Bilateral Ablation Research Articles

Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction After Video-Assisted Thoracic Sympathicolysis for Essential Hyperhidrosis: A Follow-Up of 138 Patients

Essential hyperhidrosis (EH) is defined as excessive functioning of the sudomotor sweat system. Definitive treatment of choice is video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathetic interruption. Success rates are high, but compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) remains a troublesome side effect. The aim of this study was to document patient satisfaction and side effects at least 6 months after thoracoscopic sympathicolysis. Between 2001 and 2005, 246 patients underwent bilateral ablation of the sympathetic chain at the thoracic level T2, T3, and/or T4. Questionnaires using open questions and scoring systems were sent at least 6 months after procedure and were returned by 138 patients (56%). From the 138 patients (56 males/82 females), 39 suffered from cranial (±facial blushing), 34 from palmar, and 34 from axillary hyperhidrosis. Thirty-one patients were treated for a combination. No conversion to open surgery or deaths occurred. For the whole group, average quality of life was 4.5±2.5 before and 8.4±1.8 after surgery (P<.001). Ninety-one percent were very satisfied (score ≥7) and 80% showed an increased quality of life of ≥2. Compensatory sweating occurred in 76% of the patients, only 6% reported this as disabling. Comparing subgroups, a significant improvement in primary complaint score was found in 90%, 94%, and 91% for the T2, T3, and T4 patients, respectively. In the T4 group, the prevalence of CH was markedly lower (53%) and none of these patients were dissatisfied. Thoracoscopic ablation of the sympathetic chain is an effective treatment for EH; CH occurs in the majority of patients, but only rarely impairs postoperative quality of life.

Time-Related Prevalence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Stand-Alone Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation

We present our results with minimally invasive surgical treatment of lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) employing a radiofrequency (RF) source through a bilateral thoracoscopy. Between January 2007 and January 2011, 28 consecutive patients (85.7% male, mean age 67.1 ± 9.1 years) with LAF underwent video-assisted bilateral RF ablation. Fourteen patients (50%) had paroxysmal, five (17.8%) persistent, and nine (32.2%) long-persistent LAF. All patients were followed-up according to the Heart Rhythm Society/ European Heart Rhythm Association/European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (HRS/EHRA/ECA) and success/failure was reported as suggested by Society of Thoracic Surgeon (STS) guidelines. Mean follow-up was 27.8 ± 8.6 months. Time-related prevalence of postoperative AF was 4.5% at 36 months. Success was much more likely in subjects with paroxysmal (3-year prevalence, 0%) or persistent (3-year prevalence, 0%) than long-standing persistent LAF (3-year prevalence, 8.3%). At 36 months the estimated prevalence of antiarrhythmic drugs was 11.3% (8.8 to 13.7). No major thromboembolic events were detected during the follow-up period and 36-month prevalence of Warfarin use was 15.2% (11.5 to 18.1). Finally, no patient underwent electrical cardioversion. This approach yielded satisfactory results with a high degree of safety. Further larger studies are necessary to confirm our findings.

Single-Session Radiofrequency Ablation of Bilateral Lung Metastases

This retrospective study examined the feasibility and efficacy of bilateral lung radiofrequency ablation (RFA) performed in a single session. From 2002-2009, patients with bilateral lung metastases were treated by RFA, where possible in a single session under general anesthesia with CT guidance. The second lung was punctured only if no complications occurred after treatment of the first lung. Five lung metastases maximum per patient were treated by RFA and prospectively followed. The primary endpoint was the evaluation of acute and delayed complications. Secondary endpoints were calculation of hospitalization duration, local efficacy, median survival, and median time to tumor progression. Local efficacy was evaluated on CT or positron emission tomography (PET) CT. Sixty-seven patients were treated for bilateral lung metastases with RFA (mean age, 62 years). Single-session treatment was not possible in 40 due to severe pneumothoraces (n = 24), bilateral pleural contact (n = 14), and operational exclusions (n = 2). Twenty-seven (41%) received single-session RFA of lesions in both lungs for 66 metastases overall. Fourteen unilateral and four bilateral pneumothoraces occurred (18 overall, 66.7%). Unilateral (n = 13) and bilateral (n = 2) chest tube drainage was required. Median hospitalization was 3 (range, 2-8) days. Median survival was 26 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 19-33). Four recurrences on RFA sites were observed (4 patients). Median time to tumor progression was 9.5 months (95% CI, 4.2-23.5). Although performing single-session bilateral lung RFA is not always possible due to pneumothoraces after RFA of first lung, when it is performed, this technique is safe and effective.

Renal denervation: a potential new treatment modality for polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with sympathetic nervous system activation, insulin resistance, and blood pressure elevation. Renal nerve ablation has been demonstrated to reduce sympathetic outflow and improve blood pressure control. Here we report on the effects of renal denervation on hemodynamic, metabolic, and renal parameters in two obese PCOS patients with hypertension. Sympathetic nerve activity was assessed at baseline using microneurography and norepinephrine spillover measurements. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Measurements of cystatin-C, creatinine clearance, and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio were also obtained. All measurements were repeated 3 months after bilateral renal denervation achieved via percutaneous endovascular radiofrequency ablation. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity and whole body norepinephrine spillover were substantially elevated at baseline in both patients by approximately 2.5-3-fold. Bilateral renal nerve ablation reduced both indices of sympathetic nerve activity. This was associated with moderate reductions in blood pressure and a substantial improvement in insulin sensitivity by approximately 17.5% in the absence of weight changes at 3-month follow-up. Glomerular hyperfiltration and urinary albumin excretion were also reduced. These findings corroborate the relevance of sympathetic activation in PCOS and suggest that renal denervation exerts beneficial effects not only on blood pressure control but also on insulin sensitivity, renal, and endocrine abnormalities characteristic of PCOS.

Lipogenic regulators are elevated with age and chronic overload in rat skeletal muscle

Both muscle mass and strength decline with ageing, but the loss of strength far surpasses what is projected based on the decline in mass. Interestingly, the accumulation of fat mass has been shown to be a strong predictor of functional loss and disability. Furthermore, there is a known attenuated hypertrophic response to skeletal muscle overload with ageing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 28 days of overload on the storage of intramuscular triglycerides (IMTG) and metabolic regulators of lipid synthesis in young and old skeletal muscle. The phosphorylation and expression of essential lipogenic regulators were determined in the plantaris of young (YNG; 6-month-old) and aged (OLD; 30-month-old) rats subjected to bilateral synergist ablation (SA) of two-thirds of the gastrocnemius muscle or sham surgery. We demonstrate that age-induced increases in IMTG are associated with enhancements in the expression of lipogenic regulators in muscle. We also show that the phosphorylation and concentration of the 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) isoforms are altered in OLD. We observed increases in the expression of lipogenic regulators and AMPK signalling after SA in YNG, despite no increase in IMTG. Markers of oxidative capacity were increased in YNG after SA. These overload-induced effects were blunted in OLD. These data suggest that lipid metabolism may be altered in ageing skeletal muscle and is unaffected by mechanical overload via SA. By determining the role of increased lipid storage on skeletal muscle mass during ageing, possible gene targets for the treatment of sarcopenia may be identified.

Hormonal regulatory role of eyestalk factors on growth of heart in mud crab, Scylla serrata

The present study was attempted to know the growth regulation of eyestalk factors on the growth of heart in Scylla serrata using eyestalk extractions and bilateral eyestalk ablations. The bilateral eyestalk ablation led to the maximum growth indices of the heart ((H) indices) to 0.162 and 0.158 in ablated male and female, respectively, in comparison to 0.153 and 0.167 in the control male and female and 0.147 and 0.157 in injected male and female, respectively. The data have shown that the heart of male crabs grows faster than female crabs. The study has also shown that bilateral eyestalk ablation resulted in a significant increase in the heart indices in males and has least effect on the growth of the female heart. The results presented strongly support a potential role of the eyestalk factors and molting hormone regulating the growth of the heart in S. serrata.

Effect of selected biogenic amines on reproduction in the fresh water edible crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex

The increasing demand for high protein food from aquatic sources and the necessity to find an alternative for fisheries have given rise to a worldwide expansion of shellfish culture. The major bottleneck in crustacean aquaculture industry is the limited availability of quality seed. The present study was designed to elucidate the possible role(s) of selected biogenic amines on the regulation of reproduction in the fresh water edible crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex. Bilateral eyestalk ablation significantly increased ovarian index, mean oocyte diameter and ovarian vitellogenin levels. Injection of serotonin and melatonin also induced ovarian maturation in intact crabs. Injection of serotonin and melatonin into eyestalk ablated crabs did not further accelerate ovarian growth when compared with eyestalk ablated crabs. Given that serotonin and melatonin are able to stimulate ovarian growth and vitellogenin levels in intact crabs but not in eyestalk ablated crabs, it is clear that the stimulatory action of serotonin and melatonin is at the eyestalk through inhibition of release of vitellogenin inhibiting hormone from the X-organ-sinus gland complex. Injection of dopamine into intact crabs did not result in any change in reproduction. Whereas, injection of dopamine into eyestalk ablated crabs results in retarding ovarian growth when compared to eyestalk ablated crabs. From the results, we conclude that, dopamine regulated ovarian growth could be through inhibition of release of vitellogenin stimulating hormone from brain and thoracic ganglion or direct action of dopamine on ovaries but not mediated by eyestalk hormones.

Orientation mechanisms and sensory organs involved in host location in a dipteran parasitoid larva

The robber fly Mallophora ruficauda is one of the principal pests of apiculture in the Pampas region of Argentina. Larvae are solitary ectoparasitoids of third-instar scarab beetle larvae. Females of M. ruficauda do not lay eggs on or near the hosts, but on tall grasses. After hatching, larvae are dispersed by the wind and drop to the ground, where they dig and search for potential hosts. It is known that second-instar larvae of M. ruficauda exhibit active host-searching behaviour towards their preferred hosts, i.e., third-instar larvae of Cyclocephala signaticollis. Although host-location seems to be mediated by chemical cues, the mechanism of orientation and the sensory organs involved in host location remain unknown. We carried out behavioural experiments in the laboratory to address these questions. We also tested whether the orientation behaviour is exclusively based on the use of chemical cues. We found that larvae of M. ruficauda detect the chemicals with chemosensilla on the maxillary palps. Only one maxillary palp suffices for orientation, but their bilateral ablation abolishes orientation. Besides, an hexane extract of the host body was as attractive as a live host. Our results support that M. ruficauda larvae find their hosts underground by means of chemoklinotaxis.

Early Activation of mTOR in Response to Mechanical Overload Occurs Independent of PI3K/Akt Signaling

It had been established that mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) functions as a central integrator of a wide range of signals that modulate protein metabolism and cell growth, however, the regulatory mechanisms which determine mTOR activity in skeletal muscle are poorly defined. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the upstream signaling mechanisms that contribute to mTOR activation during mechanical overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy in vivo. METHODS: C57BL/6J mice (male, 12-14 wk of age) were used in this study. The bilateral synergist ablation model was used to induce hypertrophy of the plantaris muscle by functional overload. Muscle samples were collected at days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 after synergist ablation surgery. Insulin (0.75 Unit/kg), wortmannin (3 mg/kg) and rapamycin (1.5 mg/kg) were administered by intraperitoneal injection. RESULTS: Consistent with previous studies, mechanical overload induced progressive hypertrophy of the plantaris muscle (Ex. 1.7-fold increase in total muscle mass, 14.2-fold increase in rates of protein synthesis and 2.1-fold increase in total RNA contents following 7 days of mechanical overload). Phosphorylation states of both Akt and mTOR signaling pathways were determined. Activity of mTOR signaling was monitored by analysis of Thr389 phosphorylation of S6 kinase 1 (S6K1). We found a significant increase in Thr389 phosphorylation of S6K1 by day 1 following mechanical overload. In contrast we saw no change in Akt phosphorylation, no change in Akt kinase activity and we found no change in the phosphorylation of known downstream targets of Akt including glycogen synthase kinase 3, proline-rich Akt substrate 40 kDa and tuberous sclerosis 2 at day 1 of mechanical overload. These results were surprising and indicated that activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling was not required for mTOR activation in vivo. To determine whether PI3K-dependent signaling was necessary for the early activation of mTOR, we treated mice with the PI3K-specific inhibitor wortmannin, which was sufficient to inhibit insulin-dependent signal inputs, but did not prevent overload-induced mTOR activation in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These observations demonstrate that mTOR activation at the early phase of mechanical overload occurs independent of PI3K/Akt regulation in skeletal muscle. This suggests that other signal inputs including mechanical strain and/or nutrient status are important for this initial signaling event during overload-induced hypertrophic growth. Supported by NIH Grant ROI AR45617 to KAE and AHA postdoctoral fellowship (0825668D) to MM.

Cortical Control of Adaptive Locomotion in Wild-Type Mice and Mutant Mice Lacking the Ephrin-Eph Effector Protein α2-Chimaerin

In voluntary control, supraspinal motor systems select the appropriate response and plan movement mechanics to match task constraints. Spinal circuits translate supraspinal drive into action. We studied the interplay between motor cortex (M1) and spinal circuits during voluntary movements in wild-type (WT) mice and mice lacking the α2-chimaerin gene (Chn1(-/-)), necessary for ephrinB3-EphA4 signaling. Chn1(-/-) mice have aberrant bilateral corticospinal systems, aberrant bilateral-projecting spinal interneurons, and disordered voluntary control because they express a hopping gait, which may be akin to mirror movements. We addressed three issues. First, we determined the role of the corticospinal system in adaptive control. We trained mice to step over obstacles during treadmill locomotion. We compared performance before and after bilateral M1 ablation. WT mice adaptively modified their trajectory to step over obstacles, and M1 ablation increased substantially the incidence of errant steps over the obstacle. Chn1(-/-) mice randomly stepped or hopped during unobstructed locomotion but hopped over the obstacle. Bilateral M1 ablation eliminated this obstacle-dependent hop selection and increased forelimb obstacle contact errors. Second, we characterized the laterality of corticospinal action in Chn1(-/-) mice using pseudorabies virus retrograde transneuronal transport and intracortical microstimulation. We showed bilateral connections between M1 and forelimb muscles in Chn1(-/-) and unilateral connections in WT mice. Third, in Chn1(-/-) mice, we studied adaptive responses before and after unilateral M1 ablation. We identified a more important role for contralateral than ipsilateral M1 in hopping over the obstacle. Our findings suggest an important role for M1 in the mouse in moment-to-moment adaptive control, and further, using Chn1(-/-) mice, a role in mediating task-dependent selection of mirror-like hopping movements over the obstacle. Our findings also stress the importance of subcortical control during adaptive locomotion because key features of the trajectory remained largely intact after M1 ablation.

Functional localization within the prefrontal cortex: missing the forest for the trees?

Anatomical and functional studies of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) have identified multiple PFC subregions. We argue that the PFC is involved in cognitive functions exceeding the sum of specific functions attributed to its subregions. These can be revealed either by lesions of the whole PFC, or more specifically by selective disconnection of the PFC from certain types of information (for example, visual) allowing the investigation of PFC function in toto. Recent studies in macaque monkeys using the latter approach lead to a second conclusion: that the PFC, as a whole, could be fundamentally specialized for representing events that are extended in time. The representation of temporally complex events might underlie PFC involvement in general intelligence, decision-making, and executive function.

Bilateral eyestalk ablation of the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus, produces hypertrophy of the androgenic gland and an increase of cells producing insulin-like androgenic gland hormone

The androgenic glands (AG) of male decapod crustaceans produce insulin-like androgenic gland (IAG) hormone that controls male sex differentiation, growth and behavior. Functions of the AG are inhibited by gonad-inhibiting hormone originating from X-organ-sinus gland complex in the eyestalk. The AG, and its interaction with the eyestalk, had not been studied in the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus, so we investigated the AG structure, and then changes of the AG and IAG-producing cells following eyestalk ablation. The AG of P. pelagicus is a small endrocrine organ ensheathed in a connective tissue and attached to the distal part of spermatic duct and ejaculatory bulb. The gland is composed of several lobules, each containing two major cell types. Type I cells are located near the periphery of each lobule, and distinguished as small globular cells of 5–7 μm in diameter, with nuclei containing mostly heterochromatin. Type II cells are 13–15 μm in diameter, with nuclei containing mostly euchromatin and prominent nucleoli. Both cell types were immunoreactive with anti-IAG. Following bilateral eyestalk ablation, the AG underwent hypertrophy, and at day 8 had increased approximately 3-fold in size. The percentage of type I cells had increased more than twice compared with controls, while type II cells showed a corresponding decrease.

Stimulation of ovarian growth by methyl farnesoate and eyestalk ablation in penaeoidean model shrimp, Sicyonia ingentis Burkenroad, 1938

The effect of methyl farnesoate (MF) administration on the vitellogenesis of the penaeoidean shrimp, Sicyonia ingentis, was studied. The short- and long-term treatment effects as well as the effect of two MF injection regimens (0.1 and 1.0 μg MF/injection) were evaluated. The studies were also carried out to understand the pattern of vitellogenesis in eyestalk ablated adult and juvenile shrimps. A combination of endpoints, haemolymph vitellogenin (Vg) levels, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histology, was used to study the effect of these treatments. The GSI increased in all the MF-treated shrimp compared with the control shrimps. Although haemolymph Vg levels declined over the experimental period in all the treatments, the Vg levels decreased significantly only in the short-term treatment with 1.0 μg MF. Similarly, haemolymph protein level also declined over the experimental period in all the treatment groups. However, except in the long-term treatment with 0.1 μg MF, all treatments showed a significant decrease in haemolymph protein level. Conversely, in all eyestalk ablated adults and juveniles, haemolymph Vg, total protein and GSI increased over the experimental period, all of which were higher than the concurrent control. The discrepancy in the vitellogenic pattern between MF-treated and eyestalk ablated shrimp was possibly due to the difference in the ovarian phase of the initial control. Although unilateral eyestalk ablation failed to induce vitellogenesis in juveniles, bilateral ablation induced vitellogenesis, which indicates that juveniles are competent to undergo vitellogenesis.

Evolution of a Behavioral Shift Mediated by Superficial Neuromasts Helps Cavefish Find Food in Darkness

How cave animals adapt to life in darkness is a poorly understood aspect of evolutionary biology [1]. Here we identify a behavioral shift and its morphological basis in Astyanax mexicanus, a teleost with a sighted surface-dwelling form (surface fish) and various blind cave-dwelling forms (cavefish) [2-4]. Vibration attraction behavior (VAB) is the ability of fish to swim toward the source of a water disturbance in darkness. VAB was typically seen in cavefish, rarely in surface fish, and was advantageous for feeding success in the dark. The potential for showing VAB has a genetic component and is linked to the mechanosensory function of the lateral line. VAB was evoked by vibration stimuli peaking at 35 Hz, blocked by lateral line inhibitors, first detected after developmental increases in superficial neuromast (SN) number and size [5-7], and significantly reduced by bilateral ablation of SN. We conclude that VAB and SN enhancement coevolved to compensate for loss of vision and to help blind cavefish find food in darkness.

Choroidal ruptures after adjuvant intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity

In recent times, laser treatment combined with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) has been used rarely as early investigations to treat patients with aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We describe choroidal ruptures that were documented at 10 weeks after this combined treatment in a preterm infant born at 28 weeks gestation with a birth weight of 1190 g. Aggressive posterior ROP was diagnosed at the age of 6 weeks. Initial treatment included bilateral laser ablation, followed immediately by intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB, 0.75 mg) in the right eye. On day 5, a remarkable regression of plus sign and fibrovascular proliferation was noted only in the right eye. At this point, additional laser treatment combined with IVB was given in the left eye, which dramatically resolved plus disease and neovascularization. At 10 weeks after IVB in the left eye, two sites of choroidal ruptures were revealed along the posterior edges of laser scars. There was no evidence of choroidal neovascularization associated with the choroidal ruptures. Choroidal rupture may occur shortly after laser ablation plus IVB treatment for aggressive posterior ROP. This occurrence requires recognition to determine whether it is actually related to the treatment. Long-term follow-up is important for understanding the nature and progression of this potentially serious complication.

Monkeys Quickly Learn and Generalize Visual Categories without Lateral Prefrontal Cortex

Categorization is a basic mental process that helps individuals distinguish among groups of negative and positive objects, e.g., poisons and nutrients, or predators and prey. Monkey experiments have suggested that lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) participates in learning and processing visual categories. However, in humans category specific visual agnosia follows inferior temporal cortex but not LPFC damage. Here, we use a new behavioral approach to show that both normal monkeys and those with bilateral removal of LPFC learn and generalize perceptual categories of related visual stimuli rapidly without explicit instruction. These results strongly indicate that visual categorization occurs at some earlier stage of feed-forward processing, presumably in temporal cortex, without top-down information from LPFC.

Melatonergic regulation of hemolymph sugar levels in the freshwater edible crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex

In this study, the hyperglycemic effect of melatonin in the freshwater edible crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex, is investigated. Injection of melatonin induced hyperglycemia in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of melatonin produced hyperglycemia in both intact and eyestalk-ablated crabs. Bilateral eyestalk ablation resulted in significant increase in the total carbohydrates and glycogen levels with a significant decrease in phosphorylase activity in the hepatopancreas and muscle of the crabs. Injection of melatonin resulted in significant decrease in the total carbohydrate and glycogen levels, with an increase in phosphorylase activity in hepatopancreas and muscle of both intact and eyestalk-ablated crabs. From the results, it is hypothesized that melatonin-induced hyperglycemia in the crab, O. senex senex, is not mediated by eyestalk hyperglycemic hormone.

Evidence for the involvement of selected biogenic amines (serotonin and melatonin) in the regulation of molting of the edible crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex Fabricius

In the present study, we examined the role of serotonin and melatonin on molting of the fresh water edible crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex. Administration of melatonin (10 − 7 mol/crab) into intact crabs induced precocious molting in a 28-day experimental period. Injection of serotonin (10 − 6 mol/crab) into intact crabs did not result in any change in molting. Significant increase in the weights of the mandibular organs (28.81%) and the Y-organs (42.57%) was observed in melatonin injected intact crabs when compared with control crabs. Bilateral eyestalk ablation (ESX) significantly increased the weights of mandibular organs (32.71%) and Y-organs (48.21%) when compared with intact crabs over a period of 28-days. However, injection of serotonin or melatonin into ESX crabs did not show much variation in the weights of the mandibular organs and the Y-organs when compared with ESX crabs without biogenic amines injections. These results provide the first evidence that melatonin is involved in the control of regulation of growth in a crustacean.

Bone-conducted brainstem auditory evoked response in a dog with total bilateral ear canal ablation: a case report

The bone-conducted brainstem auditory evoked response test was performed in an eight-year-old dog with total bilateral ear canal ablation. It was found that 12 months after bilateral surgical ablation of the external acoustic meatus the dog still maintained its hearing function due to the mechanism of acoustic bone conduction.

Effects of superior colliculus ablation on the air-righting reflex in the rat

To examine how the superior colliculus, the motor center of orientation and avoidance, could interact with postural reflexes, we investigated effects of unilateral and bilateral ablations on air-righting reflex movements in otherwise intact rats. Superior colliculus ablations variously modified righting movements: After falling from the supine position, the rats sometimes showed dorsiflexion instead of normal ventriflexion; the motor sequence of rotation from the fore- to the hindquarter was often modified to simultaneous rotation; lateral turn from supine to prone position was occasionally insufficient; body direction that was normally kept constant during falling was often changed; final posture sometimes deviated from the horizontal position. The first three abnormalities occurred almost twice in frequency as lesions increased from unilateral to bilateral ablation, and in unilaterally ablated rats, did so in righting contraversive to the lesions. Multiple influences of tectoreticular input to the air-righting reflex center are discussed.