The projection from the olfactory epithelium to the olfactory bulb in the salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum

Summary Odor quality may be represented as a topographic code of responses of receptor cells throughout the olfactory epithelium, with this code conveyed to the central nervous system by a topographic projection from the olfactory epithelium to the olfactory bulb. There is good evidence for topographic differences in odor-induced receptor cell activity in the tiger salamander but there is no evidence for a topographic epithelium-to-bulb projection in this species. In the present study ³H-leucine autoradiography was used to trace the projections of olfactory receptor neurons in the tiger salamander. Thirteen animals received small injections of tritiated leucine into different regions of the dorsal or the ventral olfactory epithelium, or into the ventrolateral, vomeronasal organ. The results show that the anterior-to-posterior axes in the dorsal and ventral epithelia are represented along the ventral-to-dorsal axis in the rostral end of the olfactory bulb. The vomeronasal organ projects to the caudal end of the bulb. We conclude that the central projection of the olfactory epithelium in the tiger salamander is topographically organised only along the antero-posterior axis and not the medio-lateral axis. Thus epithelial receptor cell activity along the antero-posterior axis would be represented in the glomerular layer of the bulb by activity along its ventro-dorsal axis.     

Electrophysiological properties of gap junction channels in hepatocytes isolated from connexin32-deficient and wild-type mice

 Hepatocytes were isolated from wild-type and connexin32-deficient (Cx32-deficient) mice. Pairs of cells were chosen to study the electrical properties of gap junction channels using the dual voltage-clamp method. The total gap junction currents revealed that Cx32-deficient hepatocytes express one type of connexin (Cx26) and wild-type hepatocytes express two types of connexins (Cx26 and Cx32). The unitary gap junction currents suggest that Cx32-deficient cells have homotypic channels (Cx26–Cx26) while wild-type cells form homotypic (Cx26–Cx26, Cx32–Cx32) and heterotypic channels (Cx26–Cx32). Homotypic channels exhibited a main conductance and a residual conductance, both virtually insensitive to gap junction voltage (V _j) (Cx32–Cx32: γ_j,main=31 pS, γ_j,residual=9 pS; Cx26–Cx26: γ_j,main=102 pS, γ_j,residual=17 pS). Residual states were regularly seen in Cx32–Cx32 channels, but rarely in Cx26–Cx26 channels. Heterotypic channels showed a main conductance and a residual conductance. The former was sensitive to V _j (average γ_j,main=52 pS). The electrophysiological data suggest that Cx32 hemichannels are more abundant than Cx26 hemichannels in prenatal (ratio 4:1) and adult wild-type hepatocytes (ratio 23:1) and that the total number of gap junction channels is larger in prenatal cells than in adult cells. The diversity of the relationship g _j,ss/g _j,inst=f(V _j) (g _j,ss: gap junction conductance at steady state; g _j,inst: instantaneous gap junction conductance; V _j: transjunctional voltage) seen in wild-type cells suggests that the ratio Cx26/Cx32 hemichannels is variable among hepatocytes. A comparison of total and unitary conductances implies that Cx26 hemichannels are down-regulated in Cx32-deficient cells and that docking between Cx26 and Cx32 hemichannels occurs randomly. While the gap junction currents are compatible with homotypic and heterotypic channels, the presence of heteromeric channels cannot be excluded. Received: 18 November 1998 / Received after revision: 28 January 1999 / Accepted: 29 January 1999     

Functional gap junctions in thymic epithelial cells are formed by connexin 43

A multiparametric study was carried out to investigate the presence and possible role of communicating junctions in the thymus, particularly in the thymic epithelium, the major component of the thymic microenvironment. The presence of direct cell-cell communication mediated by gap junctions was demonstrated in human and murine thymic epithelial cells (TEC) by means of in situ and in vitro immunohistochemical labeling as well as in vitro fluorochrome injection and double whole-cell patch clamp experiments. Moreover, both immuno- and Northern blot studies revealed that the gap junction protein connexin 43 and its mRNA were present in TEC. Importantly, we showed that thymic endocrine activity, as ascertained by thymulin production, could be specifically downmodulated in vitro by a gap junction inhibitor, octanol. We also investigated the existence of gap junctions between TEC and thymocytes. In thymic nurse cells we were able to detect cell-cell communication, although only a minor percentage of epithelial/thymocyte pairs were coupled in a given moment. In contrast, intercellular communication was not detected between cultured phagocytic cells of the thymic reticulum and the respective rosetting thymocytes. We suggest that gap junctions formed by connexin 43 may represent a novel (and rather cell type-specific) pathway for intrathymic cellular communication, including TEC/TEC as well as possible TEC/thymocyte interactions.     

星形胶质细胞的缝隙连接蛋白43参与冷冻伤后脑水肿的形成

目的:探讨脑水肿后星形胶质细胞缝隙连接蛋白43(Cx43)的表达及其在脑水肿的发生发展过程中所起的作用。方法:采用颅骨外液氮冷冻法建立大鼠右侧顶叶皮层脑水肿模型。实验分为假手术组、脑水肿模型组和脑水肿模型+缝隙连接阻断剂(carbenoxolone或octanol)干预组。干湿重法测定冷冻伤后的脑含水量;甲酰胺法测定大鼠血脑屏障通透性的改变;HE染色观察冷冻伤脑组织的病理变化;Western blot法和免疫组化检测Cx43蛋白的表达情况。结果:冷冻伤可引起大鼠损伤脑皮层区的含水量增加,在冷冻伤后24 h脑水肿发展到高峰。冷冻伤引起损伤脑皮层区域的血脑屏障通透性增加,范围大于直接冷冻损伤区。HE染色观察显示冷冻伤中心区细胞坏死明显,而冷冻伤周围区域出现水肿。脑冷冻伤引起冷冻伤周围皮层区域的Cx43蛋白表达增加,但冷冻伤中心区的Cx43蛋白表达降低。Carbenoxolone或octanol阻断Cx43的功能,降低了冷冻伤皮层区的含水量和血屏障通透性。结论:脑水肿时星形胶质细胞上的Cx43表达上调,功能增强;阻断Cx43的功能可在一定程度上减轻脑水肿。     

Heterogeneous expression of endothelial connexin (Cx) 37, Cx40, and Cx43 in rat large veins

Gap junctions are clusters of transmembrane protein channels for intercellular communication and are composed of connexin (Cx). The vascular endothelial cells express Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43. We herein examined the spatial distribution of the endothelial connexins Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 in rat large veins including the cranial vena cava, thoracic section of the caudal vena cava, and abdominal section of the caudal vena cava. We also examined the mean size of the endothelial cells and quantified the protein expression levels of the endothelial connexins. We found that the large veins heterogeneously expressed Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 as follows: Cx40 > Cx37 > > Cx43 in the cranial vena cava, Cx37 > Cx43 > > Cx40 in the thoracic section of the caudal vena cava, and Cx40 > Cx43 > > Cx37 in the abdominal section of the caudal vena cava. Double immunostaining of two of the endothelial connexins revealed that the gap-junction plaques were composed of various combinations of endothelial connexins. The mean size of the endothelial cells was large, moderate, or small in the cranial vena cava, the abdominal section of the caudal vena cava, or the thoracic section of the caudal vena cava, respectively. The heterogeneity of the endothelial cells of the rat large veins in terms of the connexin expression suggests that the endothelial cells are differently coupled in the large veins. The present data are useful for investigating, for example, disease-related alterations in expression of endothelial connexins in large veins.     

Alterations in axons and synapses of olfactory cortex following olfactory bulb lesions in newborn rats

Summary The olfactory cortex of rats is being studied at various survival times following deafferentating olfactory bulb ablation on the day of birth. The neonatal axons and synaptic terminals undergo rapid, flocculent degeneration and fragmentation. Most are not electron-dense and therefore probably not argyrophilic at this particular age of the lesion. The degeneration and removal of debris is far more rapid than in adults, yielding a markedly enlarged extracellular space with a relative absence of glia at the vacated postsynaptic thickenings. Denervated postsynaptic thickenings become occupied by neuronal and nonneuronal profiles and profiles of uncertain origin, singly or in various combinations, or the sites may remain partially vacant. One or more axons with synaptic vesicles often aggregated at the site are commonly involved. Certain terminals form contacts on progressively greater lengths of the thickening until typical synaptic contacts predominate by 14 days survival. The results suggest a competitive reinnervation process and provide a fine structural explanation for the events leading to alterations in this pathway following neonatal deafferentation.This project was supported in part by NIH Research Grants DE 04942, awarded by the National Institute of Dental Research, and Grants NS 09678 and NS 04053 from the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, PHS/DHEWDr. Westrum is also an affiliate of the Child Development and Mental Retardation Center, University of Washington     

Role of connexin 32 in acetaminophen toxicity in a knockout mice model

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), by which glutathione (GSH) and inorganic ions are transmitted to neighboring cells, is recognized as being largely involved in toxic processes of chemicals. We examined acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity clinicopathologically using male wild-type mice and mice lacking the gene for connexin32, a major gap junction protein in the liver [knockout (Cx32KO) mice]. When APAP was intraperitoneally administered at doses of 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg, hepatic centrilobular necrosis with elevated plasma aminotransferase activities was observed in wild-type mice receiving 300 mg/kg, and in Cx32KO mice given 100 mg/kg or more. At 200 mg/kg or more, hepatic GSH and GSSG contents decreased significantly and the effect was more severe in wild-type mice than in Cx32KO mice. On the other hand, markedly decreased GSH staining was observed in the hepatic centrilobular zones of Cx32KO mice compared to that of wild-type mice. These results demonstrate that Cx32KO mice are more susceptible to APAP hepatotoxicity than wild-type mice, and indicate that the distribution of GSH of the centrilobular zones in the hepatic lobules, rather than GSH and GSSG contents in the liver, is important in APAP hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, Cx32 protects against APAP-induced hepatic centrilobular necrosis in mice, which may be through the GSH transmission to neighboring hepatocytes by GJIC.     

传入神经阻滞对成年大鼠嗅球calbindin表达的影响

目的：研究传入神经阻滞对成年SD大鼠嗅球中calbindin（CB）表达的影响。 方法： 成年SD大鼠，ZnSO4 灌流单边鼻孔，10、20、30和60 d后用免疫组化方法检测嗅球的CB表达。 结果： 损伤后10、20、30和60 d，与对照组相比，损伤组嗅球的CB阳性细胞密度和染色强度显著下降，并且从10、20到30 d逐渐下降，损伤后60 d的结果与30 d接近。 结论： 大鼠嗅球中CB的表达受传入神经阻滞的影响。     

The electrical behaviour of rat connexin46 gap junction channels expressed in transfected HeLa cells

Pairs of human HeLa cells expressing rat connexin46 were used to study the electrical properties of gap junction channels with the dual voltage-clamp method. The steady-state conductance (g_j,ss) had a bell-shaped dependence on transjunctional voltage (V_j). The parameters of the Boltzmann fit were: V_j,0=42 mV, g_j,min=0.12, z=2.5 (pipette solution: K⁺ aspartate^–; 27 °C). The Boltzmann parameters were sensitive to the ionic composition of the pipette solution (KCl, K⁺ aspartate^–, TEA⁺ Cl^–, TEA⁺ aspartate^–). The V_j-dependent inactivation of the junctional current I_j was approximated by single exponentials (exceptions: two exponentials with KCl at V_j75 mV and K⁺ aspartate^– at V_j=125 mV). The time constant of inactivation (_i) decreased with increasing V_j and was sensitive to the pipette solution. The larger the ions, the slower the inactivation. Recovery from inactivation followed a single exponential. The time constant of recovery (_r) increased with increasing V_j. Single-channel currents showed a main state, several substates and a residual state. The corresponding conductances _j,main and _j,residual decreased slightly with increasing V_j; extrapolation to V_j=0 mV yielded values of 152 and 28 pS, respectively (K⁺ aspartate^–; 37 °C). The values of _j,main and _j,residual were dependent on pipette solution. The ratio _j,main/_j,residual increased with increasing ionic size, suggesting that the residual state impairs ion permeation more severely than the main state. The _j,main data suggest that the ionic selectivity of Cx46 channels may be controlled primarily by ionic size. Compared with hemichannel results, docking of connexons may modify the channel structure and thereby affect the ionic selectivity of gap junction channels. The open channel probability at steady state (P_o) decreased with increasing V_j. The parameters of the Boltzmann fit were: V_j,0=41 mV, z=2.2 (K⁺ aspartate^–; 27 °C).     

Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive structures in the aged human olfactory bulb and olfactory peduncle

We studied the anatomical distribution of dopaminergic structures in the normal, aged, human olfactory bulb and olfactory peduncle with a monoclonal antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase. Three different tyrosine hydroxylase containing cell groups are present in the olfactory bulbs: (1) a group of round, medium-sized cells within and around the glomeruli; (2) cells in the external plexiform layer; and (3) cells that are scattered in the stratum album. Occasionally, a few labeled neurons can be observed in the granule cell layer. In the olfactory peduncle a few labeled cells are present in the superficial layers just underneath the pia. Tyrosine hydroxylase containing terminal-like structures are present in the glomerular layer and the external plexiform layer. In a few cases dense terminal labeling is also observed in the cell groups that constitute the anterior olfactory nucleus. In the olfactory peduncle scattered labeled fibers are present. In addition, the present study makes clear that quantitative differences exist between the individual cases for which no explanation could be found.     

Selective olfactory bulb lesions: reactivity changes and avoidance learning in rats

Male rats with bilateral lesions in different parts of the olfactory system behaved differently on several tasks. All lesioned animals were hyperactive in an open field test, learned active shuttle-box avoidance faster, and were more difficult to handle than sham operates. Animals with lesions confined to the olfactory bulb proper defecated more on several measures than animals with lesions extending to the olfactory tubercle, and only deeply lesioned animals failed to learn a step-down passive avoidance task. In a startle testing apparatus, all lesioned animals habituated more quickly than sham operates although the minimally lesioned animals showed greater freezing responses than other lesioned groups. Results are discussed in terms of possible alterations in limbic function leading to site-dependent changes in motor reactivity or emotionality.     

Ischaemia-induced temporal expression of connexin43 in rat heart

 To investigate the regulation of cell-to-cell coupling in myocardial ischaemia, the three-dimensional expression of connexin43 (Cx43) during experimental ischaemia was examined using a confocal laser scanning microscope. After induction of myocardial infarction in rats, serial optical sections were obtained from the left ventricular myocardium at various times (3 h to 60 days after ligation). The expression of Cx43 was detected immunohistochemically with FITC-labelled anti-rat Cx43 antibody. Fluorescent dots of Cx43 remained along the intercalated disc and decreased in number around the infarct up to 12 h after ligation. Cx43-expression disappeared completely within 48 h after ligation. After day 4, and especially on days 8 and 15 after ligation, the edges of the cardiomyocytes bordering the infarcted area manifested numerous sarcoplasmic tentacles that reacted positively to anti-desmin antibody. Distinct expression of Cx43 was observed extensively on the tentacles, although no cardiomyocytes remained viable around them. By day 60 after ligation, atypical expression of Cx43 had disappeared. These findings suggest that ischaemia induces temporally abnormal expression of Cx43, which might be responsible for abnormal conduction around the infarct. Received: 4 April 1997 / Accepted: 19 June 1997     

嗅球摘除后大鼠内嗅皮质区神经元变化的实验研究

目的:建立嗅球摘除大鼠模型,观察模型大鼠内嗅皮质区神经元在1 d、3 d、7 d、14 d四个时间点的变化。模型组+茉莉花萃取物,观察大鼠14 d时神经元的变化。与模型组和空白组形成对照,初步探讨茉莉花萃取物通过嗅觉通路对神经元再生作用的可能。方法:嗅球摘除模型建立不同组别,通过尼氏染色观察大鼠内嗅皮质神经元变化,免疫组化观察大鼠内嗅皮质中神经递质的变化。结果:尼氏染色:模型组大鼠内嗅皮质中神经元在受损后1 d、3 d、7 d含量逐步下降;14 d含量明显增加,但仍略低于空白组;吸嗅组(模型组+茉莉花萃取物)内嗅皮质区神经元略高于空白组。免疫组化:模型组大鼠内嗅皮质中5-HT和DA在受损后1 d、3 d、7 d表达逐步减弱,14 d时表达增强,但仍弱于空白组;吸嗅组表达高于14 d,但仍弱于空白组。结论:受损神经被激活后,内嗅皮质有显著的神经再生潜力。初步证明茉莉花萃取物能够通过嗅觉通路加速神经元再生,其机制可能与内嗅皮质中单胺类神经递质的改变相关。     

大鼠骨骼肌成肌细胞与乳鼠心肌细胞共培养对缝隙连接蛋白43表达的影响

目的 观察体外共培养的乳鼠心肌细胞与大鼠骨骼肌成肌细胞(简称L6细胞)以及乳鼠心肌细胞与转染外源性缝隙连接蛋白43(Cx43)基因的L6细胞(简称L6-Cx43细胞)间Cx43蛋白的表达情况,从而探讨共培养时心肌环境对成肌细胞的作用.方法 将乳鼠心肌细胞与4′,6-二脒基-2-苯基吲哚标记的大鼠骨骼肌成肌细胞进行共培养...     

Subdivision of the accessory olfactory bulb in the Japanese common toad, Bufo japonicus, revealed by lectin histochemical analysis

Lectin binding patterns in the olfactory bulb of the Japanese common toad, Bufo japonicus, were examined using 21 types of lectin. Ten out of 21 lectins, WGA, s-WGA, LEL, STL, DBA, VVA, SJA, RCA-I, PNA, and PHA-L, stained the olfactory nerve, the glomeruli in the main olfactory bulb (MOB), the vomeronasal nerve, and the glomeruli in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). The binding patterns of LEL, STL, DBA, and PHA-L subdivided AOB glomeruli into rostral and caudal regions, where LEL, STL, and DBA stained the rostral region more intensely than the caudal region, and PHA-L had the opposite effect. Another lectin, BSL-I, stained both AOB glomeruli and the vomeronasal nerve, but not MOB glomeruli or the olfactory nerve. This is the first report of histological subdivision in the AOB of an amphibian, which suggests that the AOB development in Bufo may be unique.     

Calcium-binding protein parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons in the rat olfactory bulb

The laminar distribution and morphological features of parvalbumin-immunoreactive [PV(+l)] neurons, one of the subpopulations of GABAergic neurons, were studied in the rat olfactory bulb at a light microscopic level. In the main olfactory bulb of adult rats, PV(+) neurons were mainly located in the external plexiform layer (EPL), and a few were scattered in the glomerular layer (GL), mitral cell layer (ML), and granule cell layer (GRL); whereas PV(+) neurons were rarely seen in the accessory olfactory bulb. The inner and outer sublayers of the EPL (ISL and OSL) appeared to be somewhat different in the distribution of PV(+) somata and features of PV(+) processes. PV(+) somata were located throughout the OSL, and PV(+) processes intermingled with one another, making a dense meshwork in the OSL; whereas, in the ISL, PV(+) somata were mainly located near the inner border of the EPL, and PV(+) processes made a sparser meshwork than that in the OSL. PV(+) neurons in the EPL were apparently heterogeneous in their structural features and appeared to be classifiable into several groups. Among them there appeared five distinctive types of PV(+) neurons. The most prominent group of PV(+) neurons in the OSL were superficial short-axon cells, located in the superficial portion of this sublayer and giving rise to relatively thick processes, in horizontal or oblique directions, which usually bore spines and varicosities. Another prominent group of PV(+) neurons extended several short, branched dendrites with spines and varicosities, which appeared to intermingle with one another, making a relatively small, spherical or ovoid dendritic field around the cell bodies; most of them resembled Van Gehuchten cells reported in previous Golgi studies. A third distinctive and most numerous group of PV(+) neurons were of the multipolar type; their somata and processes were located throughout the EPL. Their relatively smooth processes with frequent varicosities and a few spines were extended horizontally or diagonally throughout the EPL. A fourth group, which could be a subtype of the multipolar type, were located in or just above th ML and extended several thin, smooth dendrites in the EPL, some of which appeared to reach the border between the GL and EPL. Occasionally, axonlike processes arose from their cell bodies and extended into the ML. This fourth type of PV(+) neuron was named inner short-axon cells. A fifth group of neuron was located in the ML; processes of these neurons were extended horizontally, so they were named inner horizontal cells. PV(+) processes from the fourth and the fifth group of cells appeared to make contacts on mitral cell somata. In the GL some presumably periglomerular cells were also PV(+). In the GRL, PV(+) neurons were small in number, but they were also heterogeneous in their structural features; Some were identified as Golgi cells. This study shows a tremendous heterogeneity in morphological features of a chemically defined subpopulation of GABAergic interneurons in the olfactory bulb.     

成年小鼠嗅觉功能与嗅上皮中成熟嗅觉神经元数量的实验研究

目的　探讨成年BALB/C小鼠维持嗅觉功能所需嗅上皮中成熟嗅神经元的数量,研究小鼠嗅上皮中嗅神经元数量与小鼠嗅觉功能的相关性。  方法    用0.7%的Triton X-100灌注8~10周大小的BALB/C小鼠鼻腔以诱导小鼠嗅觉障碍,分别于灌鼻后第3,7,21,49,56天行觅食实验检测小鼠觅食行为的改变,并联合免疫荧光染色（IFC）的方法,检测小鼠嗅上皮（OE）中成熟嗅神经元（ORNs）的数量与其嗅觉功能的相关性。  结果　小鼠经Triton X-100灌注鼻腔后第3、7天,其觅食时间明显延长（F=32.04,P<0.001),Bonferroni法两两比较示第3,7天觅食时间均长于对照组及造模后第21、49、56天组,P<0.001差异有统计学意义。嗅上皮中成熟嗅神经元（ORNs）的数量亦于第3、7天为低(F=223.97, P<0.001),觅食时间与嗅上皮成熟ORNs的数量呈负相关（r=－0.757,P<0.001）。小鼠嗅觉障碍于造模后第21天左右开始恢复,此时嗅上皮中OMP（+）细胞占28.66%。  结论　小鼠嗅觉功能与其嗅上皮中成熟ORNs数量具有明显的相关性;当成年BALB/C小鼠嗅上皮中成熟ORNs数量恢复至对照组的28.66%时即可使小鼠嗅觉功能得以恢复。