Effect of auditory stimulation on parasympathetic nerve activity in urethane-anesthetized rats

In Vivo. 2009 May-Jun;23(3):415-9.

Abstract

Previously, it has been demonstrated that auditory stimulation with music (Traeumerei [TM] by Schumann) decreased renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and blood pressure (BP) with a central mechanism, while it is unknown whether TM affects parasympathetic nerve activity. Here, the effects of auditory stimulation with TM on gastric vagal nerve activity (GVNA) in urethane-anesthetized rats were investigated. Auditory stimulation with TM, but not with white noise (WN) caused a significant elevation of GVNA. In addition, exposure to TM increased the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive cells in the auditory cortex (AuC). These findings suggest that exposure to music can increase GVNA through the auditory pathway.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation*
  • Animals
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System / drug effects*
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Urethane / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Urethane