Counterpointing the functional role of the forebrain and of the brainstem in the control of the sleep-waking system

This paper reviews the lifetime contributions of the author to the field of sleep-wakefulness (S-W), reinterprets results of the early studies, and suggests new conclusions and perspectives. Long-term cats with mesencephalic transection show behavioral/polygraphic rapid eye movement sleep (REMS), including the typical oculo-pupillary behavior, even when the section is performed in kittens prior to S-W maturation. REMS can be induced as a reflex. Typical non-rapid eye movement S (NREMS) is absent and full W/arousal is present only after a precollicular section. The isolated forebrain (IF) rostral to the transection exhibits all features of W/arousal and NREMS [with electroencephalographic (EEG) spindles and delta waves], arousal to olfactory stimuli, and including the appropriate oculo-pupillary behaviors. These features also mature normally after neonatal transection. REMS is absent from the IF. After deprivation there is NREMS pressure and rebound in the IF, but the decerebrate cat only shows pressure for REMS. Most IF reactions to pharmacologic agents are within expectations, except for the tolerance/withdrawal effects of long-term morphine use which are absent. In contrast, these effects are supported by the brainstem (i.e. seen in the decerebrate cat). In cats with ablation of the telencephalon, or diencephalic cats, delta waves are absent in the thalamus. EEG thalamic spindle waves are seen triggering S for only 4-5 days after ablation. Therefore, true NREMS is absent in chronic diencephalic cats although pre- and postsomniac behaviors persist. These animals are hyperactive and show a pronounced, permanent insomnia; however, a low dose of barbiturate triggers a dramatic REMS/atypical NREMS rebound. Cats without the thalamus (athalamic cats), initially show a dissociation between behavioral hyperactivity/insomnia and the neocortical EEG, which for 15-20 days exhibits only delta and slower oscillations. Fast, low-voltage W rhythms appear later on, first during REMS, but spindle waves and S postures are absent from the start, such that these cats also display only atypical NREMS. Athalamic cats also show barbiturate-sensitive insomnia. Cats with ablation of the frontal cortices or the caudate nuclei remain permanently hyperactive. They also show a mild, but significant hyposomnia, which is permanent in afrontal cats, but lasts for about a month in acaudates. The polygraphic/behavioral features of their S-W states remain normal. We conclude and propose that: (a) the control of the S-W system is highly complex and distributed, but is organized hierarchically in a well-defined rostro-caudal manner; the rostral-most or highest level (telencephalon), is the most functionally complex/adaptative and regulates the lower levels; the diencephalic/basal forebrain, or middle level, has a pivotal role in inducing switching between S and W and in coordinating the lowest (brainstem) and highest levels; (b) W can occur independently in both the forebrain and brainstem, but true NREMS- and REMS-generating mechanisms exist exclusively in the forebrain and brainstem, respectively; (c) forebrain and brainstem S-W processes can operate independently from each other and are preprogrammed at birth; this helps understanding normal and abnormal polygraphic/behavioral dissociations in humans and normal dissociations/splitting in aquatic mammals; (d) NREMS homeostasis is present in the IF, but only REMS pressure after deprivation persists in the decerebrate cat; (e) the thalamus engages in both NREMS and W; (f) insomnia in diencephalic cats is the result of an imbalance between antagonistic W- and S-promoting cellular groups in the ventral brain (normally modulated by the telencephalon); (g) the EEG waves, which are signature for each S-W state, appear to truly drive the concomitant behaviors, e.g. a hypothetical human IF could alternate between behavioral NREMS and W/arousal/awareness; (h) a role for REMS is to keep the individual sleeping at the end of the self-limiting NREMS periods. The need for accelerating research on telencephaling NREMS periods. The need for accelerating research on telencephalic S-W processes and downstream control of the lower S-W system levels is emphasized.     

Effects of the lesion of the postcommissural part of the septum on the behavior of the rat.

The effects of the lesion of the postcommissural part of the septum on behavior of the rat has been studied. Results may be summarized as follows. An increase in the exploratory behavior in the open field which decreases rapidly; a decrease in the number of defecations in this test and a decrease in time leaving a dark environment for exploration. In the shuttle box test, no facilitation of the acquisition, but a permanent and quite significant increase in the intertrial activity has been found. We conclude that the lesions tend to decrease the emotivity of the subjects. An interpretation on the basis of the species -- specific defensive reactions explains the transitory and permanent effects of the lesions on the spontaneous activity.     

Adequate function of the cell: Interactions between the needs of the cell and the needs of the organism

The continuous maintenance of cell adequate function (cellular stress) is considered to be the main feature which characterizes the activity of a live cell. In accordance with the concept of cellular stress, the transition of the cell to the state of adequate funcitoning represents a dual commitment. The cell must function adequately to respond to the demands of the organism and to provide for its own needs. Thus, it is proposed that two systems exist for the regulation of the adequate function of the cell: one enabling the cell to respond to the demands of the organism, and the other providing for the needs of the cell itself. The hormonal system of the organism represents the first of these mechanisms, and I believe that another system exists for regulation of intracellular needs. Adequate function of the cell is determined by the regulative, controlling and defense mechanisms. The balance between the needs of the cell and of the organism should be a concern of physician, since it provides for the optimal function and health of the organism as a whole.     

Anatomical relationship between the morphology of the styloid process of the ulna and the attachment of the radioulnar ligaments

The radioulnar ligaments are the major stabilizers of the distal radioulnar joint under dynamic loading; however, anatomical detail regarding their attachment on the middle and distal thirds of the styloid process of the ulna remains unclear. Because previous anatomical studies included only old cadavers, their anatomical findings might not reflect the morphological features of younger and healthy specimens. This study investigated the anatomical features of the distal ulna, particularly the styloid process, to determine the attachment of the radioulnar ligaments to the styloid process and verified their direction and attachment to the styloid process in younger and healthy donors using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigated the morphological features of the distal ulna of 12 cadaveric wrists using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). We also visualized and measured the distribution of the cortical bone thickness. We histologically analyzed three specimens in the axial plane and macroscopically analyzed seven specimens to examine the attachment of the radioulnar ligaments to the styloid process. In addition, we evaluated five wrists from living volunteers using 3.0 Tesla MRI. The distal ulna has a ridge on the dorsoradial aspect of the styloid process that corresponds to the attachment of the radioulnar ligaments. Micro-CT images after data processing revealed that the cortical thickness of the dorsoradial quadrant was thicker than that of the other quadrant at the proximal slice of the styloid process (p < 0.01), and that of the dorsoulnar (p = 0.021) and ulnopalmar (p < 0.01) quadrants at the middle slice. Histological analyses showed that the radioulnar ligaments were attached to the middle and distal thirds of the styloid process via chondral-apophyseal entheses. The direction of the fiber was dorsal in the middle third of the styloid process and changed to palmar in the distal third of the styloid process. The direction and attachment of the radioulnar ligaments on the styloid process were confirmed using MRI for younger and healthy participants. The radioulnar ligaments were attached to the dorsoradial ridge of the styloid process, which was confirmed by cortical bone thickening, histology at the attachment sites, and in vivo MR imaging. The directions of the radioulnar ligaments sterically intersected, which would satisfy both slipping stability and rotational mobility. These anatomical findings may provide the basis for biomechanical consideration of distal radioulnar joint stabilization.     

On the development of the sympathetic chain and the adrenal medulla in the mouse

Summary The first visible primordia of the sympathetic chain appear in the anterior thoracic region and run caudally through 8 segments in an embryo of 11 gestation days. At 12 gestation days the trunk reaches from the base of the skull into the sacral region. During the following days the trunk develops into ganglia with interganglionic fibers.At 16 gestation days there is a well developed trunk with a cranial ganglion cervicale superior and a ganglion stellatum in the anterior part of the thoracic region. In the remaining sympathetic chain there are segmentally arranged ganglia but in this common pattern large differences are noticed.At the 13th gestation day the first signs of the adrenal medulla and the splanchnic plexus appear in the form of sympathoblasts ventral to the sympathetic chain. The migration of sympathoblasts into the primordia of the adrenal cortex goes on for 3 days while the migration to the splancnic plexus in the mesenchym ventral and lateral to the aorta goes on at least 2 more days.     

The Beauty of the Network in the Brain and the Origin of the Mind in the Control of Behavior

Behavior is not adequately described as a stimulus-response process. It is initiated by the animal and is generated because of its expected outcome in the future. The outcome can be good or bad for the animal. The brain is in charge of the selection process. This is the basic function of the brain. Taking Drosophila as a study case, this paper discusses initiating activity, several examples of outcome expectations, trying out (the internal search for a suitable behavior), chaining of actions, and the functional roles of chance in action selection. It takes mental processes and states such as goals, intentions, feelings, memories, cognition, and attention as higher levels of behavioral control that have their origin in biological evolution.     

指背腱膜滑动与近侧指间关节屈曲关系及临床意义

目的:探讨指背腱膜滑动距离与近侧指间关节(PIP)屈曲关系,为临床修复提供解剖学基础。方法:男性成人新鲜尸体标本10侧30指(示、中、环指各10指),切除手指皮肤,不破坏腱鞘、屈肌支持带、伸肌支持带、内在肌及外在肌,使肌腱保持正常的生理状态,分别测量各指中央束(CS)、侧束(LB)在PIP屈曲45°和90°时的滑动距离。结果:当PIP屈曲45°时,CS滑动距离为(2.7±0.4)mm,LB滑动距离为(2.8±0.6)mm;当PIP屈曲90°时,CS滑动距离为(4.3±0.7)mm,LB滑动距离为(4.8±0.6)mm。结论:指背腱膜滑动距离减少,严重影响手指的屈曲功能。对于指背腱膜的新鲜性损伤应予以精确修复;对于陈旧性损伤的修复应确保指背腱膜的正常滑动范围。     

On the development of the pyramidal tract in the rat

Summary An anterograde tracer study has been made of the developing corticospinal tract (CST) in the rat using wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP). Analysis of normal Rager stained material revealed that corticospinal axons reach upper cervical spinal cord levels at the day of birth (PO). Postnatal rats ranging in age from one (P1) to fourteen (P14) days received multiple WGA-HRP injections into the cortex of their left hemisphere and were allowed to survive for 24 h. The first labeled CST fibers caudally extend into the third thoracic spinal cord segment at P1; into the eighth thoracic segment at P3; into the first or second lumbar segment at P7 and into the second to third sacral segment at Pg. Thus the outgrowth of the leading pioneer fibers of the CST is completed at P9 but later developing axons are continuously added even beyond P9. Quantitative analysis of the amount of label along the length of the outgrowing CST revealed a characteristic pattern of labeling varying with age. The most striking features of that pattern are: (1) the formation of two standing peaks at the level of the cervical and lumbar enlargements respectively and (2) the transient presence of a smaller running peak which moves caudally with the front of the outgrowing bundle. The standing peaks are ascribed to the branching of the axon terminals at both intumescences, whereas the running peak probably arises by the accumulation of tracer within the growth cones at the tips of the outgrowing CST axons. Factors such as the number of axons, the varying axon diameters, the branching collaterals, the presence of varicosities, the transport rate of the tracer, the uptake of the tracer at the injection site, which possibly may affect the amount of label present in both the entire bundle and in the individual axons are discussed. Current research is focused upon an analysis of the relation between the site of injection within the cortex and the pattern of labeling of the CST. A delay of two days was found between the arrival of the CST axons at a particular spinal cord level and their outgrowth into the adjacent spinal gray. However, combined HRP and electronmicroscopic experiments are necessary to determine the factors behind the maturation of the CST as well as the maturation of the spinal gray.     

PEComas: the past,the present and the future

The perivascular epithelioid cell (PEC) is a cell type constantly present in a group of tumors called PEComas. PEC expresses myogenic and melanocytic markers, such as HMB45 and actin. Recently, recurrent chromosomal alterations have been demonstrated in PEC. At present, PEComa is a widely accepted entity. In the past 10 years, the use of this term has allowed to report and describe numerous cases permitting to start highlighting the biology of this group of lesions. PEComas are related to the genetic alterations of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), an autosomal dominant genetic disease due to losses of TSC1 (9q34) or TSC2 (16p13.3) genes which seem to have a role in the regulation of the Rheb/mTOR/p70S6K pathway. There are some open questions about PEComas regarding its histogenesis, the definition of epithelioid angiomyolipoma and the identification of the histological criteria of malignancy. An innovative therapeutic trial using rapamycin is under way for tumors occurring in TSC such as renal angiomyolipoma and lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Its success could provide the rationale for the use of the same drug in other lesions composed of PECs, especially in the malignant ones.     

On the musculature of the gastro-intestinal tract of the guinea-pig

Summary The small intestine, caecum, colon and part of the stomach of guinea-pigs were studied by light microscopy, using semithin sections of plastic embedded specimens. The muscular coat is thicker in the duodenum than in the rest of the small intestine. The ratio between longitudinal and circular muscle is 1:4.6 in the duodenum and it increases regularly along the small intestine, to reach 1:2 in the terminal ileum. In the caecum, shape and sectional area of the muscle tissue were analyzed along the full length of the taeniae. In the caecal circular muscle there is a characteristic change in the arrangement of the muscle bundles from the regions in the centre of the haustrations to the regions of the grooves between haustrations or to those lying beneath a taenia. The functional significance of the taeniae is discussed in terms of an arrangement allowing reduction of the lumen of the organ (which at the level of the grooves between haustrations acquires a triangular outline) more efficiently than if the longitudinal musculature were spread over the entire surface of the organ. Haustrations are present also on one side of the wall of the ascending colon where there is no longitudinal muscle layer. In the descending colon the structure of the wall is examined in different functional states, namely in the regions between fecal pellets (constricted regions) and in the regions around a fecal pellet (moderately distended regions). The musculature increases considerably in thickness in the constricted regions (both muscle layers being actively contracted), while the mucosa and submucosa are thrown into prominent longitudinal folds. These folds produce occlusion of the lumen when the circular muscle has shortened by about 50%.     

Patching the glia reveals the functional organisation of the brain

The neuroglia was initially conceived by Rudolf Virchow as a non-cellular connective tissue holding neurones together. In 1894, Carl Ludwig Schleich proposed a hypothesis of fully integrated and interconnected neuronal-glial circuits as a substrate for brain function. This hypothesis received direct experimental support only hundred years later, after several physiological techniques, and most notably the patch-clamp method, were applied to glial cells. These experiments have demonstrated the existence of active and bi-directional neuronal–glial communications, integrating neuronal networks and glial syncytium into one functional circuit. The data accumulated during last 15 years prompt rethinking of the neuronal doctrine towards more inclusive concept, which regards both neurones and glia as equally responsible for information processing in the brain.     

Asymmetry of the internal connections of the striate cortex of the cat in the projection zone of the center of the field of vision

Studies were carried out on the organization of the internal connections of the striate cortex in cats in the projection zone of the center (0–5°) of the field of vision by microintophoretic application of horseradish peroxidase to electrophysiologically identified orientational columns. The area containing neurons showing retrograde labeling in most cases extended in the mediolateral direction. Labeled cells were located in the upper (II, III) and lower (V, VI) layers of the cortex, and the shapes and orientations of the areas containing labeled neurons in these layers coincided. Spatial asymmetry was detected in the distribution of labeled neurons relative to the orientational column studied. Labeled cells were located predominantly medial to the columns, regardless of the distance from the projection of the area centralis. Considering the visuotopical map of field 17, the asymmetry detected here provides evidence that neurons in orientational columns have more extensive connections with neurons of the peripheral part of the cortex. An asymmetrical distribution of “silent” zones around the receptive fields of neurons in orientational columns is suggested, and that these appear to receive influences from the periphery of the visual field. Laboratory of Visual Physiology and Laboratory of Central Nervous System Morphology, I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 6 Makarov Bank, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia. Translated from Fiziologicheskii Zhurnal imeni I. M. Sechenova, Vol. 82, No. 12, pp. 23–29, December, 1996.     

About the variability of the shape of the glenoid cavity

The morphology of the glenoid cavity is highly variable, and no consensus exists regarding how to classify the different forms. We examined 98 dry scapulae to identify a common morphological entity and to define reproducible bony references of the glenoid cavity. The glenoid cavities were photographed perpendicularly in a standardized fashion. The bony peripheral rim was studied on these two-dimensional images, defined by randomly chosen points in order to define one or more circles. This study showed that only the peripheral rim of the inferior quadrants of the articular surface was found to be located on a circle (P=0.926) with a radius of 12.8 mm (SD 1.3 mm). Defining the center of this circle appeared to be more reliable (ICC 0.98) than determining the middle point of the longitudinal axis (0,0) between the most cranial and most caudal points, defined as Saller's line (ICC 0.89). The distance of the center of this projected circle to the middle point of Saller's line had a unimodal distribution, suggesting the existence of only one glenoid cavity morphotype. We then investigated the relationship between the center of the circle and the area of subchondral bone thickening under the bare spot, the so-called tubercle of Assaki. Ten phenolized cadaveric glenoid cavities were examined with computed tomography. A circle was projected on the first image showing the bony peripheral rim, and this circle was copied on the consecutive slices until the tubercle of Assaki came across. The center of the circle was located within the area of the tubercle of Assaki, in all but one specimen. To investigate the clinical implications of this finding, the cadaver specimens were used to compare the position of the center of the circle with the postulated center of implantation according to the literature, and to the reference guide for a commonly used total shoulder prosthesis. The center of the circle was consistently situated more distal than the postulated center of the guide (mean 5.5 mm, range 4–8 mm) and the middle point of the glenoid cavity (mean 2 mm, range 1–3 mm). These findings could offer a reproducible point of reference for the glenoid cavity in osseous anthropometry and a valuable reference in shoulder replacement surgery, and might help in the definition of osseous glenohumeral instability.     

On the origin of the corticotectal projections in the cat

Summary Stereotaxic injection of horseradish peroxidase into the superior colliculus produced retrograde labelling of layer V pyramides in the Clare Bishop area and the lateral bank of the suprasylvian sulcus, in area 17,18 and 19. Single labelled cells were also found scattered in the splenial, the suprasplenial, the lateral and the suprasylvian gyri. In the cruciate sulcus no labelled cells were observed. Autoradiographically, the lateral bank of the suprasylvian sulcus was also shown to give rise to fibres to the superior colliculus.     

Ascending projections from the nucleus of the brachium of the inferior colliculus in the cat

Summary Ascending projections from the nucleus of the brachium of the inferior colliculus (NBIC) in the cat were studied by the autoradiographic tracing method. Many fibers from the NBIC ascend ipsilaterally in the lateral tegmentum along the medial border of the brachium of the inferior colliculus. At midbrain levels, fibers from the NBIC end in the superior colliculus, the pretectum, the central gray and the peripeduncular tegmental region bilaterally with ipsilateral predominance. NBIC fibers to the superior colliculus are distributed densely to laminae VI an III throughout the whole rostrocaudal extent of the colliculus. In the pretectum, NBIC fibers terminate in the anterior and medial nuclei and the nucleus of the posterior commissure. NBIC fibers to the dorsal thalamus are distributed largely ipsilaterally. Many NBIC fibers end in the dorsal and medial divisions of the medial geniculate body, but few in the ventral division. The NBIC also sends fibers to the suprageniculate, limitans and lateralis posterior nuclei and the lateral portion of the posterior nuclear complex; these regions of termination of NBIC fibers constitute, as a whole, a single NBIC recipient sector. Additionally, the NBIC sends fibers to the centralis lateralis, medialis dorsalis, paraventricular and subparafascicular nuclei of the thalamus.Abbreviations APtC Pars compacta of anterior pretectal nucleus - APtR Pars reticulata of anterior pretectal nucleus - BIC Brachium of infertior colliculus - CG Central gray - CL Nucleus centralis lateralis - CP Cerebral peduncle - D Dorsal division of medial geniculate body - IC Inferior colliculus - LG Lateral geniculate body - LP Nucleus lateralis posterior - Lim Nucleus limitans - M Medial division of medial geniculate body - MD Nucleus medialis dorsalis - ML Medial lemniscus - NBIC Nucleus of brachium of inferior colliculus - NPC Nucleus of posterior commissure - PN Pontine nuclei - Ppr Peripeduncular region - Pt Pretectum - Pbg Parabigeminal nucleus - Pol Lateral portion of posterior nuclear complex - Pom Medial portion of posterior nuclear complex - Pul Pulvinar - Pv Nucleus paraventricularis - R Red nucleus - SC Superior colliculus - Sg Nucleus suprageniculatus - Spf Nucleus subparafascicularis - V Ventral division of medial geniculate body - VPL Nucleus ventralis posterolateralis - VPM Nucleus ventralis posteromedialis - II,III,IV,VI Tectal laminae