Cat Cerebellum Research Articles

Distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor in the cerebellum and precerebellar nuclei of the cat.

The present study analyzes the distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor-immunoreactive (CRF-IR) fibers and neuronal cell bodies within the cerebellum and brainstem, respectively, of the cat. Within the cerebellum, CRF is present in climbing fibers, mossy fibers, and a population of varicose fibers which traverses the lower molecular layer. CRF-IR fibers are present throughout all lobules of the cat cerebellar cortex, though the density and immunostaining intensity of each fiber system vary. Bands of intensely immunoreactive climbing fibers are prominent within the vermis, intermediate cortex, and crus II. Bands of intensely immunoreactive mossy fiber terminals accompany the climbing fiber bands within the vermis. Collaterals of climbing and mossy fibers contribute to a beaded fiber plexus localized to the Purkinje cell layer. Varicose fibers containing CRF immunoreactivity are present in all deep cerebellar nuclei. CRF-IR neuronal cell bodies are prominent within several brainstem nuclei known to project to the cerebellum: all divisions of the inferior olivary complex, the lateral reticular nucleus, paramedian reticular nucleus, gigantocellular reticular nucleus, raphe nuclei, perihypoglossal complex, medial and inferior vestibular nuclei and cell groups f and x, locus ceruleus, and nucleus subceruleus. This study confirms and extends a previous study of CRF distribution within cerebellar afferent systems of the cat (Cummings et al.: J. Neurosci. 8:543-554, '88) and compares this distribution with previous descriptions in other species. The ubiquitous distribution of CRF throughout the cat cerebellum suggests a primary role for this peptide in signal transduction.

Simple spike discharge patterns of Purkinje cells in the paramedian lobule of the cerebellum during locomotion in the awake cat

Purkinje cells in the paravermal cortex of the paramedian lobule in the cerebellum of awake cats have been recorded during locomotion on a moving belt. The discharges of all 35 recorded cells exhibited frequency modulation that was time-locked to the step cycle. Most cells showed increased activity during late flexion or at the onset of the stance phase of the step in the ipsilateral forelimb. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that the role played by the paravermal cortex during locomotion is in the coordination and timing of the transition between the stance and swing phases of the step.

Subcellular localization of benzodiazepine/GABAA receptors in the cerebellum of rat, cat, and monkey using monoclonal antibodies

Two monoclonal antibodies, bd-17 and bd-24, specific for the beta- and alpha-subunit of the GABAA/benzodiazepine receptor/chloride channel complex, respectively, were used to determine the subcellular distribution of immunoreactivity in the cerebellum by electron microscopy. The 2 antibodies showed similar antigen distribution on the plasma membrane (except in the rat; bd-24 does not recognize the rat antigen), but intracellular immunoreactivity was more prevalent for the alpha-subunit. The plasma membrane of all neuronal types was immunopositive. The degree of immunoreactivity varied greatly between different types of cell, but it was stereotyped among individual cells of the same type. Granule cells showed the strongest immunoreactivity, not only on their dendrites which receive synapses from GABA-containing Golgi cell terminals, but also on their somata which do not receive synapses. Stellate and basket cells were somewhat weaker in immunoreactivity. Purkinje cells were only weakly positive on their somatic membrane but stronger on their dendritic shafts and spines. Golgi cells showed negligible if any immunoreactivity. Neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei were strongly immunopositive along their plasma membrane. Immunoreactivity was strong in cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum and in the Golgi saccules of stellate and basket cells, variable in Purkinje cells, while granule cells were rarely immunoreactive intracellularly. It is suggested that these differences reflect differences in the turnover of the receptor complex in the different cell types. The synaptic clefts established by boutons of the GABAergic stellate, basket, and Golgi cells were immunopositive, as were many synapses in the deep cerebellar nuclei. However, immunoreactivity was also present along the nonjunctional plasma membrane, and it was concluded that this reflected the distribution of the antigen. The synaptic clefts at the presumed glutamate-releasing parallel and mossy fiber terminals were almost always immunonegative. No immunoreactivity was detected on axons, nerve terminals, or glial cells. The results demonstrate that different neuronal types express the GABAA/benzodiazepine receptor/chloride channel complex to different degrees. The distribution of the receptor complex suggests that the cellular topography of GABAergic influence is not governed by the precise spatial arrangement of the receptors but by the precise placement of the GABA-releasing terminals, a characteristic of the cerebellar circuit.

Distribution of beta-adrenergic receptors in different cortical and nuclear regions of cat cerebellum, as revealed by binding studies.

In addition to mossy fibers and climbing fibers, the cerebellum receives NE-containing fibers originating particularly from the locus coerulus complex. Since the neurotransmitter of the coeruleo-cerebellar afferents acts mainly on Purkinje cells through beta-receptors, experiments were performed in cats to study the regional distribution and properties of the beta-adrenoceptors at corticocerebellar level; moreover, attempts were made to identify also the presence of beta-adrenoceptor binding in the cerebellar nuclei underlying the different zones of the cerebellar cortex. (-)-[3H]Dihydroalprenolol, a very potent beta-adrenergic antagonist, was used to characterize the beta-adrenergic receptors. (-)-[3H]DHA bound specifically to membrane preparations from all the cortical and nuclear zones of the cerebellum. In particular, beta-adrenergic receptors showed a high density and affinity in the cerebellar cortex with no significant difference in the medial with respect to the intermediate-lateral cortical area. The cerebellar nuclei showed a lower density of beta-adrenoceptors with a comparable or slightly lower affinity with respect to the cerebellar cortex. However, no difference was observed between the fastigial nucleus and the interposite-dentate nuclei. Scatchard analysis of saturation data revealed the presence of a single population of high affinity binding sites in all the examined regions, while the Hill plots excluded the presence of cooperative effects among the binding sites. Attempts to differentiate in the cerebellum beta 1- and beta 2-receptors by using agents which act as selective beta 1 and beta 2 ligands indicated that (-)-[3H]DHA specific binding in cerebellar cortex and nuclei affects predominantly the beta 2 subtype of adrenoceptors. A comparison between results obtained from the cerebellar cortex and those obtained from the whole cerebral cortex was also made. The whole cerebral cortex showed a lower density but a higher affinity than the cerebellar cortex. Moreover, inhibition of (-)-[3H]DHA binding by selective beta 1 and beta 2 ligands indicated the prevalence of the beta 1 subtype of adrenoceptors at this level.

P-193 - Influences of drugs on the cat cerebellum(reports 22): Effect of chlorpromazine on the evoked potentials

P-193 - Influences of drugs on the cat cerebellum(reports 22): Effect of chlorpromazine on the evoked potentials

Changes in intracranial pressure elicited by electrical stimulation of the brainstem reticular formation in spinal cats with vagotomy

The momentary changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) were explored using electrical stimulation of the brainstem reticular formation and the nucleus fastigii of the cerebellum in cats under artificial ventilation after spinalization (C 2) and vagotomy. Regions that yielded an increase in ICP in the arterial pressor area were: the central part of the pontine reticular formation, the dorsal medullary reticular formation, the central part of the medullary reticular formation, and the nucleus fastigii of the cerebellum; and one region in the arterial depressor area was the paramedial and ventral medial region of the medullary reticular formation. Since the arterial blood pressure and respiration was maintained constant during electrical stimulation by spinalization and vagotomy, the increase in ICP in the cranium, a semi-closed box, momentarily reflected an increase in cerebral blood volume due to cerebral vasodilatation. It is suggested that excitation of cell bodies or fibres within these regions may produce cerebral vasodilatation.

Quantitative analysis of the recurrent collaterals derived from Purkinje cells in zone X of the cat's vermis

Intracellular electrodes filled with 4% horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were used to impale Purkinje cells in zone x of the cat's cerebellum. Subsequent to recording responses to bilateral stimulation of the ulnar, radial, and sciatic nerves, the cells were injected with HRP. Intracellularly labeled Purkinje cells were located and correlated with the physiological data. Purkinje cells in zone x respond primarily to stimulation of the ipsilateral forelimb. However, they have broad receptive fields in that most also receive inputs from stimulation of the contralateral forelimb or from more than one forelimb nerve; a few respond to activation of the hindlimb. The distribution of the recurrent collaterals of zone x Purkinje cells has several features that are similar to those from zones a,b, and c: 1) they have a similar number of varicosities within the plexus; 2) they distribute primarily in the sagittal as compared to the transverse plane; and 3) most varicosities in the plexus are located within the Purkinje cell layer. However, several characteristics distinguish the collaterals of zone x Purkinje cells. First, they have a greater transverse extent than those derived from Purkinje cells in zones a,b, and c. Second, they have a higher percentage of collaterals that extend to more superficial aspects of the molecular layer as well as to deep levels of the granule cell layer. The rostral extent of zone x has not been clearly defined in previous studies. On the basis of anatomical and physiological data derived from the present study it appears that Purkinje cells located in lobule Va have physiological and morphological properties similar to those observed for Purkinje cells in more caudal folia of lobule V. Thus, on the basis of the organization of local circuits, it appears that zone x extends at least to the most rostral folia of lobule V. In conclusion, these data suggest that Purkinje cells in zone x may not be involved in controlling the movements of specific muscles, as may be the case in other cortical zones. Rather, it could be hypothesized that Purkinje cells in zone x have a more generalized role in coordinating agonist and antagonist muscle groups in one limb or regulating patterns of movement between limbs.

Step-related discharges of Purkinje cells in the paravermal cortex of the cerebellar anterior lobe in the cat.

1. Extracellular recordings were made of the simple spike discharges of Purkinje cells in the lateral part of the paravermal cortex of lobule V in the cerebellum of awake cats. The cells were located within the c2 and c3 zones of Oscarsson (1979). 2. The peripheral receptive fields in which light mechanical stimuli could evoke simple spikes were examined in 252 Purkinje cells. Ninety-two per cent were activated by stimulation of the ipsilateral forelimb and 52% of 113 tested cells also discharged simple spikes in response to stimulation of the contralateral forelimb. The receptive fields were concentrated on the distal parts of the limbs: 67% of the 139 cells which were examined in most detail responded to stimulation of the paw or wrist of the ipsilateral forelimb. 3. In 135 of the Purkinje cells, the discharges were recorded during locomotion. Simple spikes were discharged at a mean rate of 54.3 +/- 27.8 impulses/s (S.D., n = 135) during steady walking on a belt moving at 0.5-0.7 m/s. The discharges of each cell were rhythmically modulated in time with the movements of stepping and although the timings of the discharges were highly variable between cells, activity in the population was greatest at the times of transition between the stance and swing phases in the ipsilateral forelimb and least during mid-stance. 4. As a population Purkinje cells with simple spike receptive fields on the distal parts of the forelimb(s) exhibited two activity maxima. These occurred during early stance and during the transition from stance to swing in the ipsilateral forelimb. Cells with receptive fields on the proximal parts of the limb achieved an activity maximum during late swing, and their average discharge rate fell at the time of onset of the swing phase in the ipsilateral forelimb instead of rising as was the case for the distal group. 5. The present results are compared with those from cells located more medially in the paravermal cortex. It is shown that medially located cells tend to discharge earlier in stance (or in late flexion) than laterally located cells with similar receptive fields.

Discharges of interpositus and Purkinje cells of the cat cerebellum during locomotion under different conditions.

1. Extracellular microelectrodes were used in free-to-move cats to study the locomotor-related discharges of Purkinje cells in the intermediate part of lobule V of the cerebellar anterior lobe and of neurones in the underlying nucleus interpositus anterior. All cells studied discharged rhythmically during locomotion. 2. The discharges during walking at a speed of 0.5 m/s on a horizontal exercise belt were compared with those during (a) walking at 0.9 m/s (when the duration of the step cycle is shortened considerably and the amplitudes of the locomotor electromyograms (EMGs) recorded from flexor and extensor muscles of the limbs are markedly increased) and (b) during walking at 0.5 m/s with the belt tilted uphill by 30 deg (when step duration is little changed but locomotor EMGs are increased by 70-100%). 3. In each of thirty Purkinje cells the timing of the discharges relative to the forelimb step cycle showed no major difference between the two speeds of walking. Most cells discharged at slightly higher overall rates at the faster walking speed but the increase was usually modest, the average being only 5.6 impulses/s (i.e. an increase of 8%). Peak rates sometimes underwent larger increases but the average was only 11.9 impulses/s (+11%). Changes in minimum rate were generally small (an average increase of 0.3 impulses/s). 4. Among twenty-one interpositus neurones there was only one in which discharge timing relative to the step cycle was different between the two speeds. Like the Purkinje cells, most neurones discharged slightly faster at the higher speed but the average increase was only 5.5 impulses/s (+8.5%). Peak firing rates also usually showed a modest increase (averaging 6.2 impulses/s; +6.5%) while minimum rates were little changed. 5. Among nineteen Purkinje cells compared between walking uphill and on the flat only one showed any major difference in discharge phasing; overall firing rates were on average only 1.3 impulses/s (2%) higher for uphill locomotion. 6. Among twenty-one interpositus neurones discharge phasing differed markedly between walking uphill and on the flat in only two cells. Overall discharge rates were on average slightly higher uphill (by 3.5 impulses/s; 6.7%) and peak rates also usually increased slightly (on average, by 6 impulses/s; 7.7%). Minimum rates were higher, on average, by 1.6 impulses/s (+5%). 7. The findings are discussed in relation to current notions of how the intermediate part of the cerebellum may contribute to movement control and it is concluded that the neurones studies probably make little contribution to determining the vigour of the movements of steady walking.

Complex spikes in Purkinje cells of the paravermal part of the anterior lobe of the cat cerebellum during locomotion.

1. The temporal pattern of the discharge of complex spikes by Purkinje cells in the paravermal cortex of the cerebellar lobule V b/c has been examined during locomotion in awake cats. 2. The peripheral receptive fields of 138 Purkinje cells were examined using light tactile stimulation. In 91% of these cells, complex spikes were evoked by stimuli applied to the ipsilateral forelimb and of eighty-eight cells examined in most detail, 76% had receptive fields including the paw or wrist. Sixty-six per cent had receptive fields restricted to the paw and/or wrist. 3. Complex spikes were not discharged at rigidly fixed times during the step cycle in any of sixty-nine Purkinje cells which were recorded during locomotion on a moving belt. 4. When the discharges were averaged over many steps the probability of occurrence of complex spikes showed small fluctuations during the course of the step cycle, but these fluctuations were shown not to be statistically significantly different from those which could arise by chance. 5. These findings are inconsistent with previous suggestions (e.g. Armstrong, 1974; Rushmer, Roberts & Augter, 1976) that, during locomotion, the climbing fibres act to signal the occurrence of specific peripheral events, such as foot touch-down or lift-off.

P-301 - Influences of drugs on the cat cerebellum(reports 21): Effects of chlorpromazine on the evoked potentials

P-301 - Influences of drugs on the cat cerebellum(reports 21): Effects of chlorpromazine on the evoked potentials

Neuronal interaction in the cat cerebellar cortex: A cross correlation analysis

Neuronal interaction in the cat cerebellum was investigated by cross correlation analysis techniques. Excitatory connections of varying effectiveness were found between neurons of 13 out of 90 pairs investigated (or 14%). Inhibitory interaction was observed in 38 pairs, or 42%. Neurons of 26 pairs (40%) had shared inputs. Effectiveness of connections between cerebellar cortex neurons was demonstrated by changing stimulus parameters. Findings obtained agree with existing data on the functional organization of the cerebellar cortex. Possible reasons for the large numbers of inhibitory connections discovered are discussed.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity in neuronal elements of the cat cerebellum

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) was found in many mossy fiber endings in the cat cerebellum. Some fine varicose fibers within the cerebellar nuclei also showed CGRP-LI. By injecting colchicine into the lateral ventricle of the cerebrum. CGRP-LI was further visualized in perikarya of many granule cells and some small neurons in the dentate and interpositus nuclei. Among the brainstem precerebellar nuclei, the largest number of neuronal cell bodies with CGRP-LI was found in the pontine nuclei. When a lesion was placed in the pontine brachium, mossy fiber endings with CGRP-LI reduced in number in the cerebellar hemisphere of the posterior lobe ipsilateral to the lesion. Fine varicose fibers with CGRP-LI within the dentate nucleus were also decreased in number ipsilaterally to the lesion. Thus, the majority of fiber endings with CGRP-LI in the hemisphere of the posterior lobe and the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum were assumed to originate from the contralateral pontine nuclei.

Cardiovascular and respiratory responses evoked from the posterior cerebellar cortex and fastigial nucleus in the cat.

1. In both anaesthetized and decerebrate cats the cerebellar cortex (lobules VI, VII, VIII, IX and X) and the fastigial nucleus (f.n.) have been stimulated electrically, and chemically, while recording changes in phrenic nerve discharge, heart rate, arterial blood pressure and renal and femoral blood flow. 2. Stimulation of lobules VI, VII, VIII and Xb failed to elicit any cardiovascular or respiratory changes. Activation of lobule IX (the uvula), and in some preparations sub-lobule Xa, evoked cardiovascular and respiratory responses consistently. In the anaesthetized cat, electrical stimulation of the uvula evoked apnoea, a small bradycardia and a depressor response associated with vasodilatation in the hindlimb vascular bed. In contrast, stimulation in an equivalent region in a decerebrate preparation elicited an apneustic discharge, a pronounced tachycardia and a rise in arterial pressure with vasoconstriction in both renal and femoral vascular beds. In both the anaesthetized and decerebrate animals the pattern of response elicited by chemical activation was identical to that seen with electrical stimulation. 3. Electrical, or chemical, stimulation after administration of anaesthetic to the decerebrate cat then evoked an identical pattern of response to that seen in the 'intact' anaesthetized animal. This evidence suggests that the reversal in the pattern of the response in an effect of the anaesthetic agent and not the decerebration itself. 4. The only area of the f.n. to produce cardiovascular effects was the rostral region. Electrical stimulation of the rostral f.n. in both anaesthetized and decerebrate preparations inhibited central inspiratory activity and evoked tachycardia, along with a pressor response associated with vasoconstriction in both renal and femoral vascular beds. In contrast, chemical excitation of those sites in the rostral f.n. shown previously to produce pronounced cardiovascular and respiratory changes failed to elicit any changes in the recorded variables. 5. The present evidence suggests that there are two areas in the cat cerebellum which can exert pronounced cardiovascular and respiratory effects. The patterns of response elicited by electrical stimulation of the posterior cortex and rostral f.n. are mediated by two separate cerebellar-brainstem pathways as judged by the two different effects of anaesthesia on the evoked responses. We suggest that the f.n. may not play a role in the control of the cardiovascular system since chemical excitation of cell bodies of the rostral f.n. failed to elicit the so-called 'fastigial pressor response'.

Calcium antagonist binding in cat brain tolerant to electroconvulsive shock

Cats subjected to daily (25–30 days) electroconvulsive shock (ECS) demonstrated an elevation of their electroconvulsive threshold or tolerance to ECS. [ 3H] Nitrendipine binding was measured to brain regions from non-tolerant (sham shocked) and ECS tolerant cats 24 hr following the last shock. ECS produced a significant increase (45%) in the density of [ 3H] nitrendipine binding sites in the cerebral cortex and a significant decrease (33%) in the apparent affinity of [ 3H] nitrendipine in the cerebellum. No changes in binding were observed in the hippocampus. The effects of ECS were also investigated in the rat, an animal not displaying tolerance to repeated ECS. [ 3H] Nitrendipine binding to rat brain was measured 10 min and 24 hr following one shock (acute) or ten shocks delivered transauricularly once daily (chronic). Twenty-four hours following chronic ECS, there was a significant increase (19%) and decrease (11%) in the density, but no change in the apparent affinity of [ 3H] nitrendipine binding sites in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus respectively. No significant change in [ 3H] nitrendipine binding was observed in rat cerebellum 24 hr following chronic ECS. There were no changes in [ 3H] nitrendipine binding in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus 10 min and 24 hr following acute ECS. These results indicate that ECS can alter [ 3H] nitrendipine binding to calcium channel linked dihydropyridine binding sites in the central nervous system. It is suggested that changes in [ 3H] nitrendipine binding in the cat cerebellum may be involved in the development of tolerance to ECS.

Complex spikes in Purkinje cells in the lateral vermis (b zone) of the cat cerebellum during locomotion.

1. Complex spikes (c.s.s) due to climbing fibre input were recorded from forty-one Purkinje cells in the lateral part of the vermis (i.e. the b zone) of lobule V of the cerebellum in cats walking on a moving belt or a horizontal ladder. Most cells were near the tips of the folia making up the lobule and some were shown by antidromic invasion to project to the ipsilateral lateral vestibular nucleus. In all cells c.s.s. could be evoked through mechanical stimuli delivered manually to the neck and/or trunk and/or the limb girdles and/or the proximal parts of the limbs. 2. During walking c.s.s. occurred at rates which ranged in different cells from 0.8 to 2.55/s (i.e. ca. 0.8 to 2/step). When activity was averaged across many successive steps the probability of c.s. occurrence was never completely constant throughout the step cycle, but no tendency was detected for c.s.s to recur at any precisely fixed time during the cycle. 3. When ladder locomotion was perturbed because a rung underwent an unexpected 2 cm descent when stepped on, some cells generated a c.s. at short latency in a proportion of trials. Such responses were well time-locked to the onset of rung movement but not to its cessation (which they often preceded). 4. For perturbations of either forelimb the earliest displacement-related c.s. occurred in different cells between 40 and 64 ms after the onset of rung movement. In different cells c.s.s occurred in from one out of five to three out of four perturbed steps (mean ca. two out of five steps). Eight out of seventeen cells responded to perturbation of the forelimb ipsilateral to the cell and five out of ten responded to contralateral perturbations. 5. Perturbation of the ipsilateral hind limb was accompanied by c.s.s in four out of nine cells and latency was usually longer (by ca. 30-40 ms). One cell showed a decrease in the probability of c.s. occurrence. Insufficient data were obtained for a systematic study of responsiveness to perturbation of the contralateral hind limb. 6. Cells showed different patterns of limb specificity, responding to perturbation of one, two or all of the three limbs studied. In total, c.s.s accompanied perturbation of at least one limb in thirteen out of twenty cells studied (65%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

P-281 - Influences of drugs on the cat cerebellum(reports 19):Effects of chlorpromazine on the evoked potentials

P-281 - Influences of drugs on the cat cerebellum(reports 19):Effects of chlorpromazine on the evoked potentials

Cumulative effects of alcohol (ethanol) on the activity of Purkinje cells in the cat cerebellum

The effects of three consecutive injections of 2 ml/kg 30% alcohol (ethanol, i.v.) on the activity of identified cerebellar Purkinje cells were investigated during experiments on adult cats anesthetized by a Nembutal-chloralose mixture. It was found that repeated alcohol injections exert a cumulative effect on the firing rate of these cells. The alcohol-induced rise in Purkinje cell firing rate, produced by excitation of the mossy fibers, was generally accompanied by a reduction in that of cells responding to excitation of climbing fibers. The inhibitory pause occurring after complex discharges in cerebellar Purkinje cells grew shorter with successive alcohol injections.

Studies of chlorpromazine-induced enhancement of the potentials evoked by peripheral stimulation of the cat cerebellum.

1) In the experiments reported here, we investigated effects of CPZ on the amplitude of cerebellar potentials using decerebrated or spinal cat; furthermore, we also examined the effects of microinjecting CPZ, DA or NE into the precerebellar nuclei on the amplitude of the cerebellar potentials. 2) Purkinje cell spontaneous discharge was either hardly changed or was depressed by CPZ. 3) CPZ did not change the potentials evoked by peripheral stimulation on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord. 4) CPZ depressed significantly the cerebellar potentials evoked by stimulation of the nucleus reticularis lateralis (LRN) or nucleus olivaris inferior (ION) in intact, decerebrated and spinal cats. 5) The cerebellar potentials evoked by the peripheral nerve stimulation were increased by microinjection of CPZ into the bilateral LRN but not into the bilateral ION. Microinjection of NE or CPZ into the contralateral LRN hardly influenced the cerebellar evoked potentials. 6) Although electrical stimulation at high frequencies of the ipsilateral LRN depressed significantly the cerebellar evoked potentials; similar stimulation after i.v. pretreatment of CPZ failed to affect them. Microinjection of CPZ into the ipsilateral LRN enhanced the cerebellar evoked potentials, and microinjection of NE or DA depressed them significantly. Furthermore, after pretreatment with CPZ, microinjection of DA failed to depress the potentials. 7) We suggest that intravenous CPZ-induced enhancement of the cerebellar potentials may be due to depression of the descending inhibitory mechanism, resulting from CPZ-induced blockage of the catecholamine receptors of the ipsilateral LRN and of the spinal level.

Quantification of immunogold labelling reveals enrichment of glutamate in mossy and parallel fibre terminals in cat cerebellum

The glutamate immunoreactivity of different cell populations was compared quantitatively in the cerehellar cortex of cat, using an antiserum raised against glutamate coupled to bovine serum albumin by glutaraldehyde. Neuronal and glial processes were identified on serial electron microscopic sections which were processed by a postembedding immunogold procedure. The surface density of colloidal gold particles was used for statistical comparison of the relative levels of glutamate in cell populations, or in different parts of the same population. The terminals of mossy and parallel fibres had significantly higher levels of glutamate immunoreactivity than Golgi cell terminals, granule cell dendritic digits. Purkinje cell dendrites or dendritic spines. Golgi cell terminals were identified by their position and GABA immunoreactivity as revealed by immunogold in serial sections. The dendritic digits of the putative glutamatergic granule cells had significantly higher glutamate immunoreactivity than did Purkinje cell dendrites and dendritic spines. Glial cell processes in the molecular layer had lower level of glutamate immunoreactivity than any of the neuronal processes. The results demonstrate that the highest levels of glutamate immunoreactivity occur in mossy and parallel fibre presynaptic terminals that are known to have an excitatory effect. This supports previous suggestions that glutamate may be a transmitter at these synapses. The measurement of the levels of putative amino acid transmitters in identified neuronal populations, or in different parts of the same population, could have wide applications in studies on the chemical neuroanatomy of the nervous system.