Interstitial Nucleus Of Cajal Research Articles

The origin of brainstem-spinal pathways in the North American opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Studies using the horseradish peroxidase method.

AbstractBrainstem neurons which project to lumbar, thoracic and cervical spinal levels have been identified in the North American opossum by the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique. Neurons which relay to all of the levels studied are located within the medullary and pontine reticular formation as well as within the nucleus cuneatus, the nucleus of the tractus solitarius, the lateral reticular nucleus, the medullary and caudal pontine raphe nuclei, the lateral, medial and inferior vestibular nuclei, the nucleus “F,” the nucleus coeruleus, and the nucleus coeruleus, para α, the red nucleus, and the interstitial nucleus of Cajal. The lateral vestibulospinal and rubrospinal systems are topographically organized, although neurons projecting to different cord levels show considerable intermingling. Our material also provides evidence that raphe‐spinal and reticulospinal connections are organized to some degree. Neurons which backfill after cervical and thoracic placements, but not after lumbar injections, are distributed within the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus, the nucleus intercalatus, the dorsal vagal nucleus, the cuneiform area of Castaldi, the fields of Forel, and the nucleus of Darkschewitsch. Reactive neurons are present within the lateral, dorsal and posterior hypothalamic areas as well as within the periventricular and paraventricular nuclei after thoracic placements and within the superior colliculus after injections within the cervical cord. Additionally, neurons are reactive in the nucleus ambiguus, the interpolar division of the spinal trigeminal nucleus and the rostral division of the oculomotor nucleus (Oswaldo‐Cruz and Rocha‐Miranda, '68) after HRP placements into the third and fourth cervical segments.

Mesencephalic multiple-unit activity during acquisition of conditioned pupillary dilation

Multiple-unit recordings were obtained from the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, nucleus of Darkschewitsch and the superior colliculus of the cat during acquisition of classically conditioned pupillary dilation. Multiple-unit responses in all regions were enhanced by conditioning procedures. However, only the acquisition functions for the accessory oculomotor nuclei, i.e., interstitial nucleus of Cajal and nucleus of Darkschewitsch, were significantly correlated with the acquisition of conditioned pupillary dilation. These results were discussed in relation to the mechanism of autonomie control of conditioned pupillary dilation. It was concluded that inhibition of parasympathetic pupillomotor efferents via the accessory oculomotor nuclei may play a role in the acquisition of conditioned pupillary dilation.

Direct excitation of neck motoneurons by interstitiospinal fibers

1. Responses of neck motoneurons to stimulation of the interstitial nucleus of cajal (INC) were recorded intracellularly in cats under chloralose anesthesia. When stimuli were applied within or close to the INC, short latency, monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were evoked in many neck motoneurons. Such EPSPs were not evoked by stimulating mesencephalic regions outside the INC. 2. Stimulation of the ipsilateral INC produced monosynaptic EPSPs consistently in biventer cervicis-complexus (BCC) motoneurons, while such EPSPs were observed in about two thirds of the splenius (SP) motoneurons and half of the trapezius (TR) motoneurons tested. Stimulation of the contralateral INC produced weak monosynaptic EPSPs in about half the BCC motoneurons and in a few SP and TR motoneurons. All types of motoneurons also received longer latency, apparently polysynaptic, PSPs from both INCs. In BCC and TR motoneurons these were mainly EPSPs, in SP, mixed excitatory and inhibitory PSPs. 3. Monosynaptic EPSPs evoked by INC stimulation were not eliminated by acute and chronic parasagittal and transverse lesions placed to interrupt the bifurcating axons of all vestibulospinal and many reticulospinal neurons. No significant collision was observed between EPSPs evoked by INC and vestibular or reticular stimulation. The EPSPs evoked by stimulation of the INC therefore appear to have been produced by activation of interstitiospinal neurons rather than by an axon reflex mechanism. 4. The properties of a number of interstitiospinal neurons were observed while recording extracellularly from the mesencephalon to map the location of the INC. One third of the interstitiospinal neurons activated antidromically from the C4 segment could also be activated antidromically from L1. These lumbar-projecting neurons had conduction velocities ranging from 15--123 m/s. Several interstitiospinal neurons sending axons to the ventral horn of the neck segments were identified and two of these were found to be branching neurons that projected both to the neck and to lower levels of the spinal cord.

Connections of the pretectum in the cat

AbstractThe connections of the pretectal complex in the cat have been examined by anatomical methods which utilize the anterograde axonal transport of tritiated proteins or the retrograde axonal transport of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase. Following injections of tritiated amino acids into the eye, label can be seen in the contralateral and ipsilateral nucleus of the optic tract and olivary nucleus where it appears as two or three finger‐like strips. Following large injections of tritiated amino acids into the pretectal complex transported label accumulates ipsilaterally in a region dorsolateral to the red nucleus, the central and pericentral divisions of the tegmental reticular nucleus, the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus, the nucleus of Darkschewitch, the thalamic reticular nucleus, zona incerta and fields of Forel, the central lateral nucleus, the pulvinar nucleus and the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus. Contralaterally label accumulates in the nucleus of the posterior commissure, the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, the anterior, posterior and medial pretectal nuclei, and the ventral lateral geniculate nucleusFrom smaller injections, more or less well confined to single nuclei, the following patterns of connections are demonstrated. The nucleus of the optic tract projects to the ipsilateral ventral lateral geniculate nucleus and pulvinar nucleus and to the contralateral nucleus of the posterior commissure. The anterior pretectal nucleus projects to the ipsilateral central lateral nucleus, the reticular nucleus, zona incerta, fields of Forel, the region dorsolateral to the red nucleus and to the contralateral anterior pretectal nucleus. The posterior pretectal nucleus seems to project only to the ipsilateral reticular nucleus and zona incerta. The central tegmental fields deep to the pretectum project to the tegmental reticular nucleus of the brainstem. When the injection involves the nucleus of the posterior commissure label is seen in the ipsilateral nucleus of Darkschewitch, and in the contralateral nucleus of the posterior commissure and interstitial nucleus of Cajal but no nucleus of the pretectum could be positively identified as projecting to any of the motor nuclei of cranial nerves III, IV, and VI.Following large injections of horseradish peroxidase into the pretectal complex, labeled cells are seen in the superficial layers of the ipsilateral superior colliculus, in the ipsilateral ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, reticular nucleus and zona incerta and in the contralateral anterior, medial and posterior pretectal nuclei, nucleus of the optic tract and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus.

Morphological characteristics of acetylcholinesterase-containing neurons in the CNS of DFP-treated monkeys: Part. 3. Brain stem and spinal cord

The distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) was studied in the lower brain stem and spinal cord of 4 monkeys following the i.m. administration of bis-(1-methylethyl) phosphorofluoridate (di-isoprophylfluorophosphate: DFP). In 1 animal that received 0.43 mg/kg of DFP 4 hr prior to death, AChE was virtually absent in all structures. In the other 3 animals sacrificed 10, 12 and 18 hr after the injection of 0.20 mg/kg of DFP, AChE activity was considerably lighter in the neuropil of different structures normally displaying a moderate to intense AChE activity in pharmacologically unmanipulated monkeys. As a consequence of the lighter background activity several groups of neurons were easily identified and their cell bodies and processes were sharply outlined. Brain stem and spinal cord groups of neurons that show an intense AChE activity include the nuclei of the somatic motor column (cranial nerves III, IV, VI and XII, and ventral horn cells) and of the special visceral (cranial nerves V and VII and nucleus ambiguus) and general visceral (Edinger-Westphal and salivatory nuclei, dorsal nucleus of the Xth nerve and intermediomedial and intermediolateral spinal nuclei) motor columns. Other neurons of the midbrain that display intense AChE activity include the rostral division of nucleus linearis, the magnocellular division of the red nucleus, perirubral giant neurons, the nucleus of the mesencephalic root of V, the substantia nigra and the subnucleus compactus of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus. Midbrain neurons with a light to moderate AChE activity are located in the periaqueductal gray, the parvocellular division of the red nucleus, the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, and the magnocellular nucleus of the posterior commissure. Other intensely stained groups of neurons at isthmus and pontine levels include the intermediate and caudal divisions of nucleus linearis, all divisions of the dorsal nucleus of the raphé, the laterodorsal nucleus, nucleus annularis, nucleus centralis superior, neurons of the loci coeruleus and subcoeruleus and of the mesencephalic root of V, the few and large neurons of nuclei pontis oralis and pontis caudalis and nuclei paraabducens and paramedianus dorsalis. Other groups of neurons with a light to moderate AChE activity at isthmus and pons levels include the pontine and reticulotegmental nuclei. The neurons of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus are intensely stained and those of nucleus interpositus and nucleus dentatus, as well as the cell bodies of the Golgi cells of the cerebellar cortex, are moderately stained. At medulla and spinal cord levels the neurons of the lateral vestibular nucleus, the gigantocellular nucleus, the dorsal nucleus of Clarke and the lumbo-sacral border cells are intensely stained. Other neurons with lightly to moderately stained cell bodies include the superior and medial vestibular nuclei, nucleus praepositus, the lateral cuneate and lateral reticular nuclei, and the principal inferior and accessory olivary nuclei.

Medial occipital projections to the nucleus of Darkschewitsch of rhesus monkey.

AbstractProjection from medial occipital cortex (area OB) to the nucleus of Darkschewitsch is demonstrated in six Macaca mulatta hemispheres by the technique of Fink and Heimer. Degeneration was present as well in the lateral pons, nucleus lateralis dorsalis, nucleus lateralis posterior, lateral pulvinar and nucleus parafascicularis. Centrum medianum, dorsal lateral geniculate body and interstitial nucleus of Cajal were spared.

Stimulation and destruction of the region of the interstitial nucleus in cases of torticollis and see-saw nystagmus.

The interstitial nucleus of Cajal or the adjacent areas including the upper part of the medial longitudinal fasciculus was stimulated and finally destroyed in 12 cases of torticollis (mostly retrocollis) and one case of see-saw nystagmus. Stimulation of the above-mentioned area caused EMG discharges and contraction mostly of the posterior neck muscles in torticollis cases. It reproduced the see-saw nystagmus in one case of posttraumatic see-saw nystagmus. It may be stated that the interstital nucleus and the medial longitudinal fasciculus may play an important regulatory role in neck and eye movements.

Descending Control of the Vestibular Nuclei: Physiology

The vestibular system and the vestibulo-ocular reflex arc are influenced by a number of higher functions and centers. The phenomenon of “alertness” has a cortical aspect; and it clearly facilitates vestibular activity. The role of the cortex in other behavioral states such as “habituation” or sleep is less clear. Childhood schizophrenia, a severe thought and behavioral disorder, is accompanied by hypoactive and variable responses to caloric and post-rotatory nystagmus. The latter is strongly influenced by vision. Ablation of the occipital and frontal cortex tends to release vestibulo-ocular activity while stimulation studies of the same areas are not amenable to such generalizations. The ablation evidence, however, suggests that the cortex has a generally inhibitory effect in vestibular activity. Both the caudate nucleus and an area medial to the lateral geniculate body act to augment, while the nucleus of Darkschewitsch inhibits vestibular nystagmus. The mechanisms of these actions are not clear. The interstitial nucleus of Cajal, a center for head rotation and eye rotation and vertical movement, when stimulated, inhibits type-I vestibular neurons of the horizontal canal. The inhibitory action on type-I neurons of the anterior vertical canal is infrequent and weaker. This function may enhance rotatory head and eye movements; or may serve as a means by which cortical or subcortical stations could modulate vestibular-induced horizontal eye movement.

Descending and Reticular Relations to the Vestibular Nuclei: Anatomy

The largest contingent of afferents to the vestibular complex comes from the cerebellum. The other major input to the complex is the fibers of the eighth nerve. A more modest contibution is that from the spinal cord. In these inputs, some descending and reticular afferents reach the complex. In this chapter, a description is given of the descending and reticular afferent fibers to the vestibular nuclei. Experimental light microscopical studies have shown that the descending fibers take their origin in the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, pass in the medial longitudinal fasciculus, and reach chiefly the dorsal and caudal parts of the medial vestibular nucleus. The reticular afferents appear to be derived only from the medullary and pontine reticular formations, but details in the pattern of distribution of the fibers within the various vestibular nuclei are not known.

Stimulation and destruction of and around the interstitial nucleus of Cajal in man.

Stimulation and destruction of and around the interstitial nucleus of Cajal in man.

Midbrain and contralateral labyrinth influences on brain stem vestibular neurons in the cat

Brain stem vestibular neurons were examined by extracellular recording in cats with high cervical spinal cord transsections and were physiologically identified by their response to angular acceleration. Type I units of the horizontal canal were strongly inhibited by stimulating both the contralateral vestibular nerve and the ipsilateral interstitial nucleus of Cajal in the midbrain. On stimulation of both these sites, type II neurons of the horizontal canal were transsynaptically facilitated. Type I neurons of the anterior canal showed less frequent and weaker inhibitory responses than those of the horizontal canal on stimulation of both the contralateral vestibular nerve and the interstitial nucleus of Cajal. However, units which were inhibited from one site were usually inhibited from the other. Type II neurons of the anterior canal were facilitated by stimulation of the opposite vestibular nerve, and responded to angular acceleration acting on the opposite posterior semicircular canal. The difference in strength of inhibition of type I units of the horizontal and the anterior canals on contralateral vestibular nerve stimulation suggests that precise coordination is more important for horizontal than for vertical eye movements. The stronger suppression, on interstitial nucleus of Cajal stimulation, of type I neurons of the horizontal canal as compared to those of the anterior canal may better contribute to support the interstitial nucleus in its role in vertical and rotatory head and eye motions.

Die Freund-Vogtsche Herdbildung bei supranuclearer Heberl�hmung der Augen mit Lidretraktion

The collection of serial brain sections of the C. and O. Vogt Institute in Neustadt, Germany, was found to contain the Weigert series of an old case of vertical ophthalmoplegia associated with weakened convergence (Parinaud's syndrome). The case history had been described by C. Freund in 1911 and 1913. The findings indicated an encephalomalacic lesion located in the anterior aqueductal wall area and involving mainly the interstitial nucleus of Cajal. The localization of the Parinaud syndrome was confirmed by the results of some recent publications on man and electrographic experiments.

Fiber Connections and Functions of the Corpus Striatum in the Cat.

A destructive lesion was placed in the left lenticular nucleus of forty cats. These animals were allowed to live from 9 to 11 days and their symptoms carefully observed. The 15 brains containing the best lesions were then prepared by the Marchi method for degenerated nerve fibers.The following efferent fiber systems were found to have their origin in the globus pallidus:1. A lateral strio-bulbar fasciculus, closely associated with the lateral cortico-bulbar tract, is composed of (a) a primary, homolateral division to the masticator, facial and ambiguous nuclei; (b) a secondary division to the trochlear, abducens, and hypoglossal nuclei of both sides; (c) a crossed division decussating with the brachium conjunctivum to reach the masticator, facial and ambiguous nuclei of the opposite side.2. A strio-tegmental fasciculus terminates in the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, the nucleus of Darkschewitsch, and the oculomotor nucleus of the homolateral and perhaps also of the opposite side.3. A large fasciculus of ...