Single unit responses in the auditory center of the frog mesencephalon to amplitude-modulated tones

Responses of most single neurons of the torus semicircularis ofRana ridibunda to stimuli of characteristic frequency and with low (10–30%) sinusoidal amplitude modulation were considerably stronger than those of the same neurons to pure tones. Analysis of phase histograms synchronized with the period of modulation was used to study dependence of the response on the frequency of modulation. In some cells the degree of modulation of the phase histogram fell steadily with an increase in modulation frequency, but in others a maximum was found in the 10–20 Hz region. Usually modulations of the phase histogram were significantly greater than stimulus modulation. The phase angle between the maximum of stimulus amplitude and the maximum of the unit response increased as an approximately linear function of the increase in modulation frequency.N. N. Andreev Acoustic Institute, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 264–271, May–June, 1980.     

Auditory units in the medulla of the marsh frog with unusual patterns of spontaneous activity

Statistical properties of spontaneous firing were studied in 79 single auditory units located in the dorsal medullar (cochlear) nucleus of unanaesthetized curarized marsh frogs (Rana ridibunda). The great majority of these units showed irregular spontaneous activity with mean rates in the range 1–30 spikes · s^–1. In 53% of the cells the auto-renewal functions of the spontaneous activity monotonically rose to an asymptotic value, but 41% of the cells produced auto-renewal functions which showed a pronounced peak after a dead-time period. Five low-frequency auditory neurons revealed periodic firing in the absence of controlled stimuli. The preferred period did not correspond to the unit's best frequency but demonstrated a modest correlation with the best modulation frequency of the unit's response to amplitude-modulated tones and with the duration of the after-onset dip in peri-stimulus time histograms.Abbreviations AM amplitude modulation - ARF auto-renewal function - DMN dorsal medullar nucleus - PST peristimulus time - SA spontaneous activity - TID time interval distribution - RMG response modulation gain     

Characteristics of electrical responses by the medial geniculate bodies in Vespertilionidae and Rhinolophidae to ultrasonic stimuli with different frequencies

The total electrical responses and action potentials of the neurons in the medial geniculate bodies in Vespertilionidae and Rhinolophidae were investigated. Maximum sensitivity to ultrasonic stimuli was recorded inMyotis oxygnathus (Vespertilionidae) in the range 10–40 kc/sec and 65–80 kc/sec, and in Rhinolophidae in the ranges 10–70 kc/sec and 81–86 kc/sec. Low thresholds were observed inMyotis oxygnathus for the frequencies covered by their echo-location cries, whereas the thresholds recorded in Rhinolophidae in the 80 kc/sec band (the principal frequency of their echo location cries) were 15–30 dB higher than those for adjacent frequencies. Minimum thresholds of off-responses were observed inMyotis oxygnathus in the range 50–60 kc/sec, and in Rhinolophidae in the range 78–80 kc/sec. The regions of neuronal response in both species of bat were generally similar in form to those of responses recorded in the medial geniculate bodies of other mammals. Some of the neurons in Rhinolophidae with a characteristic frequency of about 80 kc/sec were also sensitive to stimuli with one-half and one-third of the principal frequency. In Rhinolophidae the greatest selectivity for frequencies was possessed by neurons that responded within the range from 80 to 90 kc/sec.A. A. Zhadanov Leningrad State University. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 138–144, March–April, 1971.     

Primary afferent depolarization induced by cyclically modulated natural hind limb proprioceptor activity in cats

Primary afferent depolarization (PAD), developing during passive movements of the ankle with a frequency of 0.14–5.0 Hz was investigated in decerebrate cats. An increase in the dorsal root potential, the amplitude of which was used to judge the intensity of PAD, was observed during both extension and flexion of the joint. Parallel with waves of the dorsal root potential, changes in amplitude of the N component of the dorsal cord potential in response to stimulation of a cutaneous nerve during different phases of the limb movement cycle were recorded. These changes were periodic in character and opposite in phase to oscillations of dorsal root potential. The mechanisms of the observed changes in the PAD level and also the functional significance of these changes during cyclic motor acts are discussed.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 372–380, May–June, 1985.     

Electric reactions of the auditory cortex areas in bats to ultrasonic stimuli with various fill frequencies

The overall electric reactions and action potentials of single neurons in the auditory cortex were investigated for Vespertilionidae (Myotis oxygnathus) and Rhinolophidae (Rhinolophus ferrum equinum) narcotized with Hexenal. In the Vespertilionidae the greatest sensitivity to ultrasound is manifest at frequencies from 10 to 50 kHz, and in the Rhinolophidae for the ranges from 10 to 40 and from 82 to 84 kHz. The shapes of the response areas of single neurons in both types of bats are similar except for neurons discovered in Rhinolophidae that have three response areas with characteristic frequencies in the ranges 27–28, 40–42, and 80–84kHz. Narrow response areas with characteristic frequencies in the range from 70 to 90kHz appear on a considerable proportion of the neurons in the Rhinolophidae, but not the Vespertilionidae. Low thresholds are recorded to the stimulus cutoff in the range from 76 to 86 kHz.A. A. Zhdanov Leningrad State University. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 526–532, September–October, 1971.     

Frequency tuning and response latencies at three levels in the brainstem of the echolocating bat,Eptesicus fuscus

To determine the level at which certain response characteristics originate, we compared monaural auditory responses of neurons in ventral cochlear nucleus, nuclei of lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus. Characteristics examined were sharpness of frequency tuning, latency variability for individual neurons and range of latencies across neurons.Exceptionally broad tuning curves were found in the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus, while exceptionally narrow tuning curves were found in the inferior colliculus. Neither specialized tuning characteristic was found in the ventral cochlear nuclei.All neurons in the columnar division of the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus maintained low variability of latency over a broad range of stimulus conditions. Some neurons in the cochlear nucleus (12%) and some in the inferior colliculus (15%) had low variability in latency but only at best frequency.Range of latencies across neurons was small in the ventral cochlear nucleus (1.3–5.7 ms), intermediate in the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus (1.7–19.8 ms) and greatest in the inferior colliculus (2.9–42.0 ms).We conclude that, in the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus and in the inferior colliculus, unique tuning and timing properties are built up from ascending inputs.Abbreviations AVCN anteroventral cochlear nucleus - BF best frequency - CV coefficient of variation - DCN dorsal cochlear nucleus - FM frequency modulation - IC inferior colliculus - NLL nuclei of lateral lemniscus - PSTH post stimulus time histogram - PVCN posteroventral cochlear nucleus - SD standard deviation - SPL sound pressure level - VCN ventral cochlear nuclei - VNLLc ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, columnar division     

Response of frog midbrain neurons to tones amplitude-modulated by pseudorandom noise

Spike response in torus semicircularis units to the effects of uninterrupted characteristic frequency tones amplitude-modulated by pseudorandom noise were investigated during experiments on immobilizedRana ridibunda. Period histograms of modulating waveform of 512 msec duration (both modulating polarities) were produced for 32 units. Almost all neurons investigated responded exclusively to the positive half of the modulating signal. Difference histograms obtained by calculating period histograms for different polarities of the envelope faithfully reproduced the dynamics of signal amplitude in four units. The remainder responded only to envelope maxima, without reproducing amplitude dynamics among these; over half the units represented only some of the envelope maxima, moreover. Certain cells were found which retained their specific pattern of response to pseudorandom noise over a wide range of carrier intensities.N. N. Andreev Acoustical Institute, Moscow. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 227–235, March–April, 1990.     

Response properties of auditory activated cells in the occipital cortex of the blind mole rat: an electrophysiological study

Previous studies have demonstrated that despite its blindness, the subterranean blind mole rat (Spalax ehrenbergi) possesses a noticeable lateral geniculate nucleus and a typical cyto-architectural occipital cortex that are reciprocally connected. These two areas, as revealed by the metabolic tracer 2-deoxyglucose, are activated by auditory stimuli. Using single unit recordings, we show that about 57% of 325 cells located within the occipital cortex of anesthetized mole rats responded to at least one of the following auditory stimuli — white noise, pure tones, clicks, and amplitude modulated tones — with the latter two being the most effective. About 85% of cells driven by either contralateral or ipsilateral stimulation also responded to binaural stimulation; about 13% responded only to binaural stimulation; and 2% were driven exclusively by contralateral stimulation. Comparing responsiveness and response strength to these three modes of stimulation revealed a contralateral predominance. Mean latency (±SD) of ipsilateral and contralateral responses were 48.5±32.6 ms and 33.5±9.4 ms, respectively. Characteristic frequencies could be divided into two distinct subgroups ranging between 80 and 125 Hz and between 2,500 and 4,400 Hz, corresponding to the most intensive spectral components of the vibratory intraspecific communication signals and airborne vocalizations.Abbreviations BMF best modulation frequency - CF characteristic frequency - 2-DG 2-deoxyglucose - dLGN dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus - IC inferior colliculus - LGN lateral geniculate nucleus - OC occipital cortex - MTF modulation transfer function - SAM sinusoidally amplitude modulation - SC superior colliculus     

Single unit responses to ultrasonic stimuli in the cochlear nuclei of bats

Measurement of the thresholds of single unit responses in the cochlear nuclei of Vespertilionidae and Rhinolophidae to ultrasonic stimuli of different frequencies showed that some neurons in animals of both families have 2 or 3 characteristic frequencies. If the maximal of them is taken as the basic frequency, the other two characteristic frequencies are in the ratio of 1:2 and 1:3 to it. Corresponding to these characteristic frequencies, basic and complementary response regions were recorded. InMyotis oxygnathus (Vespertilionidae), using frequency-modulated echolocation signals, some neurons in the complementary response regions respond only to stimuli of average strength, i.e., the complementary response regions are "closed." The latent periods of the single unit responses are independent of stimulus frequency. Consequently, correlative reception of echolocation signals is absent at the level of the auditory system in bats.A. A. Zhdanov Leningrad State University. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 41–47, January–February, 1977.     

Spike generation by spinal neurons evoked by sinusoidal depolarization in cats

Dynamic characteristics of transformation of cell membrane depolarization by spinal neurons into spike discharge frequency were investigated in anesthetized cats. Neurons were activated by sinusoidally modulated currents passed through an intracellular microelectrode. Frequency analysis of this transformation for motoneurons was carried out within a modulation frequency range of 0.2–10 Hz. Frequency characteristics were determined with respect to parameters of the first harmonic of the evoked firing rate; the region of values of current fluctuations was chosen on the linear part of the current intensity versus firing rate characteristic curve. Changes in amplitude characteristics did not exceed 5 dB in absolute terms; at the same time the phase lead of the output signal increased with a rise of frequency. At a frequency of 0.2 Hz phase shifts were virtually absent, but at frequencies of 1, 5, and 10 Hz they amounted to 32, 50, and 83° on average respectively. Transformation of membrane depolarization by neurons into spike discharge frequency is characterized by essentially nonlinear properties, due in particular to the absence of a dynamic component of the response to a negative rate of change of depolarizing current. The frequency characteristics of spike activity of neurons of the motor system are discussed from the standpoint of possible correction of dynamic properties of the whole system at the single unit level.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Dnepropetrovsk State University. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 35–42, January–February, 1982.     

Role of calcium ions in processes of serotonin-induced modulation of neuronal response to acetylcholone application in Helix pomatia

The role of calcium ions in modulating serotonin action on acetylcholine (ACh) response in nonidentified and identified (LPa3 and RPa3) neurons ofHelix pomatia was investigated using voltage-clamping at the neuronal membrane. Exposure for 1 min to serotonin prior to ACh application reduced response to ACh in neuron LPa3 and raised it in RPa3. The same two patterns of modulating ACh-induced response were produced by extracellular application of theophylline and dibutyryl c-AMP. Injecting calcium ions into neuron LPa3 led to reinforcement of ACh-induced current in the presence of serotonin, thus changing the pattern of serotonin-induced modulation of ACh response in this unit. In neuron RPa3, the same process enhanced the serotonin-induced modulating effect on ACh response but without changing the pattern of modulation, while injected EDTA produced the reverse effects. Increased intracellular concentration of calcium ions brought about a reduction in the degree of serotonin-induced modulation of ACh response in neuron RPa3. Possible reasons are discussed for changes in serotonin-induced bimodal modulation of ACh response in test neurons produced by altering the extracellular concentration of calcium ions.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 20, No. 5, pp. 666–671, September–October, 1988.     

Connections of superior olivary and inferior collicular neurons responding to amplitude-modulated stimuli by synchronized discharges in bats

Experiments on bats using the technique of anterograde and retrograde horseradish peroxidase transport showed that neurons of the superior olivary complex and inferior colliculus responding specifically to amplitude-modulated ultrasonic stimuli have projections to the oral reticular nucleus of the pons. Neurons of this part of the reticular formation respond to presentation of amplitude-modulated stimuli by a synchronization response, like neurons of specific auditory formations. It is concluded that the flow of action potentials from neurons coding amplitude modulation of the stimulus at the superio olivary and inferior collicular levels spreads outside the auditory system.A. A. Ukhtomskii Physiological Research Institute. A. A. Zhdanov Leningrad State University. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 16, No. 6, pp. 800–807, November–December, 1984.     

Insect interneurons sensitive to polarized light

Neurons responding by a rhythmic discharge to rotation of the plane of polarization of light with a frequency of 0.7 Hz were found in the optic lobe of the lamellicorn beetleGeotrupes (Coleoptera, Scarabeidae). Responses to a change in polarization were compared with responses to brightness modulation and with the possible response to visible rotation of the filter. The polarization sensitivity of some neurons tested was about two; the on component of the response corresponded to the horizontal direction of the electrical vector.Institute of Zoology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 397–401, July–August, 1977.     

Processing of behaviorally relevant temporal parameters of acoustic stimuli by single neurons in the superior olivary nucleus of the leopard frog

Summary Response characteristics of 130 single neurons in the superior olivary nucleus of the northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens pipiens) were examined to determine their selectivity to various behaviorally relevant temporal parameters [rise-fall time, duration, and amplitude modulation (AM) rate of acoustic signals. Response functions were constructed with respect to each of these variables. Neurons with different temporal firing patterns such as tonic, phasic or phasic-burst firing patterns, participated in time domain analysis in specific manners. Phasic neurons manifested preferences for signals with short rise-fall times, thus possessing low-pass response functions with respect to this stimulus parameter; conversely, tonic and phasic-burst units were non-selective and possessed all-pass response functions. A distinction between temporal firing patterns was also observed for duration coding. Whereas phasic units showed no change in the mean spike count with a change in stimulus duration (i.e., all-pass duration response functions), tonic and phasic-burst units gave higher mean spike counts with an increase in stimulus duration (i.e., primary-like high-pass response functions). Phasic units manifested greater response selectivity for AM rate than did tonic or phasic-burst units, and many phasic units were tuned to a narrow range of modulation rates (i.e., band-pass). The results suggest that SON neurons play an important role in the processing of complex acoustic patterns; they perform extensive computations on AM rate as well as other temporal parameters of complex sounds. Moreover, the response selectivities for rise-fall time, duration, and AM rate could often be shown to contribute to the differential responses to complex synthetic and natural sounds.Abbreviations SON superior olivary nucleus - DMN dorsal medullary nucleus - TS torus semicircularis - FTC frequency threshold curve - BF best excitatory frequency - PAM pulsatile amplitude modulation - SAM sinusoidal amplitude modulation - SQAM square-wave amplitude modulation - MTF modulation transfer function - PSTH peri-stimulus time histogram     

Frequency tuning curves of the dolphin's hearing: envelope-following response study

Simultaneous tone-tone masking in conjunction with the envelope-following response (EFR) recording was used to obtain tuning curves in dolphins (Turslops truncatus). The EFR was evoked by amplitude-modulated probes of various frequencies. A modulation rate of 600 Hz was found to fit the requirement to have a narrow spectrum and evoke EFR of large amplitude. Tuning curves were obtained within the frequency range from 11.2 to 110 kHz. The Q₁₀ values of the obtained tuning curves varied from 12–14 at the 11.2 kHz center frequency to 17–20 at the 64–90 kHz frequencies.Abbreviations ABR auditory brainstem response - EFR envelope following response - ERB equivalent rectangular bandwidth     

Rhythmic activity evoked by adequate stimulation in the fish retina

The distribution of evoked rhythmic responses on the surface and in the depths of the retina of the carp (Cyprinus carpio) and tench (Tinca tinca) and the dependence of the amplitude — frequency characteristics of the response on stimulus intensity and duration were investigated by recording the local electroretinogram and unit activity of the ganglion cells. Rhythmic on- and off-responses to light differed in various characteristics, including their distribution between the cellular and synaptic layers of the retina. The frequency, amplitude, and number of waves in the response were found to depend on the parameters of the stimulus. On-, off-, and on — off-ganglion cells were represented in the records. Their spike discharge usually corresponded to a phase angle of the negative half-wave of the rhythmic response of close to /2. The results of experiments in which conduction along the optic nerve was blocked by cold showed that the system of generation of the rhythmic response in the retina is under the tonic influence of the centers.M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 61–68, January–February, 1977.     

Effects of extracellular potassium ions on outward potassium current dependent on extracellular calcium ions

Changes in outward potassium current occurring in response to changes in the concentration of potassium ions in the extracellular medium were investigated in unidentified neurons isolated fromHelix pomatia using an intracellular perfusion technique. It was found that introducing potassium ions (5–10 mM) into the extracellular solution produces a reversible increase in the component of outward potassium current which is dependent on extracellular calcium ions. Increased amplitude of this component occurs as a result of attenuated inactivation of the current under the action of extracellular potassium.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 351–356, May–June, 1987.     

Distribution of horseradish peroxidase-labeled neurons giving rise to descending fiber systems in the basal ganglia and hypothalamus in cats

The distribution of neurons giving rise to various descending fiber systems to brain-stem structures in the basal ganglia (including amygdaloid nuclei) and hypothalamus of the cat was studied by the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase method. Neurons in the medial part of the central nucleus and of the magnocellular part of the basal nucleus of the amygdaloid group were shown to send axons to the dorsal hippocampus, substantia nigra, lateral part of the central gray matter, and the mesencephalalic reticular formation and also to the region of the locus coeruleus and the lateral medullary reticular formation at the level of the inferior olives. The predominant source of projections to the hypothalamus and brainstem structures is the central amygdaloid nucleus, which also sends projections to the nucleus of the tractus solitarius, the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve, and the superior cervical segments of the spinal cord. Uncrossed fiber systems descending from the basal ganglia terminate at the level of the pons, whereas uncrossed and crossed fiber systems descending from the dorsal and ventromedial hypothalamus can be traced into the spinal cord. The possible role of nuclei of the amygdaloid group, the hypothalamus, and their efferent projections in the regulation of somatic and vegetative functions and also of complex behavioral reactions is discussed.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 14–23, January–February, 1981.     

Effects of quinine on calcium current in mollusk neurons

The effects of quinine on the peak amplitude and the decay of calcium currents (I_Ca) were investigated in nonidentified neurons isolated fromHelix pomatia. A concentration of 1×10^–5–5×10^–4 M quinine was found to produce a reversible dose-dependent deceleration in the decline of I_Ca ("lead" effect) and a reversible, slowly evolving dose-dependent reduction in I_Ca amplitude ("lag" effect). A reduction in amplitude down to half control level is observed at a quinine concentration of 6 ×10^–5 M, while the current-voltage relationship of I_Ca shifts by 5–10 mV towards negative potentials. Results show that quinine successfully blocks calcium channels inHelix pomatia neurons.Institute of Brain Research, All-Union Mental Health Research Center, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 413–417, May–June, 1987.     

Serotonin-induced changes in the action of functionally distinct neurons in Helix pomatia

The effects of serotonin on the amplitude of summated EPSP in interneurons and on the duration of action potentials in sensory neurons, interneurons, and motoneurons involved in avoidance behavior were investigated in functionally distinct neurons isolated from theHelix pomatia nervous system. The duration of action potentials in sensory neurons was found to increase under the effects of serotonin (and this could underly the rise in EPSP amplitude), although that of interneuron and motoneuron spikes did not change. The functional significance of selective neuronal response to a rise in serotonin concentration is discussed, together with the mechanics underlying such effects.Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 316–322, May–June, 1987.