Modulation of cortically induced rhythmical jaw movements by stimulation of the red nucleus in the rat

We study whether stimulation of the red nucleus (RN) can modulate rhythmical jaw movements in rats anesthetized by urethane. Rhythmical jaw movements were induced by repetitive electrical stimulation of the two cortical masticatory areas (area A: the orofacial motor cortex; area P: the insular cortex). Stimuli applied to the RN did influence rhythmical jaw movements induced by stimulation of the A-area. Stimuli applied in the jaw-closing phase increased the amplitude of the jaw-closing movement. Stimuli applied in the jaw-opening phase disturbed the rhythm of jaw movements and induced a small jaw-closing movement. Stimuli applied to the RN did not influence rhythmical jaw movements induced by stimulation of the P-area. These results indicate that the RN is involved in the modulation of rhythmical jaw movements induced by stimulation of the A-area.