of tapping. EB or EB+P reinstate the effectiveness of tapping. Genitofemoral or pudendal nerves participates in this somato-visceral reflex.

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Presentation Number SApacheco0612
Keywords: lordosis, vaginal orifice, cervix, pelvic nerve, pudendal nerve