Effects of stimulation of midline inhibitory area within the pontine tegmentum on scratch reflex.

Effects of stimulation of the midline inhibitory area of the dorsal tegmental field (DTF) in the pons on the fictive scratch reflex were studied in decerebrate immobilized cats. The fictive scratch reflex was evoked by tactile stimulation of the pinna. DTF stimulation suppressed both the scratch-related rhythmical activities of the nerves (ENGs) supplying m. lateralis gastrocnemius and m. tibialis anterior, and of the interneurons at the 'leading' area of the spinal cord (L5 segment) where the scratch rhythm generator is presumably located.