Neuronal activity of the lateral vestibular nucleus of the guinea pig evoked by tilting the animal about the longitudinal axis during locomotion

In experiments on decerebrate guinea pigs, the impulse activity of neurons of the lateral vestibular nucleus evoked by tilting the animal about the longitudinal axis was investigated under conditions of spontaneous and mesencephalon stimulation-evoked locomotor activity. In most investigated neurons, locomotor activity led to changes in their responses to adequate vestibular stimulation. The dominant reaction was intensification of such responses, which was observed in almost all vestibulospinal neurons and in 2/3 of cells not having descending projections. Responses were suppressed only in 1/4 of the neurons not projecting to the spinal cord. The changes in the evoked responses had an amplitude character; the lag of the changes in the discharge frequency relative to the acceleration that caused them was constant. It is suggested that intensification of dynamic reactions of vestibular neurons during locomotion provides maintenance of the animal's equilibrium during movements in space by various gaits and along different trajectories.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 23, No. 5, pp. 541–549, September–October, 1991.     

Developmental switch in neuropeptide Y and melanocortin effects in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus

Homeostatic regulation of energy balance in rodents changes dramatically during the first 3 postnatal weeks. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and melanocortin neurons in the arcuate nucleus, a primary energy homeostatic center in adults, do not fully innervate the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) until the third postnatal week. We have identified two classes of PVN neurons responsive to these neuropeptides, tonically firing neurosecretory (NS) and burst-firing preautonomic (PA) cells. In neonates, NPY could inhibit GABAergic inputs to nearly all NS and PA neurons, while melanocortin regulation was minimal. However, there was a dramatic, age-dependent decrease in NPY responses specifically in the PA neurons, and a 3-fold increase in melanocortin responses in NS cells. These age-dependent changes were accompanied by changes in spontaneous GABAergic currents onto these neurons. This primarily NPYergic regulation in the neonates likely promotes the positive energy balance necessary for growth, while the developmental switch correlates with maturation of homeostatic regulation of energy balance.     

Regulation of afferent transmission in the feeding circuitry of Aplysia

Although feeding in Aplysia is mediated by a central pattern generator (CPG), the activity of this CPG is modified by afferent input. To determine how afferent activity produces the widespread changes in motor programs that are necessary if behavior is to be modified, we have studied two classes of feeding sensory neurons. We have shown that afferent-induced changes in activity are widespread because sensory neurons make a number of synaptic connections. For example, sensory neurons make monosynaptic excitatory connections with feeding motor neurons. Sensori-motor transmission is, however, regulated so that changes in the periphery do not disrupt ongoing activity. This results from the fact that sensory neurons are also electrically coupled to feeding interneurons. During motor programs sensory neurons are, therefore, rhythmically depolarized via central input. These changes in membrane potential profoundly affect sensori-motor transmission. For example, changes in membrane potential alter spike propagation in sensory neurons so that spikes are only actively transmitted to particular output regions when it is behaviorally appropriate. To summarize, afferent activity alters motor output because sensory neurons make direct contact with motor neurons. Sensori-motor transmission is, however, centrally regulated so that changes in the periphery alter motor programs in a phase-dependent manner.     

The effect of ageing on the histochemically demonstrable catecholamines in the hypogastric (main pelvic) ganglion of the rat

Summary The effect of ageing on adrenergic neurons was studied in the hypogastric ganglion of the male rat using the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence method.With age, two changes were obvious. Firstly, the fluorescence intensity of the neurons decreased throughout postnatal life and the number of completely non-fluorescent adrenergic neurons increased. Secondly, the amount of non-specific fluorescence due to lipofuscin pigment increased. The pigment fluorescence was also found around the neurons in satellite cells.     

Biochemical differences in the reactions of visual cortex neurons to deprivation]

Early visual deprivation was interferometrically shown to entail changes in the concentration and contents of the protein substance with simultaneous changes of the neurons size. The changes are statistically significant in the lamina V and not in the laminasIII and IV. The changes in each lamina are associated with definite group of the neurons the development of which is, probably, determined by visual stimuli.     

Contribution of the spared primary afferent neurons to the pathomechanisms of neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is caused by nervous-system lesions. Early studies on the pathomechanisms of this abnormal pain state have focused on the directly injured fibers and neurons. Here, we present recently accumulating data about the contribution of the primary afferent neurons spared from direct injury to the pathomechanisms of neuropathic pain. The phenotypic changes in the spared neurons are similar to those in the neurons in peripheral inflammation models, as opposed to those in the directly injured neurons. Electrophysiological changes and behavioral data also favor the contribution of the spared neurons. These attractive targets of study will give us new approaches for understanding the abnormal pain.     

Degeneration of Axotomized Projection Neurons in the Rat dLGN: Temporal Progression of Events and Their Mitigation by a Single Administration of FGF2

Removal of visual cortex in the rat axotomizes projection neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), leading to cytological and structural changes and apoptosis. Biotinylated dextran amine was injected into the visual cortex to label dLGN projection neurons retrogradely prior to removing the cortex in order to quantify the changes in the dendritic morphology of these neurons that precede cell death. At 12 hours after axotomy we observed a loss of appendages and the formation of varicosities in the dendrites of projection neurons. During the next 7 days, the total number of dendrites and the cross-sectional areas of the dendritic arbors of projection neurons declined to about 40% and 20% of normal, respectively. The response of dLGN projection neurons to axotomy was asynchronous, but the sequence of structural changes in individual neurons was similar; namely, disruption of dendrites began within hours followed by cell soma atrophy and nuclear condensation that commenced after the loss of secondary dendrites had occurred. However, a single administration of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), which mitigates injury-induced neuronal cell death in the dLGN when given at the time of axotomy, markedly reduced the dendritic degeneration of projection neurons. At 3 and 7 days after axotomy the number of surviving dendrites of dLGN projection neurons in FGF-2 treated rats was approximately 50% greater than in untreated rats, and the cross-sectional areas of dendritic arbors were approximately 60% and 50% larger. Caspase-3 activity in axotomized dLGN projection neurons was determined by immunostaining for fractin (fractin-IR), an actin cleavage product produced exclusively by activated caspase-3. Fractin-IR was seen in some dLGN projection neurons at 36 hours survival, and it increased slightly by 3 days. A marked increase in reactivity was seen by 7 days, with the entire dLGN filled with dense fractin-IR in neuronal cell somas and dendrites.     

Correlation of the destructive and reparative processes in neurons of the cerebral cortex in rats after thermal injury

Rat brain sensorimotor cortical neurons were investigated in thermal trauma, using electron microscopic radioautography. RNA synthesis and destructive neuronal changes (chromatolysis, nuclear and mitochondrial damage) have been determined. It has been established that the development of a reparative process--ribosomal RNA synthesis--was roughly parallel to the appearance of destructive changes and was marked in neurons with considerable ultrastructural disturbances.     

Post-coital ultrastructural changes in neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the rabbit

Summary The effects of coitus on the ultrastructure of neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the rabbit were studied. Changes first became apparent 1/2 h after coitum in neurons located near capillaries. More pronounced ultrastructural changes were observed in large neurons removed at 1 h post-coitus. These changes, characterized by well developed Golgi systems and rough endoplasmic reticulum, the presence of large dense-core vesicles and a significant increase in both neuronal and nuclear size, were also evident in neurons observed at 2 to 10 h post coitum. Similar ultrastructural features were not observed in the neurons of the control animals. The post-coital ultrastructural changes observed within these neurons suggest high synthetic activity which may concern the production sites of the neurohormone LH-RF. Two populations of dense-core vesicles were observed: a) those with a mean diameter of 849 Å, and b) those with a mean diameter of 1542 Å. The small dense-core vesicle is probably monoamine in nature; the larger vesicle may contain the neurohormone LH-RF. A third vesicle type with a mean diameter of 1836 Å and characterized by a granular content of low electron density was also observed. That this vesicle represents the immature form of the large (1542 Å) dense-core vesicle is suggested; however, morphological evidence supporting this hypothesis is inconclusive. There is also no evidence for the storage of secreted materials within the soma of these neurons. Immediate transport toward the median eminence is suggested.This investigation was supported by grants to the two senior authors from the Medical Research Council of Canada.     

Monaural phasic sensitivity of auditory system neurons in the cat

During monaural stimulation, studies have been made of impulse reactions in neurons from the cochlear nucleus and inferior colluculus to changes in the phase value (psi) of one of the harmonics in two-tone signals. It was shown that about 70% of the neurons from the cochleaur nucleus with a tonic discharge pattern may sharply change their activity (from maximum one up to a complete inhibition) due to changes in psi value. Unlike the cochlear nucleus units, neurons from the inferior colliculus change their tonic or burst-like activity rather seldomly and to a slight extent. At the same time, their phasic on- and especially off-responses exhibit high sensitivity to changes in psi value.     

Parvalbumin Immunoreactivity and Protein Level are Altered in the Gerbil Hippocampus During Normal Aging

Hippocampal interneurons are local circuit neurons which are responsible for inhibitory activity in the hippocampus. Parvalbumin (PV) is one of useful markers for GABAergic interneurons, not for principle cells, in the hippocampus. In the present study, we investigated age-related changes in PV immunoreactive neurons and protein levels in the gerbil hippocampus during normal aging. PV immunoreactive neurons were detected in all hippocampal subregions of all groups. PV immunoreactive neurons, which innervated principal neurons, were non-pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1-3 regions, and were polymorphic neurons in the dentate gyrus. In the hippocampal CA1 region, the number of PV immunoreactive neurons was significantly reduced in the postnatal month 3 (PM 3) group, which was sustained by PM 18, and, at PM 24, the number of PV immunoreactive neurons was significantly decreased. In the CA2/3 region and dentate gyrus, the number of PV immunoreactive neurons was significantly decreased at PM 6: Thereafter, the number of PV immunoreactive neurons was sustained until PM 24. In addition, changes in PV protein levels in the gerbil hippocampus were similar to immunohistochemical changes during normal aging: PV protein levels were significantly decreased with age by PM 6: Thereafter, PV protein levels were sustained by PM 24. These results suggest that PV immunoreactive interneurons were decreased in the hippocampus with age in gerbils.     

Distribution and ultrastructure of the tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons of the central nervous system of bivalve mollusc Megangulus venulosus under the influence of increased temperature and hypoxia

Using immunocytochemistry combined with light and electron microscopy, the distribution and ultrastructure of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive neurons in the CNS of bivalve mollusc, Megangulus venulosus, have been studied under the influence of increased temperature and hypoxia. It has been established, that the stress causes changes in the amount of TH and in the structure of TH-immunopositive neurons in all ganglia. The most essential changes in CNS of M. venulosus were revealed after 60 min exposure to increased temperature and hypoxia; degenerative changes in large neurons, reduction of the synapses and reduction of TH-immunoreactivity in neurons and neuropil.     

Flight-correlated activity changes in neurons of the lateral accessory lobes in the brain of the locust Schistocerca gregaria

The study investigates activity changes in neurons of the lateral accessory lobes in the brain of the locust Schistocerca gregaria during wind-elicited tethered flight. Neurons with ascending projections from the ventral nerve cord to the lateral accessory lobes showed flight-associated excitations which were modulated in the flight motor rhythm. Descending neurons with ramifications in the lateral accessory lobes were tonically excited corresponding to flight duration. The onset of wind-elicited responses in the descending neurons preceded the onset of flight motor activity by 22–60 milliseconds. Neurons connecting the lateral accessory lobes with the central body, the anterior optic tubercles, or other brain areas showed a variety of responses including activity changes during flight initiation and flight termination. Activity in many of these neurons was less tightly coupled to the flight situation and often returned to background levels before flight was terminated. Most of the recorded neurons responded, in addition, to stationary visual stimuli. The results suggest that the lateral accessory lobes in the locust brain are integrative links between the central body, visual pathways, and the ventral nerve cord. The possible involvement of these brain areas in flight control is discussed.     

The effect of 2450 MHz microwave radiation on the ultrastructure of snail neurons

An electron microscopical study of snail neurons was undertaken to verify whether any ultrastructural alterations accompany microwave-induced electrophysiological changes observed in these neurons. Subesophageal ganglia from Helix aspersa snails were exposed to 2450 MHz microwave radiation in vitro at SAR 12.9 mW/g for 60 minutes. It was found that exposure at 21 degrees C causes minor changes in Golgi complexes and slight swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum.     

The neuronal electrical responses of the superior cervical ganglion in the rabbit to nociceptive skin stimulation]

The patterns of tonic activity in the neurons of rabbit superior cervical ganglion at rest and during noxious stimulation of the skin were studied using intracellular recording. According to reflex changes in the activity patterns, all neurons studied were classified into three groups. Cardiac rhythmicity is more pronounced in the neurons of the second type than in those of the first type. The magnitude of the cardiac rhythmicity in both types of neurons was reduced after noxious stimulation of the skin. In the third type of neurons the cardiac rhythmicity was absent. In some neurons slow excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials appeared resulting from skin stimulation.     

Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Protein Expression and Activity after Dopaminergic and Noradrenergic Lesions of the Rat Brain

The occurrence of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in presynaptic neurons remains controversial. This study utilized dopaminergic and noradrenergic toxins to assess the presence of COMT in the presynaptic neurons originating from the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area or locus coeruleus. Destruction of dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons was assessed by measuring the dopamine and noradrenaline content in the projection areas of these neurons. Additionally, COMT protein expression and activity were examined in several projection areas to determine whether there are any changes in COMT values. Colocalization studies were done to identify COMT-containing postsynaptic neurons. Despite successful lesioning of dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons, no changes in COMT protein expression or activity could be noted. These results strongly suggest that COMT is not present in presynaptic dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons. There was a high colocalization of COMT with the GABAergic marker of short neurons both in the striatum and cortex but only a weak, if any, with the cholinergic marker in the cortex.     

The effect of the iontophoretic administration of glutamate on the organization of interneuronal interactions in the rabbit motor cortex]

The multiunit activity of neurons in the motor cortex was recorded in 6 rabbits during glutamate (or physiological saline) iontophoretic application. Interaction between the neighboring neurons was evaluated by means of statistical cross-correlation analysis of spike trains. It was found that glutamate did not produce significant changes in cross-correlations.     

褪黑色素对缰核痛神经元单位放电的影响及可能机制

目的通过观察褪黑色素对缰核痛神经元单位放电的影响,进一步证明褪黑色素的中枢镇痛作用及可能机制。方法：应用细胞外神经元单位放电记录方法,记录缰核神经元痛相关神经元放电,并观察外侧缰核痛神经元在褪黑色素作用下电活动的改变,及对伤害性刺激痛敏感性的改变,在此基础上观察纳洛酮的翻转作用。结果：褪黑色素影响外侧缰核痛神经元的电活动,并使外侧缰核痛神经元对伤害性刺激敏感性降低,此种作用可被纳洛酮翻转。结论：褪黑色素可通过作用于外侧缰核的阿片受体而影响其痛相关神经元对痛刺激的反应,这可能是褪黑色素中枢镇痛机制之一。     

Quantitative morphological characteristics of developing neurons after partial deafferentation of the sensory trigeminal nuclei

We have studied different types of neurons in the sensory trigeminal nuclei stained by the Golgi method in kittens aged 30 days with bilateral transection of the lingual nerve, made on the fifth postnatal day. We have shown that deprivation of afferent inflow from the tongue to trigeminal neurons leads to changes in the structure of all types of cells: reticular, arborescent, and bushy (68, 61, and 46% neurons respectively had changed), short-dendrite cells having changed to a lesser extent (16% changed neurons). The multipolar giant neurons hardly changed. The structural changes involved changes in the size of the bodies, number, length, and ramification of dendrites, and changes in their orientation and pattern of ramification, compared to the normal. We observed destructive changes resulting in a decrease in the quantitative parameters, and constructive changes resulting in an increase in the latter. Reticular and arborescent neurons showed both destructive and constructive changes, the short-dendritic neurons mainly constructive changes, and bushy neurons mainly destructive changes. The analysis of the differently directed rearrangements of the dendrite geometry in different types of deafferentated trigeminal neurons allowed us to put forward some proposals concerning the different functional role of these groups of cells in the system of afferent impulsation entering via the lingual nerve.Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Academy of Sciences of the USSR. Institute of the Brain of the All-Union Research Center of Mental Health, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 522–530, July–August, 1985.     

Effect of beta-endorphin on the thermal excitability of preoptic neurons in the unanesthetized rabbit

The opioid peptide, beta-endorphin (beta-E), will promote changes in body temperature when injected into the brain. It is possible that beta-E alters body temperature by affecting the activity of thermoregulatory neurons in the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (POAH). Single unit activity in the POAH was recorded in unanesthetized rabbits while radiant heat was applied to the dorsal skin. Beta-E was then microinjected into the POAH, and the peripheral heating was repeated. Seventy-seven percent of the POAH neurons were responsive to skin heating. Beta-E and equal excitatory and inhibitory effects on warm-excited and warm-inhibited neurons. Four of six warm-excited neurons were converted to warm-inhibited or unresponsive following beta-E injection. Six out of ten warm-inhibited neurons were converted to warm-excited or unresponsive by beta-E. Beta-E-induced shifts in thermal excitability of POAH neurons may be responsible for the ability of POAH injections of beta-E to elevate body temperature in the rabbit.