Discharge Frequency Of Neurons Research Articles

Function of Nucleus Ventralis Posterior Lateralis Thalami in Acupoint Sensitization Phenomena

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on nucleus ventralis posterior lateralis (VPL) thalami activated by visceral noxious stimulation and to explore the impact of EA on the mechanism of acupoint sensitization under a pathological state of the viscera, EA was applied at bilateral “Zusanli-Shangjuxu” acupoints. The discharge of VPL neurons was response to EA increased after colorectal distension (CRD). The stimulation at “Zusanli-Shangjuxu” acupoints enhanced discharge activity of VPL neurons under CRD-induced visceral pain. The frequency of neuronal discharge was associated with the pressure gradient of CRD which showed that visceral noxious stimulation may intensify the body's functional response to stimulation at acupoints.

Intraspinal transplantation and modulation of donor neuron electrophysiological activity

Rat fetal spinal cord (FSC) tissue, naturally enriched with interneuronal progenitors, was introduced into high cervical, hemi-resection (Hx) lesions. Electrophysiological analyses were conducted to determine if such grafts exhibit physiologically-patterned neuronal activity and if stimuli which increase respiratory motor output also alter donor neuron bursting. Three months following transplantation, the bursting activity of FSC neurons and the contralateral phrenic nerve were recorded in anesthetized rats during a normoxic baseline period and brief respiratory challenges. Spontaneous neuronal activity was detected in 80% of the FSC transplants, and autocorrelation of action potential spikes revealed distinct correlogram peaks in 87% of neurons. At baseline, the average discharge frequency of graft neurons was 13.0±1.7Hz, and discharge frequency increased during a hypoxic respiratory challenge (p<0.001). Parallel studies in unanesthetized rats showed that FSC tissue recipients had larger inspiratory tidal volumes during brief hypoxic exposures (p<0.05 vs. C2Hx rats). Anatomical connectivity was explored in additional graft recipients by injecting a transsynaptic retrograde viral tracer (pseudorabies virus, PRV) directly into matured transplants. Neuronal labeling occurred throughout graft tissues and also in the host spinal cord and brainstem nuclei, including those associated with respiratory control. These results underscore the neuroplastic potential of host–graft interactions and training approaches to enhance functional integration within targeted spinal circuitry.

Effects of Blockade of Dopamine D1/D2 Receptors on the Single and Network Activity of Neurons in the Frontal and Visual Cortex and Behavior in Cats

Results obtained at the single (cell discharge) and network levels of activity of cells in the frontal and visual cortex in animals with different types of behavior identified the characteristics of the activity of these structures in normal conditions and after local administration of blockers of dopaminergic D1/D2 receptors (SCH23390 and raclopride) into the nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex. In conditions of long-latency responses, the mean neuron activity frequency in the frontal cortex was increased significantly by blockers, while that in the visual cortex decreased as compared with the neuron activity frequency in normal conditions, which suggests that dopaminergic deficiency has different effects on functionally distinct cortical zones. The network activity of the same cells decreased in the presence of blockers both in the visual cortex and between neurons in the visual and frontal areas of the cortex, which was apparent as a decrease in the number of interneuronal interactions. The network activity of cells in the frontal cortex showed no change in these conditions. In “missed” reflexes, the discharge and network activity showed no change in the frontal cortex in the presence of blockers, while there was a decrease in the visual cortex. The mean neuron discharge frequency in interneuronal interactions was found to be significantly greater in these structures in both normal conditions and in the presence of blockers during long-latency conditioned responses as compared with missed conditioned responses. These results suggest differences in the modulation of the network activity of these cortical zones by the brain dopaminergic system during performance of directed behavior, which is apparent as blocker sensitivity in the cortical projections of the conditioned stimulus (visual cortex) and the visual-frontal networks formed during training.

Modulation of excessive neuronal activity by fibroblasts: Potential use in treatment of Parkinson's disease

A number of neurological disorders are marked by increased or aberrant frequency of neuronal discharge in specific parts of the brain. Administration of drugs such as antiepileptic compounds results in the depression of neuronal activity in the whole brain, with the potential for serious side-effects. In the search for additional therapies to reduce the unphysiological electrical activity of over-active brain foci, we have examined the effect of fibroblasts transplanted to areas responsible for motor dysfunction in hemi-parkinsonian rats, since bursting synchronous discharges in internal segment of globus pallidus (GPi) are thought to be partially responsible for the movement disorders of PD. Fibroblasts express gap junctions and ion channels, and so, when transplanted to brain tissue, can potentially modulate excessive electrical activity. Neonatal cortical neurons were cultured on multi-electrode arrays, and their electrical activity was evaluated before and after fibroblast seeding. Unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion was carried out in Fischer rats. Lesioned or control rats were transplanted with either syngeneic dermal fibroblasts, microfine glass beads, ibotenic acid, or physiological saline, in the entopeduncular nucleus (EP). Apomorphine-induced rotational behavior and L-dopa-induced dyskinetic movements were evaluated before transplantation (baseline) and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks following transplantation. Following behavioral experiments, rats were perfused with 4% formaldehyde in PBS for immunohistochemical study of the brain. We demonstrate in vitro that the introduction of fibroblasts into a network of neurons does not interfere with overall functional measures of activity, while moderately altering the characteristics of synchronous neuronal discharge. In rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the nigro-striatal dopaminergic pathway, apomorphine-induced rotations were reduced by more than 60% following ipsilateral transplantation of fibroblasts to the EP. L-Dopa-induced dyskinesia was also significantly reduced. Transplantation of inert microspheres, or chemical lesion of the same area with ibotenic acid, did not produce beneficial effects on parkinsonian symptomatology. Fibroblast transplantation could be an alternative treatment strategy for the parkinsonian patient.

Abstracts of The Movement Disorder Society's Thirteenth International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders

Objective: Study the subthalamic (STN) neuronal activity in patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD). Background: Dysfunction in the basal ganglia circuitry has been implicated in obsessive and compulsive disorder (OCD). In a recent clinical research program, high frequency electrical stimulation of the STN has proved to be efficient in alleviating obsessions and compul sions in OCD patients and permitted to study neuronal activity in this disorder (Mallet et al, 2008). Methods: Unit neuronal activity of STN neurons were recorded in awake OCD patients at rest and compared to data obtained in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The mean firing rate and interspike intervals were calculated for each cell. The firing pattern was classified as regular, irregular or bursting (Kaneoke and Vitek, 1996). Neuronal activity was also sampled for each period and epochs of elevated discharge rate were classified as burst using a Poisson surprise analysis. Spike trains with S>=3 were considered to be bursts. Percentages of action potentials and duration with S>=3 and mean S value were calculated for each cell. The precise localization of neuronal activity recordings was performed using a 3-D deformable basal ganglia atlas with a particular reference to STN subterritories. Results: 156 STN neurons were isolated in 11 OCD patients and 113 neurons in 10 PD patients. In comparison to PD, the mean discharge frequency of STN neurons was lower in OCD patient (24.1+/-14.1 Hz vs 32.1+/-17.7 Hz, P =3 (17.7 6 4.7 vs 14.9 6 5.6 %, P<10-4). Conclusions: In OCD patients, the subthalamic neuronal activity seems abnormal with an increase in the bursting type activity. This is in line with the hypothesis of the role of basal ganglia, and the subthalamic nucleus, in the physiopathology of this disorder.

The Pontomedullary Reticular Formation Contributes to the Compensatory Postural Responses Observed Following Removal of the Support Surface in the Standing Cat

This study was designed to determine the contribution of reticular neurons in the pontomedullary reticular formation (PMRF) to the postural responses produced to compensate for an unexpected perturbation. We recorded the activity of 48 neurons in the PMRF, including 41 reticulospinal neurons, to removal of the support surface under each of the four limbs in four cats. The perturbations produced robust postural responses that were divided into three periods: an initial postural response (P1) that displaced the center of vertical pressure over the two diagonal supporting limbs; a secondary response (P2) during which the cat restored a tripedal support pattern; and a prolonged tertiary response (P3) that maintained a stable posture over all three supporting limbs. Most (44/48) reticular neurons showed modified activity to perturbation of at least one limb and a majority (39/48) showed changes in activity to perturbations of more than one limb. A few (7/48) discharged to perturbations of all four limbs. Discharge frequency in neurons showing increased activity during P1 was relatively high (>100 Hz in 57% of the neurons responding to perturbations of either the left or right forelimbs, lFl and rFL) and of short latency (17 ms for the lFL and 14 ms for the rFL). Discharge activity in most neurons was sustained throughout P2 and P3 but at a reduced level. These data show that neurons in the PMRF discharge strongly in response to unexpected perturbations and in a manner consistent with a contribution to the compensatory responses that restore equilibrium.

Opioid Receptors on Bulbospinal Respiratory Neurons Are Not Activated During Neuronal Depression by Clinically Relevant Opioid Concentrations

Opioids depress the activity of brain stem respiratory-related neurons, but it is not resolved whether the mechanism at clinical concentrations consists of direct neuronal effects or network effects. We performed extracellular recordings of discharge activity of single respiratory neurons in the caudal ventral respiratory group of decerebrate dogs, which were premotor neurons with a likelihood of 90%. We used multibarrel glass microelectrodes, which allowed concomitant highly localized picoejection of opioid receptor agonists or antagonists onto the neuron. Picoejection of the mu receptor agonist [d-Ala(2), N-Me-phe(4), gly-ol(5)]-enkephalin (DAMGO, 1 mM) decreased the peak discharge frequency (mean +/- SD) of expiratory neurons to 68 +/- 22% (n = 12), the delta(1) agonist d-Pen(2,5)-enkephalin (DPDPE, 1 mM) to 95 +/- 11% (n = 15), and delta(2) receptor agonist [d-Ala(2)] deltorphin-II to 86 +/- 17% (1 mM, n = 15). The corresponding values for inspiratory neurons were: 64 +/- 12% (n = 11), 48 +/- 30% (n = 12), and 75 +/- 15% (n = 11), respectively. Naloxone fully reversed these effects. Picoejection of morphine (0.01-1 mM) depressed most neurons in a concentration dependent fashion to maximally 63% (n = 27). Picoejection of remifentanil (240-480 nM) did not cause any significant depression of inspiratory (n = 11) or expiratory neurons (n = 9). 4. Intravenous remifentanil (0.2-0.6 microg.kg(-1).min(-1)) decreased neuronal peak discharge frequency to 60 +/- 12% (inspiratory, n = 7) and 58 +/- 11% (expiratory, n = 11). However, local picoejection of naloxone did not reverse the neuronal depression. Our data suggest that mu, delta(1), and delta(2) receptors are present on canine respiratory premotor neurons. Clinical concentrations of morphine and remifentanil caused no local depression. This lack of effect and the inability of local naloxone to reverse the neuronal depression by intravenous remifentanil suggest that clinical concentrations of opioids produce their depressive effects on mechanisms upstream from respiratory bulbospinal premotor neurons.

Correlation between the Activity of Dopaminergic Neurons of the Ventral Tegmentum and Spectral Power of the EEG Rhythms in Awake Cats

We studied correlations between the frequency of background impulse activity (BIA) of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the ventral tegmentum (VT) and spectral power (SP) of the frequency components of EEG samples recorded in awake cats. The EEG was recorded monopolarly (electrodes were fixed in the cranial bones) from the frontal, occipital, and right and left temporal regions of the cortex. In a great majority of the cases, the BIA frequency of VT DA-ergic neurons demonstrated significant positive correlations with changes in the SPs of the alpha and beta EEG rhythms. The closest correlations of the spiking frequency of DA-ergic cells with the SP of the alpha rhythm was observed in the occipital region, while those with the beta SP were found in the frontal area. Correlations of the activity of DA-ergic neurons with the SPs of the alpha and beta rhythms in the left temporal cortical zone were closer, as compared with those in the symmetrical right zone. Correlations of the SPs of the delta, theta, and gamma EEG components with the discharge frequency of VT DA neurons were of opposite directions, and in most cases such correlations did not reach the level of significance. The results of this study show that, in some cases, specific EEG patterns can be considered indicators of the state of the cerebral VT DA-ergic system.

Contribution of synaptic inhibition to the control of inspiratory hypoglossal motoneuronal (IHMN) activity in vivo

We examine the role of endogenous γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glycinergic inputs on IHMN discharge activity in decerebrate, vagotomized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated dogs during hypercapnic hyperoxia. The GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (BIC) (200 μM), the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin (PIC) (5 mM), or the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine (STR) (200 μM) was picoejected onto extracellularly‐recorded single IHMNs using multibarrel micropipettes at increasing dose‐rates until no further change in neuronal discharge frequency was observed. Presence of GABAA and glycine receptors and effectiveness of the antagonist doses were confirmed by picoejection of GABA (2 mM) or glycine (2mM) with subsequent block by the respective antagonists. At maximally effective BIC dose‐rates, the peak frequency of 20 IHMNs increased by 29 ± 30%. BIC also increased the slope of the control inspiratory phase discharge pattern by 25 ± 28%. Neither PIC (n=17, 5 ± 19%), nor STR (n =24, 3 ± 15%) had a significant effect on discharge activity. These data suggest that the basal activity of IHMNs is attenuated by a BIC‐sensitive tonic GABAergic inhibition, but phasic GABAergic inhibition and glycine receptors, although present, are not involved in controlling the activity of these neurons. Support: VA Medical Research Funds &amp; NIH R01 GM59234.

Effects of intranasal administration of epitalon on neuron activity in the rat neocortex

This report discusses the properties of the synthetic tetrapeptide epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly), synthesized on the basis of an epiphyseal peptide extract. Intranasal administration of epitalon was selected as a noninvasive means of applying the agent to the CNS by bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The aim of the present work was to assess the characteristics of the action of epitalon on the frequency of spontaneous neuron activity in the cerebral cortex of white rats. Studies were performed using male Wistar rats anesthetized with urethane (1 g/kg). Extracellular activity of cortical neurons was recorded with a glass microelectrode of resistance 1-2 MOmega. Recording of spontaneous neuron discharges for 10-15 min was followed by intranasal administration of epitalon solution and recording of neuron activity to 30 min after doses of 30 ng per animal. Significant activation of neuron activity was seen several minutes after dosage, with an increase (by factors of 2-2.5) in discharge frequency. In some experiments, the effect of epitalon was multiphasic. The first peak of increased neuron discharge frequency at 5-7 min was followed by peaks at 11-12 and 17-18 min. The increase in discharge frequency occurred because of an increase in the discharge frequency of neurons which were already active and the recruitment of previously silent neurons. At least the first peak of increased neuron activity following exposure to epitalon was found to be associated with the direct action of the peptide on cortical cells.

Characteristics of drug concentration profiles for picoejection studies of brainstem neurons

The picoejection technique has been used to study the roles of various neurotransmitter receptors in the generation/control of respiratory neuronal discharge patterns. This method has the ability to produce quasi-steady-state dose-dependent effects on neuronal discharge frequency patterns. While the drug barrel concentration (Co) is known and ejection volume-rates can be measured, the drug concentration as a function of time and radial distance C(t,r) from the micropipette tip is not known. Accordingly, a mathematical compartmental model was developed and simulated, which allows the concentration profiles to be estimated for various diffusion rates and picoejection parameters. The model is based on Fick’s law (flux=-D.dC/dr, where D is the diffusion coefficient) and spherical geometry. Each of the 1020 compartments represents the volume of a 1-μm thick spherical shell centered at the tip of the pipette with the volume and surface area increasing with radial distance. The model gives C(t,r) in 1-μm increments for 0 < r < 1020 μm. Simulation shows that C(t,r) can reach ~90% of max. in 2 min for r<150 μm and peak C(t,r) is ~linearly related to ejection pulse rate and spritz volume over a wide C(t,r) range. The model allows picoejection strategies to be optimized. Support: VA Merit 9952 and NIH GM059234.

Serotonergic Modulation of Inspiratory Hypoglossal Motoneurons in Decerebrate Dogs

Inspiratory hypoglossal motoneurons (IHMNs) maintain upper airway patency. However, this may be compromised during sleep and by sedatives, potent analgesics, and volatile anesthetics by either depression of excitatory or enhancement of inhibitory inputs. In vitro data suggest that serotonin (5-HT), through the 5-HT2A receptor subtype, plays a key role in controlling the excitability of IHMNs. We hypothesized that in vivo 5-HT modulates IHMNs activity through the 5-HT2A receptor subtype. To test this hypothesis, we used multibarrel micropipettes for extracellular single neuron recording and pressure picoejection of 5-HT or ketanserin, a selective 5-HT2A receptor subtype antagonist, onto single IHMNs in decerebrate, vagotomized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated dogs. Drug-induced changes in neuronal discharge frequency (F(n)) and neuronal discharge pattern were analyzed using cycle-triggered histograms. 5-HT increased the control peak F(n) to 256% and the time-averaged F(n) to 340%. 5-HT increased the gain of the discharge pattern by 61% and the offset by 34 Hz. Ketanserin reduced the control peak F(n) by 68%, the time-averaged F(n) by 80%, and the gain by 63%. These results confirm our hypothesis that in vivo 5-HT is a potent modulator of IHMN activity through the 5-HT2A receptor subtype. Application of exogenous 5-HT shows that this mechanism is not saturated during hypercapnic hyperoxia. The two different mechanisms, gain modulation and offset change, indicate that 5-HT affects the excitability as well as the excitation of IHMNs in vivo.

The Role of the Electrophysiological Properties of Neurons in the Mechanisms Grouping Their Discharges in the Cerebral Cortex

Studies using intracellular recording in living slices of rat sensorimotor cortex addressed the interaction between the properties of neuron spike activity (n = 80) and the membrane potentials of the neurons. Spike sequences containing discharges with regularly increasing and decreasing interspike intervals were analyzed. Parameters were identified which were closely associated with the mean neuron discharge frequency: the number of spikes in sequences (5-30% of the total number of spikes recorded), the amplitude of oscillations in the afterhyperpolarization potential (0-1.5 mV), etc. There was a biphasic relationship in changes in the number of spikes in sequences with a critical mean discharge frequency over the range 5-7 Hz. Groups of cells without and with a depolarization component in conditions of afterhyperpolarization had different morphological and electrophysiological properties, though the relationships between their parameter and mean discharge frequency were similar. The possible roles of spike sequences and these regular features in the formation of rhythmic processes in the neocortex are discussed.

Involvement of opioid receptors in the CGRP8-37-induced inhibition of the activity of wide-dynamic-range neurons in the spinal dorsal horn of rats.

The present study was performed to explore the involvement of opioid receptors in the calcitonin gene-related peptide 8-37 (CGRP8-37, an antagonist of CGRP receptor)-induced inhibition of the activity of wide-dynamic-range (WDR) neurons in the spinal dorsal horn of rats. Extracellular recording was performed with a multibarrelled glass micropipette, and the chemicals were delivered by micro-iontophoresis. The discharge frequency of WDR neurons was evoked by subcutaneous electrical stimulation applied to the ipsilateral hindpaw. Iontophoretic application of CGRP8-37 by an ejection current of 160 nA induced significant inhibition of the discharge frequency of WDR neurons. The inhibitory effect of CGRP8-37 on the activity of WDR neurons was attenuated by later iontophoretic application of the opioid antagonist naloxone. Furthermore, the effect of CGRP8-37 was attenuated by either iontophoretic application of the kappa-receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) or the mu-receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA) but not by the delta-receptor antagonist naltrindole. The results indicate that kappa- and mu-opioid receptors on the membrane of WDR neurons are involved in the modulation of CGRP8-37-induced antinociception in dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats.

Homeostatic maintenance of neuronal excitability by burst discharges in vivo.

Information in neuronal networks is thought to be represented by the rate of discharge and the temporal relationship between the discharging neurons. The discharge frequency of neurons is affected by their afferents and intrinsic properties, and shows great individual variability. The temporal coordination of neurons is greatly facilitated by network oscillations. In the hippocampus, population synchrony fluctuates during theta and gamma oscillations (10-100 ms scale) and can increase almost 10-fold during sharp wave bursts. Despite these large changes in excitability in the sub-second scale, longer-term (minute-scale) firing rates of individual neurons are relatively constant in an unchanging environment. As a result, mean hippocampal output remains stable over time. To understand the mechanisms responsible for this homeostasis, we address the following issues: (i) Can firing rates of single cells be modified? (ii) Once modified, what mechanism(s) can maintain the changes? We show that firing rates of hippocampal pyramidal cells can be altered in a novel environment and by Hebbian pairing of physiological input patterns with postsynaptic burst discharge. We also illustrate a competition between single spikes and the occurrence of spike bursts. Since spike-inducing (suprathreshold) inputs decrease the ability of strong ('teaching') inputs to induce a burst discharge, we propose that the single spike versus burst competition presents a homeostatic regulatory mechanism to maintain synaptic strength and, consequently, firing rate in pyramidal cells.

Biphasic effects of substance P on respiratory activity and respiration-related neurones in ventrolateral medulla in the neonatal rat brainstem in vitro.

The effects of substance P (SP) on respiratory activity in the brainstem-spinal cord preparation from neonatal rats (0-4 days old) were investigated. The respiratory activity was recorded from C4 ventral roots and intracellularly from three types of respiration-related neurones, i.e. pre-inspiratory (or biphasic E), three subtypes of inspiratory; expiratory and tonic neurones in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM). After the onset of SP bath application (10 nM-1 microM) a dose-dependent decline of burst rate (by 48%) occurred, followed by a weaker dose-dependent increase (by 17.5%) in burst rate. The biphasic effect of SP on inspiratory burst rate was associated with sustained membrane depolarization (in a range of 0.5-13 mV) of respiration-related and tonic neurones. There were no significant changes in membrane resistance in any type of neurones when SP was applied alone or when synaptic transmission was blocked with tetrodotoxin (TTX). The initial depolarization was associated with an increase in inspiratory drive potential (by 25%) as well as in bursting time (by 65%) and membrane excitability in inspiratory and pre-inspiratory neurones, which corresponded to the decrease in burst rate (C4 activity). The spiking frequency of expiratory and tonic neurones was also increased (by 36 and 48%). This activation was followed by restoration of the synaptic drive potential and bursting time in inspiratory and to a less extent in pre-inspiratory neurones, which corresponded to the increase in burst rate. The discharge frequency of expiratory and tonic neurones also decreased to control values. This phase followed the peak membrane depolarization. At the peak depolarization, SP reduced the amplitude of the action potential by 4-8% in all types of neurones. Our results suggest that SP exerts a general excitatory effect on respiration-related neurones and synaptic coupling within the respiratory network in the VLM. The transient changes in neuronal activity in the VLM may underlie the biphasic effect of SP in the brainstem respiration activity recorded in C4 roots. However, the biphasic effect of SP on inspiratory burst rate seems to be also defined by the balance in activity of other SP-sensitive systems and neurones in the respiratory network in the brainstem and spinal cord, which can modify the activity of medullary respiratory rhythm generator.

Role of calcitonin gene-related peptide and its antagonist on the evoked discharge frequency of wide dynamic range neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats

The present study was performed to explore the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its antagonist CGRP8–37 on the evoked discharge frequency of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats. Recording was performed with a multibarrelled glass micropipette and the chemicals were delivered by iontophoresis. The discharge of WDR neurons was evoked by transdermic electrical stimulation applied on the ipsilateral hindpaw. (1) Iontophoretic application of CGRP at an ejection current of 100 nA increased the discharge frequency of WDR neurons significantly. (2) Iontophoretic application of CGRP8–37 at an ejection current of 80 or 160 nA induced significant decreases in the discharge frequency of WDR neurons, but not at 40 nA. (3) Iontophoretic application of CGRP8–37 not only antagonized the CGRP-induced increase in the evoked discharge frequency of WDR neurons but also induced a significant decrease in the evoked discharge frequency of WDR neurons compared to basal levels. The results indicate that CGRP and its receptors play a facilitary role on the transmission and/or modulation of nociceptive information in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats.

The effect of galanin on wide-dynamic range neuron activity in the spinal dorsal horn of rats

The present study investigated the effect of galanin on wide-dynamic range (WDR) neuron activity in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord of rats. The evoked discharge of WDR neurons was elicited by transdermic electrical stimulation applied on the ipsilateral hindpaw of rats. Galanin was administered directly on the spinal dorsal surface of L3–L5. The evoked discharge frequency of the WDR neurons decreased significantly after the administration of galanin and the effect lasted for more than 30 min. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of galanin on the evoked discharge frequency of WDR neurons was blocked by following administration of the galanin antagonist galantide, indicating that the inhibitory effect of galanin on the activity of WDR neurons was induced by activating galanin receptors in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The results suggest that galanin has an inhibitory role in the transmission of presumed nociceptive information in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats.

Neuron activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain in rats with different typological characteristics in conditions of emotional stimulation.

Male Wistar rats were separated according to the "emotional resonance" method (groups of animals avoiding ("altruists") and not avoiding ("egotists") the pain cries of partner rats) and neuron activity in the prefrontal areas of the cortex was studied in the right and left hemispheres. Assessments were made of changes in the frequency of nerve cell spike activity (in relation to the baseline activity of neurons in sated animals) in rats subjected to one day of food deprivation and after electrical stimulation of emotionally positive (lateral hypothalamus) and negative (tegmentum of the midbrain) brain structures and after exposure to the pain cries of partner rats. The results of these experiments revealed a series of differences in the cell activities of the two groups of rats. In conditions of hunger, the discharge frequency in the "altruists" was higher than that in "egotists." Cortical neuron responses to positive stimulation were greater than those to negative stimulation in rats of both groups. Intracerebral stimulation produced significantly greater increases in discharge frequency in neurons of both prefrontal areas of the cortex in "altruists" than in "egotists." In both groups of rats, neurons in the right hemisphere responded to emotionally negative stimulation with significantly greater activation than cells in the left hemisphere, while activity in the left hemisphere was greater in conditions of emotionally positive stimulation. "Altruists" showed significantly greater neuron responses during exposure to pain cries from "victim" rats in both the right and left hemispheres. The responses of "egotists" to "victim" cries were not significantly different from baseline activity levels.

Effect of central CO(2) drive on lung inflation responses of expiratory bulbospinal neurons in dogs.

The purpose of these studies is to better understand the nature of the reflex interactions that control the discharge patterns of caudal medullary, expiratory (E) bulbospinal neurons. We examined the effect of central chemodrive inputs measured as arterial CO(2) tension (Pa(CO(2))) during hyperoxia on the excitatory and inhibitory components of the lung inflation responses of these neurons in thiopental sodium-anesthetized, paralyzed dogs. Data from slow ramp inflation and deflation test patterns, which were separated by several control inflation cycles, were used to produce plots of neuronal discharge frequency (F(n)) versus transpulmonary pressure (P(t)). P(t) was used as an index of the activity arising from the slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors (PSRs). Changes in inspired CO(2) concentrations were used to produce Pa(CO(2)) levels that ranged from 20 to 80 mmHg. The data obtained from 41 E neurons were used to derive an empirical model that quantifies the average relationship for F(n) versus both P(t) and Pa(CO(2)). This model can be used to predict the time course and magnitude of E neuronal responses to these inputs. These data suggest that the interaction between Pa(CO(2)) and PSR-mediated excitation and inhibition of F(n) is mainly additive, but synergism between Pa(CO(2)) and excitatory inputs is also present. The implications of these findings are discussed.