Asymmetrical changes in lumbar sympathetic nerve activity following stimulation of the sciatic nerve in rat

► Asymmetrical lumbar sympathetic nerve activity after unilateral sciatic nerve stimulation. ► Increases in sympathetic activity on both sides, but also a decrease on the ipsilateral response. ► Both the ipsilateral and contralateral responses are mediated supraspinally in the RVLM. ► Blockade of glutamate receptors in RVLM abolished the sympathoexcitation but not the inhibition. ► Blood flow adjustments after stimulation of somatic afferents are integrated supraspinally.