Changes In Intrinsic Properties Research Articles

Intrinsic Material Properties of Trabecular Bone by Nanoindentation Testing of Biopsies Taken from Healthy Women Before and After Menopause

Postmenopausal osteoporosis in women is characterized by an increase in bone fragility and risk of fracture. In addition to transmenopausal decline in three-dimensional trabecular bone architecture, changes in intrinsic material properties (local stiffness, damping, and hardness) may contribute to increased bone fragility. In this study, nanoindentation was used to quantify transmenopausal changes in the intrinsic properties of trabecular bone. Paired transilial biopsy specimens were used from a previously reported study in which bone biopsies were obtained from women prior to menopause (premenopausal, age 49.0±1.9) and at 12months past the last menstrual period (postmenopausal, age 54.6±2.2). Elastic and viscoelastic material properties of the trabecular bone were measured using quasi-static and dynamic nanoindentation techniques, respectively. Paired Student's t tests (n=15) were performed to assess the significance of the measured intrinsic properties. Trabecular bone microarchitecture is compromised in postmenopausal women, and although this loss is associated with a trend toward reduction in some intrinsic properties (storage modulus), we found no statistically significant changes in bone intrinsic properties between healthy pre- and postmenopausal biopsies in the quasi-static results and frequency-averaged dynamic results.

Reconsidering the Role of Neuronal Intrinsic Properties and Neuromodulation in Vestibular Homeostasis

The sensorimotor transformations performed by central vestibular neurons constantly adapt as the animal faces conflicting sensory information or sustains injuries. To ensure the homeostasis of vestibular-related functions, neural changes could in part rely on the regulation of 2° VN intrinsic properties. Here we review evidence that demonstrates modulation and plasticity of central vestibular neurons’ intrinsic properties. We first present the partition of Rodents’ vestibular neurons into distinct subtypes, namely type A and type B. Then, we focus on the respective properties of each type, their putative roles in vestibular functions, fast control by neuromodulators and persistent modifications following a lesion. The intrinsic properties of central vestibular neurons can be swiftly modulated by a wealth of neuromodulators to adapt rapidly to temporary changes of ecophysiological surroundings. To illustrate how intrinsic excitability can be rapidly modified in physiological conditions and therefore be therapeutic targets, we present the modulation of vestibular reflexes in relation to the variations of the neuromodulatory inputs during the sleep/wake cycle. On the other hand, intrinsic properties can also be slowly, yet permanently, modified in response to major perturbations, e.g., after unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL). We revisit the experimental evidence, which demonstrates that drastic alterations of the central vestibular neurons’ intrinsic properties occur following UL, with a slow time course, more on par with the compensation of dynamic deficits than static ones. Data are interpreted in the framework of distributed processes that progress from global, large-scale coping mechanisms (e.g., changes in behavioral strategies) to local, small-scale ones (e.g., changes in intrinsic properties). Within this framework, the compensation of dynamic deficits improves over time as deeper modifications are engraved within the finer parts of the vestibular-related networks. Finally, we offer perspectives and working hypotheses to pave the way for future research aimed at understanding the modulation and plasticity of central vestibular neurons’ intrinsic properties.

Anti-tumor activity of all-trans retinoic acid-incorporated glycol chitosan nanoparticles against HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells

The aim of this study is to investigate antitumor activity of all-trans retinoic acid (RA)-incorporated glycol chitosan (GC) nanoparticles. RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles were prepared by electrostatic interaction between RA and amine group of GC. RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles have spherical shape and their particle size was 317 ± 34.5 nm. They were simply reconstituted into aqueous solution without changes of intrinsic properties. RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles were evidently inhibited the proliferation of HuCC-T1 cholangiocarcinoma cells at higher than 20 μg/ml of RA concentration while empty GC vegicles did not affect to the viablity of tumor cells. Apoptosis and necrosis analysis of tumor cells with treatment of RA or RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles also supported these results. Invasion test using Matrigel ® also showed that invasion of tumor cells was significantly inhibited at higher than 20 μg/ml of RA concentration. Wound healing assay also showed that RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles were inhibited migration of tumor cells as similar to RA itself. Our results suggested that RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles is a promising vehicles for RA delivery to HuCC-T1 cholangiocarcinoma cells.

Pattern of trauma determines the threshold for epileptic activity in a model of cortical deafferentation

Epileptic activity often occurs in the cortex after a latent period after head trauma; this delay has been attributed to the destabilizing influence of homeostatic synaptic scaling and changes in intrinsic properties. However, the impact of the spatial organization of cortical trauma on epileptogenesis is poorly understood. We addressed this question by analyzing the dynamics of a large-scale biophysically realistic cortical network model subjected to different patterns of trauma. Our results suggest that the spatial pattern of trauma can greatly affect the propensity for developing posttraumatic epileptic activity. For the same fraction of lesioned neurons, spatially compact trauma resulted in stronger posttraumatic elevation of paroxysmal activity than spatially diffuse trauma. In the case of very severe trauma, diffuse distribution of a small number of surviving intact neurons alleviated posttraumatic epileptogenesis. We suggest that clinical evaluation of the severity of brain trauma should take into account the spatial pattern of the injured cortex.

Studies on structural and magnetic properties of ball milled Nd2Fe14B intermetallic powders

The effect of ball milling on the structural and magnetic properties of Nd2Fe14B intermetallic compound was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetisation measurements. The average crystallite size calculated from the XRD patterns on the powders ball milled (BM) for 40 h is seen to lie in the range of 25–50 nm, whereas the particle size estimated using atomic force microscopy imaging is in the range of 40–100 nm. Magnetisation and anisotropy of BM Nd2Fe14B were found to decrease with increasing milling time. This was explained based on the increased defect density with milling and reduction in particle size. Using a differential scanning calorimeter, recovery and recrystallisation of the BM samples were studied during heating. The Curie temperature was found to decrease with increasing milling time. The BM samples were annealed at 1173 K for 15 min, and XRD and magnetisation studies were conducted. Mechanisms of α-Fe separation and change in intrinsic properties during milling and annealing of milled powders are discussed.

Repair and regeneration in endodontics

The ideal objective of treatment of established diseases, including irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis, is to achieve wound healing. Wound healing can result in repair or regeneration. The ultimate goal of wound healing is to restore the original architecture and biological function of the injured tissue or organ. Although humans are equipped with powerful innate and adaptive immune defence mechanisms, many intrinsic and extrinsic factors can affect wound healing. Complete regeneration following injury in humans can occur only in the pre-natal foetus within 24 weeks of gestation. Post-natal wounds including irreversible pulpitis or apical periodontitis always heal by repair or by a combination of repair and regeneration. Somatic cells, such as fibroblasts, macrophages, cementoblasts and osteoblasts, in the pulp and periapical tissues have limited potential for regeneration following injury and lack of telomerase. Wound healing of irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis requires recruitment and differentiation of progenitor/stem cells into tissue-committed somatic cells. Stem cell differentiation is regulated by intrinsic factors and extrinsic micro-environmental cues. Functionality of stem cells appears to show an age-related decline because of the change in intrinsic properties and diminished signals within the extrinsic local and systemic environment that modulate the function of stem cells or their progeny. Infection induces an immuno-inflammatory response and tissue destruction, which hinders the potential of tissue regeneration. Therefore, prevention, early detection and treatment of inflammation/infection of pulpal and periapical disease can enhance regeneration and minimize the repair of pulpal and periapical tissues after endodontic therapy.

Changes in the physiology of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons in preplaque CRND8 mice

Amyloid-β protein (Aβ) is thought to play a central pathogenic role in Alzheimer's disease. Aβ can impair synaptic transmission, but little is known about the effects of Aβ on intrinsic cellular properties. Here we compared the cellular properties of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons in acute slices from preplaque transgenic (Tg+) CRND8 mice and wild-type (Tg−) littermates. CA1 pyramidal neurons from Tg+ mice had narrower action potentials with faster decays than neurons from Tg− littermates. Action potential-evoked intracellular Ca2+ transients in the apical dendrite were smaller in Tg+ than in Tg− neurons. Resting calcium concentration was higher in Tg+ than in Tg− neurons. The difference in action potential waveform was eliminated by low concentrations of tetraethylammonium ions and of 4-aminopyridine, implicating a fast delayed-rectifier potassium current. Consistent with this suggestion, there was a small increase in immunoreactivity for Kv3.1b in stratum radiatum in Tg+ mice. These changes in intrinsic properties may affect information flow through the hippocampus and contribute to the behavioral deficits observed in mouse models and patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Altered intrinsic properties of neuronal subtypes in malformed epileptogenic cortex

Neuronal intrinsic properties control action potential firing rates and serve to define particular neuronal subtypes. Changes in intrinsic properties have previously been shown to contribute to hyperexcitability in a number of epilepsy models. Here we examined whether a developmental insult producing the cortical malformation of microgyria altered the identity or firing properties of layer V pyramidal neurons and two interneuron subtypes. Trains of action potentials were elicited with a series of current injection steps during whole cell patch clamp recordings. Cells in malformed cortex identified as having an apical dendrite had firing patterns similar to control pyramidal neurons. The duration of the second action potential in the train was increased in paramicrogyral (PMG) pyramidal cells, suggesting that these cells may be in an immature state, as was previously found for layer II/III pyramidal neurons. Based on stereotypical firing patterns and other intrinsic properties, fast-spiking (FS) and low threshold-spiking (LTS) interneuron subpopulations were clearly identified in both control and malformed cortex. Most intrinsic properties measured in malformed cortex were unchanged, suggesting that subtype identity is maintained. However, LTS interneurons in lesioned cortex had increased maximum firing frequency, decreased initial afterhyperpolarization duration, and increased total adaptation ratio compared to control LTS cells. FS interneurons demonstrated decreased maximum firing frequencies in malformed cortex compared to control FS cells. These changes may increase the efficacy of LTS while decreasing the effectiveness of FS interneurons. These data indicate that differential alterations of individual neuronal subpopulations may endow them with specific characteristics that promote epileptogenesis.

Crystalline organic superlattice

Highly crystalline organic superlattice has great potential for providing innovative function in organic devices. With studies of the structure and fundamental electronical properties, we have demonstrated the phathalocynine organic superlattice, which is a structure composed of periodically alternating crystalline layers of H2Pc and F16CuPc. A periodical crystal structure and electronic structure appear in this organic superlattice system. High density of mobile electrons and holes distribute periodically in F16CuPc and H2Pc layers, respectively, leading to a significant change in intrinsic properties of organic semiconductors.

Experience-Dependent Intrinsic Plasticity in Interneurons of Barrel Cortex Layer IV

It is unclear whether intrinsic excitabilities of specific interneurons are modulated by sensory experiences. Here, I examined the intrinsic excitabilities of interneurons in "sensory-spared" and "sensory-deprived" cortices of GAD67-GFP mice. The results showed that whisker trimming, begun at postnatal day 7 for 3 wk, induced significant changes in intrinsic and firing properties of fast-spiking (FS) but not regular spiking nonpyramidal (RSNP) cells. Firing threshold, spike frequency, spike adaptation index, and input resistance of FS cells were significantly altered by sensory deprivation such that FS cells became less excitable. An up-regulation of IA currents in FS cells appeared to be responsible. Along with changes in the intrinsic properties of FS cells, whisker trimming also induced a robust reduction in the number of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 positive varicosities and parvalbumin expression and the strength of thalamocortical (TC) excitatory postsynaptic currents in FS cells in the "sensory-deprived barrels." The probability of spike induction by TC stimulus was reduced by 30% and the spike jitter was increased in sensory-deprived FS cells. These results suggest that the FS networks are selectively inhibited by sensory deprivation. The concurrent changes of intrinsic properties and expression of parvalbumin in FS but not RSNP cells with TC synapses support a contribution from the TC pathway and glutamate to sensory-induced activity-dependent intrinsic plasticity of inhibitory networks in barrel cortex.

Effect of ageing on CA3 interneuron sAHP and gamma oscillations is activity-dependent

Normal ageing-associated spatial memory impairment has been linked to subtle changes in the hippocampal network. Here we test whether the age-dependent reduction in gamma oscillations can be explained by the changes in intrinsic properties of hippocampal interneurons. Kainate-induced gamma oscillations, but not spontaneous gamma oscillations, were reduced in slices from aged mice. CA3 interneurons were recorded in slices from young and aged mice using Fura-2-filled pipettes. Passive membrane properties, firing properties, medium- and slow-afterhyperpolarisation amplitudes, basal [Ca(2+)](i) and firing-induced [Ca(2+)](i) transients were not different with ageing. Kainate caused a larger depolarisation and increase in [Ca(2+)](i) signal in aged interneurons than in young ones. In contrast to young interneurons, kainate increased the medium- and slow-afterhyperpolarisation and underlying [Ca(2+)](i) transient in aged interneurons. Modulating the slow-afterhyperpolarisation by modulating L-type calcium channels with BAY K 8644 and nimodipine suppressed and potentiated, respectively, kainate-induced gamma oscillations in young slices. The age-dependent and stimulation-dependent increase in basal [Ca(2+)](i), firing-induced [Ca(2+)](i) transient and associated afterhyperpolarisation may reduce interneuron excitability and contribute to an age-dependent impairment of hippocampal gamma oscillations.

Characterization of Intrinsic Properties of Cingulate Pyramidal Neurons in Adult Mice after Nerve Injury

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is important for cognitive and sensory functions including memory and chronic pain. Glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission undergo long-term potentiation in ACC pyramidal cells after peripheral injury. Less information is available for the possible long-term changes in neuronal action potentials or intrinsic properties. In the present study, we characterized cingulate pyramidal cells in the layer II/III of the ACC in adult mice. We then examined possible long-term changes in intrinsic properties of the ACC pyramidal cells after peripheral nerve injury. In the control mice, we found that there are three major types of pyramidal cells according to their action potential firing pattern: (i) regular spiking (RS) cells (24.7%), intrinsic bursting (IB) cells (30.9%), and intermediate (IM) cells (44.4%). In a state of neuropathic pain, the population distribution (RS: 21.3%; IB: 31.2%; IM: 47.5%) and the single action potential properties of these three groups were indistinguishable from those in control mice. However, for repetitive action potentials, IM cells from neuropathic pain animals showed higher initial firing frequency with no change for the properties of RS and IB neurons from neuropathic pain mice. The present results provide the first evidence that, in addition to synaptic potentiation reported previously, peripheral nerve injury produces long-term plastic changes in the action potentials of cingulate pyramidal neurons in a cell type-specific manner.

Impact of the leaner P/Q‐type Ca2+ channel mutation on excitatory synaptic transmission in cerebellar Purkinje cells

Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels cause cerebellar ataxia in mice and humans, but the underlying mechanism(s) are unknown. These Ca(2+) channels play important roles in regulating both synaptic transmission and intrinsic membrane properties, and defects in either could contribute to ataxia. Our previous work described changes in intrinsic properties and excitability of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) resulting from the leaner mutation, which is known to reduce whole-cell Ca(2+) currents in PCs and cause severe ataxia. Here we describe the impact of this mutation on excitatory synaptic transmission from parallel and climbing fibres (PFs, CFs) to PCs in acute cerebellar slices. We found that in leaner PCs, PF-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (PF-EPSCs) are approximately 50% smaller, and CF-evoked EPSCs are approximately 80% larger, than in wild-type (WT) mice. To investigate whether reduced presynaptic Ca(2+) entry plays a role in attenuating PF-EPSCs in leaner mice, we examined paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). We found that PPF is enhanced in leaner, suggesting that reduced presynaptic Ca(2+) entry reduces neurotransmitter release at these synapses. Short-term plasticity was unchanged at CF-PC synapses, suggesting that CF-EPSCs are larger in leaner PCs because of increased synapse number or postsynaptic sensitivity, rather than enhanced presynaptic Ca(2+) entry. To investigate the functional impact of the observed EPSC changes, we also compared excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) elicited by PF and CF stimulation in WT and leaner PCs. Importantly, we found that despite pronounced changes in PF- and CF-EPSCs, evoked EPSPs in leaner mice are very similar to those observed in WT animals. These results suggest that changes in synaptic currents and intrinsic properties of PCs produced by the leaner mutation together maintain PC responsiveness to excitatory synaptic inputs. They also implicate other consequences of the leaner mutation as causes of abnormal cerebellar motor control in mutant mice.

Inter-grain connectivity in (Cu0.5Tl0.5−xHgx)Ba2Ca3Cu4O12−δ superconductor

Abstract The connectivity of grains in (Cu 0.5 Tl 0.5− x Hg x )Ba 2 Ca 3 Cu 4 O 12− δ [Cu 0.5 Tl 0.5− x Hg x -1234] ( x = 0, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35) superconductors doped with Hg in the charge reservoir layer was studied. It was observed that inter-grain coupling is enhanced up to Hg doping level of 0.25 and weakened after Hg concentration of x = 0.35. The well-coupled grains have resulted in improved superconductivity parameters such as critical temperature ( T c ), peak temperature ( T p ), magnitude of diamagnetism and critical current ( I c ). We have found from these measurements that x = 0.25 is the critical doping level above which the superconductivity is suppressed. However, the post-annealing of the un-doped samples in oxygen has improved the superconducting properties, while nitrogen and air annealing has decreased the superconductivity. The critical current and the peak temperature T p of the x = 0.25 samples are decreased after post-annealing, which could be due to the change in intrinsic properties of the samples such as carrier concentration in CuO 2 planes.

Sequence and structural properties of identical mutations with varying phenotypes in human coagulation factor IX

Mutations in human coagulation factor IX cause an X-linked bleeding disorder Hemophilia B, which can be classified as severe, moderately severe and mild based on the plasma levels of factor IX among affected individuals with respect to normal factor IX activity assayed in the patients' plasma (<1%, 2-5%, 6-30%, respectively). Recently, we identified hemophilia B to be a disease with mutations showing clinical variation and speculated that this phenotypic heterogeneity might be a replacement-specific property. Here, we have analyzed the differences in sequence and structural properties among identical mutations with varying phenotypes (IMVPs) by comparing with mutations with uniform phenotypes (MUPs), with recurring reports in Haemophilia B mutation database. Classification of mutations into IMVPs and MUPs has been done based on rigorous systematic evaluation of the clotting activity each mutation is associated with. IMVPs (n = 51) occur in less conserved mutant sites with more tolerated substitutions compared to MUPs (n = 100). A preponderance of CpG site mutations and Arg as the mutated residue in IMVPs compared to Cys in MUPs was observed. Hence, a CpG site substitution at less conserved Arg site might have an increased propensity of expressing variable phenotypes. The changes in intrinsic properties associated with the mutation are less drastic for IMVPs than for MUPs, though no significant differences were observed in structural properties. Based on this study and available literature we speculate that modifier genes at other loci, epigenetic interactions and environment may serve individually or cumulatively to bring about the clinical variation implicating hemophilia B to be deviation from classical Mendelian disorder with complete penetrance. We demonstrate that phenotypic heterogeneity appears to be site-specific also owing to the lesser conservation of the mutant site.

Preictal short-term plasticity induced by intracerebral 1 Hz stimulation

Short-term changes of intrinsic properties of neural networks play a critical role in brain dynamics. In that context, epilepsy is a typical pathology where the fast transition between interictal and ictal states is probably associated to intrinsic modifications of underlying networks. In this study, we focused on the correlates of plastic neural mechanisms in the intracerebral electroencephalogram (iEEG). Data were obtained during 1 Hz electrical stimulation in twenty patients suffering from temporal lobe epilepsy and implanted with intracerebral electrodes for clinical evaluation before resective surgery. First, we developed a procedure of analysis for localisation of the seizure onset zone based on brain excitability and plasticity defined as the average, and as the first-order (linear) modulation respectively, of the standard deviation of iEEG responses over stimulations. Our results suggest that the candidate epileptic focus is particularly prone to exhibiting short-term plasticity. Second, we used Dynamic Causal Modelling (DCM) to model explicitly short-term plasticity as a fast modulation of synaptic efficacies in either intrinsic or extrinsic connections to the focus. We found the two types of modulation both likely. Third, we used DCM to study the fast modulation of synaptic connectivity of long-range connections in neuronal networks restricted to the temporal lobe. Using DCM, we were able to estimate which structures expressed a strong modulatory input to the epileptic focus. Such early changes in interregional connectivity might be important for the initiation of electrically-induced seizures. They may also reflect some aspects of the pathogenesis of epilepsy in those patients.

Adipokines oversecreted by omental adipose tissue in human obesity

Central-omental obesity plays a causative role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Adipokines are involved in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. However, adipokines secreted by omental adipose tissue (OAT) are still poorly characterized in human obesity. Therefore, we searched for novel adipokines abnormally secreted by OAT in obesity and examined their relationships with some features of metabolic syndrome and the respective contribution of adipocytes vs. stromal-vascular cells. OAT from obese and nonobese men was fractionated into adipocytes and SV cells, which were then cultured. Medium was screened by medium-scale protein arrays and ELISAs. Adipokine mRNA levels were measured by real-time RT-qPCR. We detected 16 cytokines secreted by each cellular fraction of lean and obese subjects. Of the 16 cytokines, six adipokines were newly identified as secretory products of OAT, which were dysregulated in obesity: three chemokines (growth-related oncogen factor, RANTES, macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta), one interleukin (IL-7), one tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), and one growth factor (thrombopoietin). Their secretion and expression were enhanced in obesity, with a relatively similar contribution of the two fractions. The higher proportion of macrophages and endothelial cells in obesity may contribute to this enhanced production as well as changes in intrinsic properties of hypertrophied adipocytes. Accordingly, mRNA concentrations of most of these adipokines increased during adipocyte differentiation. Eventually, expression of the investigated adipokines did correlate with several features of the metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, six adipokines were newly identified as oversecreted by OAT in obesity. These adipokines may link obesity to its cardiovascular or metabolic comorbidities.

Localization of HCN1 Channels to Presynaptic Compartments: Novel Plasticity That May Contribute to Hippocampal Maturation

Increasing evidence supports roles for the current mediated by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, I(h), in hippocampal maturation and specifically in the evolving changes of intrinsic properties as well as network responses of hippocampal neurons. Here, we describe a novel developmental plasticity of HCN channel expression in axonal and presynaptic compartments: HCN1 channels were localized to axon terminals of the perforant path (the major hippocampal afferent pathway) of immature rats, where they modulated synaptic efficacy. However, presynaptic expression and functions of the channels disappeared with maturation. This was a result of altered channel transport to the axons, because HCN1 mRNA and protein levels in entorhinal cortex neurons, where the perforant path axons originate, were stable through adulthood. Blocking action potential firing in vitro increased presynaptic expression of HCN1 channels in the perforant path, suggesting that network activity contributed to regulating this expression. These findings support a novel developmentally regulated axonal transport of functional ion channels and suggest a role for HCN1 channel-mediated presynaptic I(h) in hippocampal maturation.

Changes in Intrinsic Properties of Pyramidal Neurons in Adult Rat S1 During Cortical Reorganization

Peripheral denervation causes significant changes in the organization of developing or adult primary somatosensory cortex (S1). However, the basic mechanisms that underlie reorganization are not well understood. Most attention has been focused on possible synaptic mechanisms associated with reorganization. However, another important determinant of cortical circuit function is the intrinsic membrane properties of neurons in the circuit. Here we document changes in the intrinsic properties of pyramidal neurons in cortical layer 2/3 in adult rat primary somatosensory cortex (S1) after varying durations of forepaw denervation. Denervation of the forepaw induced a rapid and sustained shift in the location of the border between the forepaw and lower jaw representations of adult S1 (reorganization). Coronal slices from the reorganized region were maintained in vitro and the intrinsic properties of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of S1 were determined using whole cell recordings. In general, passive membrane properties were not affected by denervation; however, a variety of active properties were. The most robust changes were increases in the amplitudes of the fast and medium afterhyperpolarization (AHP) and an increase in the interval between action potentials (APs). Additional changes at some durations of denervation were observed for the AP threshold. These observations indicate that changes in intrinsic properties, mostly reflecting a decrease in overall excitation, may play a role in changes in cortical circuit properties during reorganization in adult S1, and suggest a possible role for AHPs in some of those changes.

Hypoxia-Induced Changes in Neuronal Network Properties

Because of their high energetic demand, neurons within the mammalian central nervous system are extremely sensitive to changes in partial pressure of oxygen. Faced with acute hypoxic conditions, an organism must follow a complex and highly dynamic emergency plan to secure survival. Behavioral functions that are not immediately essential for survival are turned off, and critical behaviors (such as breathing) undergo a biphasic response. An augmentation of breathing is initially adaptive, whereas prolonged hypoxic conditions are better served by an energy-saving mode. However, the hypoxic response of an organism depends on many additional factors. Environmental conditions, the animal's age and health, and the pattern (continuous vs intermittent) and duration (chronic vs acute) of hypoxia greatly determine the specific course of a hypoxic response. Different forms of hypoxia can cause pathology or be used as therapy. Therefore, it is not surprising that the hypoxic response of an organism results from widespread and highly diverse reconfigurations of neuronal network functions in different brain areas that are accomplished by diverse hypoxic changes at all levels of the nervous system (i.e., molecular, cellular, synaptic, neuronal, network). Hypoxia-induced changes in synaptic transmission are generally depressive and result primarily from presynaptic mechanisms, whereas changes in intrinsic properties involve excitatory and inhibitory alterations involving the majority of K+, Na+, and Ca2+ channels. This article reviews the response of the nervous system to hypoxia, accounting for all levels of integration from the cellular to the network level, and postulates that a better understanding of the diversity of cellular events is only possible if cellular and network events are considered in a functional and organismal context.