Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the efficacy of using neural grafting to restore physiological and behavioral functions following damage to the cholinergic septohippocampal system. It presents a study in which embryonic septal regions were injected into the hippocampi of fimbria–fornix (FF) transected rats. The grafts developed an extensive innervation of the host hippocampus and, when stimulated, produced a slow depolarizing response that was blocked by atropine and facilitated by physostigmine. There is evidence that the graft restored hippocampal theta rhythm, which had been eliminated by FF transactions or septal lesions. However, unlike unlesioned controls, theta in grafted animals is not correlated with movement. Performance in a water maze, which was markedly impaired by fornix transection, showed no improvement 6 months after transplantation, but was restored in septal lesioned, septal grafted rats. The results indicate that grafting may provide a useful tool for studying the action of neurotransmitter systems and their involvement in higher brain functions.

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