[Experimental aspects of the central nervous system - the insular system. 2. Reaction of the dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve to insulin deficiency].

The kariometric method was used to study the response of the nerve cells of the Nucl. dorsalis nervi vagi to insulin deficiency in rats with alloxan diabetes. Response to experimentally-induced diabetes of the nerve cells of the Nucl. tractus solitarii, adjacent nucleus in the medulla oblongata, served as control. In both cases the size of the cell nuclei of the areas under study was compared with the size of the cell nuclei in the same regions of the medulla oblongata of intact rats. Distinct and statistically significant shifts in the size of the cell nuclei of the Nucl. dorsalis nervi vagi in rats with alloxan diabetes were revealed in comparison with control measurements. Thus, sensitivity of the central nucleus of the vagus to insulin deficiency was revealed. Possible ways of participation of the vagus in the control of the insular apparatus are discussed.