Physiological responses induced by pleasant stimuli

The specific physiological responses induced by pleasant stimuli were investigated in this study. Various physiological responses of the brain (encephaloelectrogram; EEG), autonomic nervous system (ANS), immune system and endocrine system were monitored when pleasant stimuli such as odors, emotional pictures and rakugo, a typical Japanese comical story-telling, were presented to subjects. The results revealed that (i) EEG activities of the left frontal brain region were enhanced by a pleasant odor; (ii) emotional pictures related to primitive element such as nudes and erotic couples elevated vasomotor sympathetic nervous activity; and (iii) an increase in secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) and a decrease in salivary cortisol (s-cortisol) were induced by rakugo-derived linguistic pleasant emotion. Pleasant emotion is complicated state. However, by considering the evolutionary history of human being, it is possible to assess and evaluate pleasant emotion from certain physiological responses by appropriately summating various physiological parameters.     

Physical criteria of pathological processes. II. Modulating role of functional interhemisphere asymmetry in forming and immune response in rheumatic diseases

The level of the brain permanent potential as a physiological criterion of the functional interhemisphere asymmetry, as well as immunological and biochemical characteristics of peripheral blood in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases were studied. It was found that the distribution of the characteristics of immune response in patients with different types of interhemisphere asymmetry. Significant differences were observed for average values of biochemical and immunological characteristics, their dispersions, as well as for the structure of relationships between the type of the interhemisphere asymmetry and immunobiochemical characteristics.     

Changes of neurochemical and electrophysiological indices of rat brain under ethanol intoxication

It was found that acute ethanol intoxication caused an imbalance of the neurotransmitters in the CNS: accumulation of GABA and serotonin and depletion of catecholamines. Alcohol depression was characterized by suppression of the evoked potentials of the various rat brain structures. Under chronic ethanol intoxication of animals, relative stabilization of the electrophysiological indices of the rat brain activity was observed. This reflects the CNS adaptation to the constant ethanol presence in the blood. This state was also characterized by the relative stabilization of the serotonin system and by the increase of the catecholamine level. Withdrawal of ethanol after prolonged consumption caused accumulation of catecholamines in rat brain, depletion of serotonin and GABA, and increased excitability of the nervous structures. The changes of activity of the GABA- and monoaminergic systems are coupled to manifestation of symptoms of alcohol depression and convulsive reactions during ethanol withdrawal.     

A Mathematical Model to Elucidate Brain Tumor Abrogation by Immunotherapy with T11 Target Structure

T11 Target structure (T11TS), a membrane glycoprotein isolated from sheep erythrocytes, reverses the immune suppressed state of brain tumor induced animals by boosting the functional status of the immune cells. This study aims at aiding in the design of more efficacious brain tumor therapies with T11 target structure. We propose a mathematical model for brain tumor (glioma) and the immune system interactions, which aims in designing efficacious brain tumor therapy. The model encompasses considerations of the interactive dynamics of glioma cells, macrophages, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+ T-cells), TGF-β, IFN-γ and the T11TS. The system undergoes sensitivity analysis, that determines which state variables are sensitive to the given parameters and the parameters are estimated from the published data. Computer simulations were used for model verification and validation, which highlight the importance of T11 target structure in brain tumor therapy.     

Neural networks in intestinal immunoregulation

Key physiological functions of the intestine are governed by nerves and neurotransmitters. This complex control relies on two neuronal systems: an extrinsic innervation supplied by the two branches of the autonomic nervous system and an intrinsic innervation provided by the enteric nervous system. As a result of constant exposure to commensal and pathogenic microflora, the intestine developed a tightly regulated immune system. In this review, we cover the current knowledge on the interactions between the gut innervation and the intestinal immune system. The relations between extrinsic and intrinsic neuronal inputs are highlighted with regards to the intestinal immune response. Moreover, we discuss the latest findings on mechanisms underlying inflammatory neural reflexes and examine their relevance in the context of the intestinal inflammation. Finally, we discuss some of the recent data on the identification of the gut microbiota as an emerging player influencing the brain function.     

Qualitative Behavior of Spontaneous Potentials from Explants of 15 Day Chick Embryo Telencephalon in Vitro

The apparatus and technique used in the preparation and observation of explants of brain tissue capable of producing spontaneous potentials in vitro are described. The magnitude and pattern of spontaneous potentials from explants of telencephalon of 15 day chick embryos (measured using external bare platinum electrodes) and some aspects of their "normal" behavior during 12 days in vitro are also described. No change was noted in these potentials with change of amplifiers, recorders, or electrodes. The response of the potentials to change in temperature and proportionate composition of the atmosphere around the explant was such as to suggest that the potentials arise as a result of a living process. The changes brought about by the administration of anesthetics, strychnine, brucine, and barbiturates were those that might be anticipated in a normal functional activity of the central nervous system. It is concluded that these potentials are a true physiological phenomenon and arise from living cells of the central nervous system.     

Relationships between the brain and the immune system

The concept that the brain can modulate activity the immune system stems from the theory of stress. Recent advances in the study of the inter-relationships between the central nervous system and the immune system have demonstrated a vast network of communication pathways between the two systems. Lymphoid organs are innervated by branches of the autonomic nervous system. Accessory immune cells and lymphocytes have membrane receptors for most neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. These receptors are functional, and their activation leads to changes in immune functions, including cell proliferation, chimiotactism and specific immune responses. Brain lesions and stressors can induce a number of changes in the functioning of the immune system. All these changes are not necessarily mediated by the neuroendocrine system. They can also be dependent on autonomic nerve function. The communication pathways that link the brain to the immune system are normally activated by signals from the immune system, and they serve to regulate immune responses. These signals originate from accessory immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages and they are represented mainly by proinflammatory cytokines. Proinflammatory cytokines produced at the periphery act on the brain via two major pathways: (1) a humoral pathway allowing pathogen specific molecular patterns to act on Toll-like receptors in those brain areas that are devoid of a functional blood-brain barrier, the so-called circumventricular areas; (2) a neural pathway, represented by the afferent nerves that innervate the bodily site of infection and injury. In both cases, peripherally produced cytokines induce the expression of brain cytokines that are produced by resident macrophages and microglial cells. These locally produced cytokines diffuse throughout the brain parenchyma to act on target brain areas so as to organise the central components of the host response to infection (fever, neuroendocrine activation, and sickness behavior).     

Studying the isolated central nervous system; a report on 35 years: more inquisitive than acquisitive

1. The CNS from invertebrate animals such as slugs, snails, leeches, and cockroaches, can be isolated and kept alive for many hours. 2. The electrical and pharmacological properties of invertebrate CNS neurons have many similarities and it is probable that the basic rules governing the CNS evolved more than 600 million years ago. 3. The nerve cells can show sodium action potentials, calcium action potentials, EPSP, IPSP, biphasic potentials, electrogenic sodium pump potentials, and a variety of potassium, sodium, calcium and chloride currents. 4. Invertebrate CNS ganglia contain identifiable individual nerve cells whose properties and responses to neurotransmitters and drugs are constant and repeatable from preparation to preparation. 5. It was possible to set up an isolated CNS-nerve trunk-muscle preparation and study the transport of radioactive material from the CNS to the muscle and from muscle to CNS. This has provided information about axoplasmic transport in both invertebrate and vertebrate preparations. 6. The methods developed from studies of invertebrate isolated CNS preparations have been applied to vertebrate isolated CNS preparations. 7. In addition to thin slices of the mammalian brain, it is possible to keep 5 cm lengths of the whole mammalian spinal cord and brain stem alive for many hours. 8. The isolated mammalian spinal cord has functional ipsilateral and contralateral reflexes, ascending and descending pathways, extensive sensory integrative local area networks, and inhibitory interneuron circuits. Much of the in vivo circuitry is functional in vitro. 9. The isolated mammalian spinal cord and brain stem can be developed to include functional higher brain circuits that will provide increased understanding of the control and integrative action of the mammalian central nervous system.     

Alzheimer’s disease and normal aging: Neurophysiological and immunological aspects

We studied in humans the characteristics of brain visual evoked potentials (EP) elicited by presentation of a reverse chess-board patterns and also the following parameters of the immune status: the numbers of T- and B-lymphocytes, immunoglobulin levels in blood plasma, and level of sensibilization of lymphocytes to the brain antigen. Two groups were examined: aged persons (up to 65 years) with normal course of aging (the control group) and patients of the same age suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the latter group, lower amplitudes of early and late EP components (P300, in particular) and longer peak latencies of late components were observed. The development of AD correlates with a drop in the number of lymphocytes, increased IgA level, and sensibilization of lymphocytes to brain antigen, which is indicative of an immunodeficit state and the development of an autoimmune process; the latter phenomena can be significant factors responsible for neuronal death.     

Electroencephalographic characteristics in animals with different typologic characteristics of their higher nervous activity]

Manifestation of typological characteristics of higher nervous activity in EEG energo-(amplitude-) frequency parameters were studied in chronic experiments on cats in a state of rest. EEG Of the animals of a strong nervous system type were characterized by a comparatively steady prevalence of alpha-activity and a stable relationship between the summary energy parameters of the basic frequencies. The brain electrical activity of cats with a weak type of higher nervous activity was in some cases characterized by instability of the general pattern: the summary parameter of each rhythm often changed, while at different intervals of time any of them could be recorded as predominant; in other cases slow waves were steadily prominent, and the summary energy of alpha-activity was low.     

Stress and immunity: an integrated view of relationships between the brain and the immune system

The old notion that stress exacerbates the progression of physical illness via its corticosteroid-mediated immunosuppressive effects must be revised. Experimental and clinical studies demonstrate that both laboratory and natural stressors alter the activities of lymphocytes and macrophages in a complex way that depends on the type of immune response, the physical and psychological characteristics of the stressor and the timing of stress relative to the induction and expression of the immune event. The influences of stress on immunity are mediated not only by glucocorticoids but also by catecholamines, endogenous opioids and pituitary hormones such as growth hormone. Sensitivity of the immune system to stress is not simply fortuitous but is an indirect consequence of the regulatory reciprocal influences that exist between the immune system and the central nervous system. The immune system receives signals from the brain and the neuroendocrine system via the autonomic nervous system and hormones and sends information to the brain via cytokines. These connections appear to be part of a long-loop regulatory feedback system that plays an important role in the coordination of behavioral and physiological responses to infection and inflammation.     

Ultraslow information control systems in the integration of life activity processes in the brain and body

The published data and the results of studies of the Department of Human Neurophysiology, revealing the place and importance of ultraslow information-control systems in the study of mechanisms for the integration of interorgan and intersystemic interactions, with the leading role of CNS and the autonomic nervous system, are summarized. The existing notions of the universality and commensurability of amplitude-time parameters, ultraslow bioelectric potentials (USBPs) recorded in the brain and the brain-controlled systems and organs have been considered. Experimental justifications for including one of the USBP types, a stable potential in the millivolt range in the vertex-tenar derivation (the omegametry method) in the psychophysiological approach are provided. This approach consists of choosing complementary integral psychological and physiological parameters permitting the study of the contingency of the mechanisms that control the functional state (wakefulness level) with specific features of the organization of higher mental functions and adaptive behavior, as well as in differentiating diagnostic markers: (a) the balance level and disintegration of intersystemic interaction in the body; and (b) disturbances of compensatory-adaptive possibilities and the adaptation reserve of the body. The prospects of using this approach in theoretical and applied studies on developmental psychophysiology, child psychoneurology, and functional neurology of chronic diseases of the nervous system have been considered.     

Influence of Short-Term Relaxation on the Organization of the Brain Electrical Activity of Young Schoolchildren in the State of Quiet Wakefulness

Relaxation-induced changes in characteristics of the functional state of the nervous system (EEG parameters and electrodermal resistance (EDR)) were studied in 30 schoolchildren aged 9–10 years. A multichannel EEG was recorded from the occipital, parietal, temporo-parieto-occipital, central, and frontal areas of both brain hemispheres in three test conditions: quiet wakefulness, R, and recovery of the initial state. Simultaneously, the EDR was monitored. EEG amplitude spectra and coherence were calculated. Prior to and after relaxation, a cognitive test to determine the extent of short-term auditory verbal memory was performed. While changes in the EDR were reversible, relaxation-induced changes in the EEG parameters persisted after relaxation in many subjects. Changes in EEG coherence between distant derivations were most stable. Since short-term auditory verbal memory improved after relaxation, the postrelaxation changes in the EEG parameters were considered to reflect positive changes arising in the brain function and increasing the efficiency of cognitive processes.     

A relation between (NAD+)/(NADH) potentials and glucose utilization in rat brain slices.

Changes in several parameters involved in the control of metabolism were correlated with changes in glucose utilization in rat brain slices incubated under conditions which reduced glucose oxidation by 40 to 70%. The parameters included: the concentrations of ATP, ADP, AMP, and the adenylate energy charge; the cytoplasmic oxidation-reduction state ([NAD+]/[NADH]), determined from the [pyruvate]/[lactate] equilibrium; the mitochondrial oxidation-reduction state, determined from the [NH4+] ]2-oxoglutarate]/[glutamate] Equilibrium; the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial oxidation-reduction potentials (in volts), calculated from the respective [NAD+]/ [NADH] ratios using the Nernst equation; and the difference between the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial [NAD+]/[NADH] potentials. The conversion of [3, 4-14C] glucose to 14CO2 and of [U-14C] glucose to acetylcholine and to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids by the brain slices were also determined. The values obtained by subtracting the mitochondrial from the cytoplasmic [NAD+1/[NADH] potentials correlated more closely with glucose utilization than did other parameters, under the conditions studied. For the synthesis of acetylcholine, the correlation coefficient was 0.96, and for the production of 14CO2 from [3, 4-14C] glucose it was 0.82.     

Role of nonsynaptic communication in regulating the immune response

The discovery of nonsynaptic communication in the 1960s and 1970s was an important milestone in investigating the function of the nervous system, and it revolutionized our view about information transmission between neurons. In addition, nonsynaptic communication has a practical importance not only within the nervous system, but in the communication between the peripheral nervous system and other organ systems. Nonsynaptic communication takes place in different immune organs, which are innervated by sympathetic nerve terminals. In addition, the function of microglia, one of the immunocompetent cell types of the brain, can also be affected by neurotransmitters released from axon varicosities. The various functions of immune cells are modulated by released neurotransmitters without any direct synaptic contact between nerve endings and targeted immune cells requiring only functional neurotransmitter receptors on immune cells. Here, we briefly overview the role of the various receptor subtypes mediating nonsynaptic modulation of the function of immunocompetent cells both in the periphery and in the central nervous system.     

DISTRIBUTION OF SERUM PROTEINS AND BETA-TRACE PROTEIN WITHIN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Abstract— The concentration of beta-trace protein, a low molecular weight water-soluble protein, was significantly higher in cerebral and cerebellar white matter than in grey matter. A similar distribution was found for transferrin. The concentrations of gamma-trace protein and pre-albumin were almost constant in cerebral and cerebellar white and grey matter. A different distribution was shown for albumin, beta_lc/beta_lA globulins, and the immunoglobulins G, A and M, with the highest concentrations mostly encountered in the highly vascularized basal ganglia and grey matter, and the lowest concentrations in white matter. Thus, different parameters, hitherto unknown determine the distribution within the central nervous system of various proteins-those which originate from serum, and beta-trace protein which originates mainly from the central nervous system.
The amounts of the different proteins were higher in the choroid plexus than in brain tissue, with the exception of gamma-trace protein.
Foetal brains contained increasing concentrations of beta-trace protein and of transferrin with age.
Femoral nerve contained lower concentrations of beta-trace protein and gamma-trace protein, and higher concentrations of the other proteins, than the central nervous system.     

Brain function and higher nervous activity

Some actual problems of higher nervous activity have been analysed on the peculiarities of brain states in the course of different types of conditioning and reactivity of the nervous structures which depend on the brain state have been considered. A concept of brain state as a specific mechanism of each temporal connection forming during the learning process has been formulated for the first time. The authors suggest that the brain represents the dynamic system with changeable structure which reveals itself in multitude nervous set constellation during various types of activity. This concept is presented to be the theoretical basis for integral evaluation of functional capacities of central nervous system.     

An automated method to quantify microglia morphology and application to monitor activation state longitudinally in vivo

Microglia are specialized immune cells of the brain. Upon insult, microglia initiate a cascade of cellular responses including a characteristic change in cell morphology. To study the dynamics of microglia immune response in situ, we developed an automated image analysis method that enables the quantitative assessment of microglia activation state within tissue based solely on cell morphology. Per cell morphometric analysis of fluorescently labeled microglia is achieved through local iterative threshold segmentation, which reduces errors caused by signal-to-noise variation across large volumes. We demonstrate, utilizing systemic application of lipopolysaccharide as a model of immune challenge, that several morphological parameters, including cell perimeter length, cell roundness and soma size, quantitatively distinguish resting versus activated populations of microglia within tissue comparable to traditional immunohistochemistry methods. Furthermore, we provide proof-of-concept data that monitoring soma size enables the longitudinal assessment of microglia activation in the mouse neocortex imaged via 2-photon in vivo microscopy. The ability to quantify microglia activation automatically by shape alone allows unbiased and rapid analysis of both fixed and in vivo central nervous system tissue.