Participation of the fibers of the lingual nerve in the transmission of mechanosensitive information from the tongue and oral cavity of the cat]

The role of the lingual nerve fibers in the transmission of mechanosensory information from the receptors of the tongue and oral cavity of a cat was studied. A chart of the afferent innervation of both mechanosensory surfaces of the tongue (dorsal and ventral surfaces) with fibers of the anterior medial and posterior branches of the lingual nerve was drawn up on the basis of the experimental material. Different ratios of the mechanoreceptor reactions were described.     

Histochemistry of the tongue epithelium in four mammals with respect to keratinization

The tongue epithelium was examined in the laboratory rat, guinea pig, rabbit and Domestic cat, using light microscopical, histological fluorescent and histochemical methods. The distributions of the enzymes, acid and alkaline phosphatase were examined. Protein-bound phospholipid and calcium were investigated, together with thiol sulphydryl groups and cysteine disulphide bonds of proteins. A variety of different types of keratinization were shown in the various species, as well as in the same species in different regions of the tongue. The most strongly keratinized structures were the filiform and conical papillae which varied widely from species to species. Those of the rat dorsum were similar to papillae described previously in the House mouse and have strongly keratinized spines. The guinea pig showed some differences but also had keratinized spines. In contrast the rabbit papillae did not have spines but the horny layer over the posterior sides was hardened instead to form pointed edges. Human filiform papillae are similar to the rabbit without spines but the horny layer is less strongly keratinized. In the Domestic cat the conical papillae were also without spines but the horny layer on the anterior and posterior surface was hardened to form claw-like structures.     

The Gram Staining Mechanism of Cat Tongue Keratin. II. The Role of Potassium Iodide-Iodine Solution

The aniline-xylene decolorizer of the Gram-Weigert staining procedure failed to remove crystal violet dye from stained sections of cat tongue without prior treatment of the sections with potassium iodide-iodine solution. The potassium iodide of the iodide-iodine solution was found to release the major part of the crystal violet dye bound by the tongue sections. Iodine appeared also to play a role in dye release, but only to a slight degree. The amount of Gram-positive staining was increased both by alkaline treatment of the tissue prior to staining, and by increasing the pH of the iodide-iodine solution.     

A projection from the raphe nuclei to the lateral reticular nucleus in the cat

By means of retrograde transport of the wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase complex afferent fibres to the lateral reticular nucleus from the raphe nuclei were demonstrated in the cat. The projection is bilateral and has its main origin in nucleus raphe pallidus and magnus, but there appear to be contributions also from nucleus raphe obscurus, dorsalis and linearis rostralis.     

Co-existence of peptide HI (PHI) and VIP in nerves regulating blood flow and bronchial smooth muscle tone in various mammals including man

By immunohistochemistry it was found that PHI- and VIP-like immunoreactivity (-IR) occurred in the same autonomic neurons in the upper respiratory tract, tongue and salivary glands with associated ganglia in rat, guinea-pig, cat, pig and man. VIP- and PHI-like immunoreactivity was also found in similar locations in the human heart. The N-terminally directed, but not the C-terminally directed, PHI antiserum or the VIP antiserum stained endocrine cells in the pig duodenum. This suggests the existence of an additional PHI-like peptide. Ligation of nerves acutely caused marked overlapping axonal accumulations of PHI- and VIP-IR central to the lesion. Two weeks after transection of the nerves, both types of immunoreactivities were still observed in accumulations both in the axons as well as in the corresponding cell bodies. The levels of PHI- and VIP-IR in normal tissues from the cat were around 10-50 pmol/g with a molar ratio of about 1 to 2. Systemic administrations of PHI and VIP induced hypotension, probably due to peripheral vasodilation in both guinea-pig and cat. Furthermore, both PHI and VIP caused an inhibition of the vagally induced increase in respiratory insufflation pressure in guinea-pig. PHI and VIP relaxed the guinea-pig trachea in vitro, suggesting a direct action on tracheobronchial smooth muscle. VIP was about 5-10 times more potent than PHI with regard to hypotensive effects and 2-3-fold, considering respiratory smooth muscle-relaxant effects in the guinea-pig. PHI was about 50-fold less potent to induce hypotension in the cat than in the guinea-pig. Although species differences seem to exist as regards biological potency, PHI should also be considered when examining the role of VIP as an autonomic neurotransmitter.     

The ciliary apparatus of the lingual mucosa in the frog

By means of scanning and transmission microscopy it has been examined the ciliary system of the tongue mucosa. The scanning electronmicrographs of the fungiform papillae have revealed three ciliary apparatuses allocated respectively: at the papillary summit (corona ciliata and a narrow but separated paracoronal ciliary system) and on the peduncolar papillary stem. The cilia of both paracoronal and peduncolar groups have not been yet described. Also the filiform papillae are supplied with cilia but as irregularly distributed groups. The border of the tongue is a continuous and normal ciliary epithelium and finally groups of cilia are scattered also on the whole sublingual epithelium. At the transmission microscopy the cells of all the examined mucosal ciliary groups are showing a normal ultrastructural aspect.     

Projections of the amygdala and septum to the caudate nucleus of the cat brain

By means of the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase in the cat, direct projections of neurons in the magno- and mediocellular parts of the basal nucleus of the amygdalar complex have been stated nearly to all parts of the caudate nucleus and projections of a small amount of neurons in the nucleus of the Brocka diagonal ligament--only to the medial edge of the caudate nucleus. The possibility to divide the caudate nucleus into limbic and non-limbic parts is discussed.     

Light and electron microscope study of Sarcocystis sp. from the fallow deer (Cervus dama)

By means of light and electron microscopy a study was made of Sarcocystis sp. from 11 fallow deer (Cervus dama). Cysts of Sarcocystis sp. were found in the tongue and abdominal muscle of 3 of 11 deer from forests near Bonn (FRG). These measured 212-560 micron in length and 54-120 micron in width and contained metrocytes and merozoites. The cyst wall, which had narrow band-like protrusions, is compared with other Sarcocystis sp. from Cervidae.     

Caudate-cortical connections in the cat brain

By means of optical and electron microscopic methods, the cortical fields from the ipsilateral hemisphere was analysed in the cat after electrocoagulation of the dorsal part in the nucleus caudatus (NC). Degenerating axonal preterminals and terminals were detected in the preparations impregnated after Nauta--Gygax and Wiitanen's methods and in electronograms. To exclude degeneration of cortical and projective thalamic fibrillae from the great number of regenerated conductors, additional operations were performed on the same cats--thalamic and ventral NC nuclei were damaged and coagulative electrode was inserted into the dorsal NC a month before the last operation.     

Reanimation of the hemiparalytic tongue

Tongue hemiparesis is the inevitable result when the freshly severed 12th nerve is anastomosed to the trunk of a paralyzed 7th nerve in the technique commonly used by neurosurgeons, head and neck surgeons, otologists, and plastic surgeons to treat unilateral facial paralysis. This author has reactivated hemiparalytic tongues after research on cats. The technique has now been proved to be successful on two human beings. The reanimation is based on a simple Z-plasty of tongue muscle across the midline. Two principles are established: (1) placing a normal muscle in direct contact with a denervated muscle stimulates axons from the normal side to penetrate into the denervated side, eventually restoring function, and (2) transposition of a flap of muscle from the normal side containing extrinsic tongue muscles could provide a motor apparatus to activate the paralytic side. Biopsy slides taken from the paralyzed side of the cat tongues after 18 months showed sprouting of multiple nerves. Nerve sprouting can be found in human tongues 1 year after Z-plasties. The two patients who experienced atrophy and hemiparesis after the 12th-7th nerve hookup regained full range of tongue movements by 2 months and 4 months, respectively, demonstrating that with time, motor axons from the normal side innervated the atrophic muscle side to form new neuromotor junctions resulting in tongue movements. EMGs of the reanimated tongue showed normal activity in both sides of the tongue. Biopsies of the interface between the normal and former paralyzed side taken 1 year later showed nerves crossing the scar barrier. Apparently, the role of additional extrinsic muscle to the paralyzed side played a minor role.     

Synaptic organization of the individual layers of field 4 of the cat cerebral cortex]

By means of electron microscopic method, synaptic organization of some layers in the field 4 of the cat brain cortex has been studied. It has been demonstrated that: a) synaptic organization of the cortex becoms more complex from superficual layers towards deeper ones; b) axospinous and axosomatic synapses have identical structure in all the cortical layers, while the structure of axodendritic synapses depends on their localization. A possible physiological estimation of the morphological data obtained has been carried out.     

Generation of cloned transgenic cats expressing red fluorescence protein

A method for engineering and producing genetically modified cats is important for generating biomedical models of human diseases. Here we describe the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer to produce cloned transgenic cats that systemically express red fluorescent protein. Immature oocytes were collected from superovulating cat ovaries. Donor fibroblasts were obtained from an ear skin biopsy of a white male Turkish Angora cat, cultured for one to two passages, and subjected to transduction with a retrovirus vector designed to transfer and express the red fluorescent protein (RFP) gene. A total of 176 RFP cloned embryos were transferred into 11 surrogate mothers (mean = 16 +/- 7.5 per recipient). Three surrogate mothers were successfully impregnated (27.3%) and delivered two liveborn and one stillborn kitten at 65 to 66 days of gestation. Analysis of nine feline-specific microsatellite loci confirmed that the cloned cats were genetically identical to the donor cat. Presence of the RFP gene in the transgenic cat genome was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analyses. Whole-body red fluorescence was detected 60 days after birth in the liveborn transgenic (TG) cat but not in the surrogate mother cat. Red fluorescence was detected in tissue samples, including hair, muscle, brain, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, bronchus, lung, stomach, intestine, tongue, and even excrement of the stillborn TG cat. These results suggest that this nuclear transfer procedure using genetically modified somatic cells could be useful for the efficient production of transgenic cats.     

The free tongue graft for correction of secondary deformities of the vermilion in patients with cleft lip

From January of 1985 to January of 1990, 31 patients with repaired cleft lip and secondary vermilion defects underwent 45 revisional procedures. A free tongue graft was utilized seven times in six patients (19 percent). Indications for its use were a V-shaped vermilion deficit or a "whistling" deformity associated with a sagittal vermilion deficiency and normal or insufficient lateral vermilion bulk. Of the seven free tongue grafts, none was lost. Three patients have required revisions, including repeat free tongue graft in one. Proper positioning of the graft along the free vermilion border has made color and texture match satisfactory. The free tongue graft is a simple and reliable means of transferring both vermilion bulk and surface mucosa. Introduction of the free tongue graft has eliminated the need for more cumbersome procedures, such as the Abbé flap or the tongue flap, in properly selected patients.     

Where the Wild Things Are Now: Domestication Reconsidered

ABSTRACT

Although the occurrence of cat-caretaking of free-roaming cats is widespread, particularly so in countries with a climate suitable for cats to reproduce year-round, our knowledge of this relationship is still incomplete. People who engage in daily activities of feeding and caring for groups of free-roaming cats (cat caretakers) are known to be devoted to their cats and invest considerable resources in their care, including neutering and veterinary care. These caretakers often encounter difficulties, such as resentment by neighbors and lack of cooperation or financing by the municipal veterinary services. Despite the fundamental understanding of these caretakers' high daily commitment, and sometimes strong bond with the cats, detailed knowledge is still lacking regarding the nature of this bond, the difficulties that ensue from this daily occupation, and the relationship between the two. The purpose of this study was thus to acquire a deeper understanding, by means of an in-depth interview with cat caretakers. The study has identified, for the first time, two distinct emotional approaches that accompany extensive caretaking for free-roaming cats: emotional attachment and emotional detachment. We show how these two different responses affect both social and financial aspects in the caretakers' lives, and report on the ways in which these individuals experience cat caretaking. Our findings provide a first systematic understanding of the relationship between the level of technical caretaking (feeding, medical care, etc.) and the level of emotional involvement, and reveal the ambivalence often inherent in human–animal relations in general and the caretaker–cat bond in particular. The understanding acquired here can be put into practice to reduce the emotional and technical difficulties experienced by cat caretakers, as well as to improve free-roaming cat management efforts and cat welfare. By increasing public and municipal awareness of the possible contribution of cat caretakers to cat management, and of the emotional and technical difficulties they experience, both the caretakers and other community members can benefit.     

RECEPTIVE FIELDS OF CAT TASTE FIBERS

The receptive fields of 25 cat chorda tympani taste fibers weremapped by the application of taste solutions to individual fungiformpapillae on the tongue. Chemical stimulation of other siteson the tongue was ineffective. The receptive fields were ingeneral small and discrete, but could extend for distances ofmore than 5 mm with one or more unresponsive papillae interposedbetween responsive papillae. Since most fibers branched andinnervated at least 2 fungiform papillae (mean 2.7), it waspossible to stimulate 2 papillae within a fiber's receptivefield independently. The two sets of taste receptors innervatedby a given fiber had similar relative chemical sensitivity.Therefore, branches of a taste fiber are not connected at randomto the various kinds of taste receptor cells.     

Histochemical study of the cholinergic structures of the frog tongue after chronic administration of ethanol

The chronic ethanol effect on the cholinergic structures of frog's tongue epithelium was studied by means of histochemical method. It was found that the administration of ethanol daily for 14 days resulted in a decrease of reactive reorganization processes of the nerve fibers and nervous band perineurium, arising under stimulation of the tongue by taste solutions. This process was partly restored in a month, in spite of the continuing ethanol administration. The decrease of acetylcholinesterase activity and the appearance of dystrophic and destructive changes both in the nerve fibers and in neurons was observed in the animals subjected to lasting ethanol effect for 60-90 days. Revealed in the course of alcoholization morpho-functional changes of cholinergic tongue structures can be in the basis of the disturbance of the taste.     

Chemosensitive responses from the cat epiglottis

Responses were recorded from single and few-fiber preparationsof the cat superior laryngeal nerve during stimulation of theepiglottis with 0.5 M KCl, NH⁴Cl, NaCl, and LiCl; distilledwater, 0.005 M citric acid, 0.01 N HCl; and light touch. Epiglottalreceptive fields were mapped. The order of effective stimuliis KCl > HCl > NH⁴Cl > distilled water > citricacid; NaCl and LiCl are generally not effective. Since (a) similarstimuli elicit responses from the cat chorda tympani nerve duringstimulation of tongue taste buds, and (b) receptive fields ofsuperior laryngeal nerve fibers compare well with a map of epiglottaltaste buds, we conclude that the chemosensitive responses fromthe epiglottis are probably mediated by taste buds.     

Neuronal intermediate filaments in the developing tongue of the frog Rana esculenta

The expression of several neuronal intermediate filament (NIF) proteins was investigated in the tongue of metamorphosing tadpoles (stage 38-45 of Gosner) and in adult individuals of the frog, Rana esculenta by means of immunohistochemistry. Results showed that nerve fibres at early stages of tongue development expressed peripherin (a NIF protein usually found in differentiating neurones) as well as the light- and medium molecular weight NIF polypeptide subunits (NF-L and NF-M, respectively); in the adult frog, peripherin was still found in nerve fibres reaching the fungiform papilla together with NF-M, but NF-L immunoreactivity was absent therein. Clusters of epithelial cells expressing peripherin were found in the early developing tongue before differentiation of taste organs, and NF-L and NF-H immunoreactivities were present in basal (Merkel) cells of the adult frog taste disc. Results indicate that neurones innervating the adult frog's taste disc maintain a certain plasticity in their cytoskeleton and that neuronal-like cells are present in the undifferentiated and differentiated tongue epithelium possibly playing a role in the developing and mature taste organ.     

Callosal connections in the cat parietal cortex during postnatal ontogenesis

By means of the method based on the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase topography, quantitative and qualitative composition of homotopic neurons in the cat cerebral parietal associative cortex performing callosal connections have been studied. When comparing the data of the experiment with those previously obtained on distribution of the axonal terminals in the comissural neurons, certain places are revealed where concentration of the homotopic callosal connections of the parietal cortex field 7 take place. A morphological characteristic of the longaxonal pyramidal and stellate neurons forming these connections is presented.     

Deficits of masticatory movements caused by lesions in the orofacial somatosensory cortex of the awake cat

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of somatosensory cortex (SI) in the control of orofacial movements during eating.We identified perioral and tongue projection regions of the cat SI and destroyed cells in one region by injecting kainic acid. The effects on orofacial behavior were then studied over a period of 4-6 weeks. Cats with unilateral lesions in the perioral region (PL-cats) dropped food from the contralateral side of the mouth in the early phase. Failure in erection of the contralateral whisker hairs during masticatory movements and delay of the masticatory start were observed throughout the experimental period. Furthermore, in the late phase, PL-cats showed prolongations of the masticatory and food intake periods, which were accompanied by the increase in the number of swallows and chewing cycles. Cats with unilateral lesions in the tongue region (TL-cats) showed the prolongation of the masticatory period in the early phase, which was accompanied by the increase in the number of swallows and chewing cycles. TL-cats did not show the prolongation of the food intake period and failure in erection of the contralateral whisker hairs. In both PL- and TL-cats, masticatory and swallowing rhythms were normal.