Binocular suppression in cortical neurons

Summary Dichoptic presentation of patterns similar in shape but of very different contrast results in the perception of only the high contrast pattern (binocular suppression). When recording from binocular neurons of the cat visual cortex, we have found an effect which is strikingly similar to this perceptual phenomenon. If a high and a low contrast grating are presented simultaneously, one to each eye, the cell's response to the low contrast stimulus is suppressed.     

Cross-correlation of augmenting expiratory neurons of the Bötzinger complex in the cat

Ipsilateral and contralateral pairs of augmenting expiratory neurons were recorded simultaneously from the Bötzinger complex using glass-coated tungsten microelectrodes in pentobarbitone-anaesthetized cats. The neurons were identified both by firing pattern and by antidromic activation from the contralateral site of the dorsal respiratory group. Cross-correlation histograms of the extracellularly recorded action potentials were calculated in order to detect short time-scale synchronizations of firing indicative of synaptic connections between the neurons. The cross-correlation histograms for 40 ipsilateral pairs of neurons less than 1 mm apart showed eight (20%) narrow troughs (mean half-amplitude width ±SD, 1.1±0.37 ms) at short latencies (mean latency±SD, 1.0±0.35 ms) suggestive of monosynaptic inhibition. These included two cross-correlation histograms which showed troughs on both sides of time zero, indicating a mutual inhibition. For another four pairs of neurons (10%), a central broad peak suggestive of common activation due to either excitation or release from inhibition was evident. Contralateral pairs of expiratory neurons of the Bötzinger complex were examined in a similar manner. The cross-correlation histograms for 43 pairs of neurons showed five (12%) narrow troughs (mean half-amplitude width±SD, 1.2±0.67 ms) at short latencies (mean latency±SD, 2.7±1.47 ms) suggestive of monosynaptic inhibition. These included one cross-correlation histogram which showed troughs (one not statistically significant) on both sides of time zero, indicating a mutual inhibition. For another two pairs of neurons (4.6%) a central, broad peak suggestive of common activation due to either excitation or release from inhibition was evident. We conclude that inhibitory interconnections exist between augmenting expiratory neurons of the Bötzinger complex ipsilaterally and contralaterally. These connections may synchronize the expiratory burst of activity within this population and assist in the patterning of the burst.     

Synaptic connectivity of serotonin graft efferents in the suprachiasmatic and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus

We have previously reported that a cell suspension from the rostral part of the embryonic raphe grafted to the basal hypothalamus of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-denervated rats produced incomplete serotonin (5-HT) re-innervation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) as opposed to hyper-innervation of the supraoptic nucleus (SON). We took advantage of this experimental model to investigate whether the graft-derived, 5-HT fibres retained normal ultrastructural features, and, particularly, a normal density of synaptic junctions, irrespective of the extent of target re-innervation. The intrinsic features of immunostained, graft-derived 5-HT axonal varicosities in both the SCN (ventral portion) and the SON were essentially similar to those exhibited by the respective endogenous innervation. Analysis of well-preserved varicosities in uninterrupted series of thin sections allowed us to evaluate directly the proportions of junctional to non-junctional 5-HT varicosities in both regions. Synaptic incidences were also remarkably conserved after grafting (45.5% in the SCN versus 38.5% in the SON; 48% and 38% in normal rats, respectively). Synapses were primarily reestablished on dendritic shafts, which also were identified as the major post-synaptic targets of the normal 5-HT innervations. We noted, however, a tendency toward increased numbers of symmetrical versus asymmetrical synapses in both the SCN and SON of grafted rats. Thus, irrespective of whether hypo-or hyper-innervation patterns developed post-grafting, the transplanted 5-HT neurons essentially retained normal ultrastructural features in their target territories, with a normal incidence of synaptic junctions. The data provide further support to the hypothesis that the innervation territory is the major determinant of the frequency with which ingrowing 5-HT fibres make synaptic junctions.     

Expression of voltage-dependent sodium and transient potassium currents in an identified sub-population of dorsal root ganglion cells acutely isolated from 12-day-old mouse embryos

The electrophysiological properties of a subset of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons microdissected from 12-day-old (E12) mouse embryos and acutely isolated were analyzed as soon as 3 after their isolation. Two classes of neurons were defined according to their mean diameter. The larger diameter class was examined in this study. They display uniform cytoskeletal properties with co-expression of vimentin and neurofilament triplet proteins. Patch-clamp methods also revealed a homogeneous and limited repertoire of ionic channels that included (1) a TTX-sensitive Na⁺ current whose properties are similar to that reported in mature mammalian neurons, and (2) two types of K⁺ currents that can be compared with the delayed rectifier (I _k ) and the transient (I _a) potassium currents found in other mammalian preparations. It may be possible to use this in vitro model to examine the development of new types of currents, such as Ca²⁺ currents during neuronal growth and differentiation.     

Equalization of asymmetries of tonus in the optomotor system of rabbits

Summary Turning a rabbit on a turn-table for a few degrees induces compensatory eye-movements and results in an asymmetry of tonus in the optomotor system. If the visual input is discontinued (darkness), this asymmetry decays and the eyes drift back to the mid-position within 12–18 sec. The equalization of such asymmetries of tonus under normal conditions and under curare is described. Tonus asymmetries induced by tilting the animals about the longitudinal axis are neither compensated under visual, nor under non-visual, conditions. Recordings were taken from oculomotor neurons, and changes of their firing frequencies were used as a measure for eye movements.A preliminary report was given at the spring meeting of the German Physiological Society 1973.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, SFB 33.     

Paraventricular nucleus magnocellular neuronal responses following electrical stimulation of the midbrain dorsal raphe

Summary In order to determine the responses of paraventricular nucleus magnocellular neurones following activation of central serotonergic pathways, single unit activity was recorded and responses following electrical stimulation of the midbrain dorsal raphe nucleus were examined. Approximately one third (32%) of the phasically active, vasopressin-secreting neurones were inhibited by the stimulation, the remaining such cells being nonresponsive. In contrast, only two of the non-phasic cells (13%) were inhibited by the stimulation whilst 53% were excited (p< 0.005, chi²-test). The onset latency of both inhibitory and excitatory responses were similar, whilst offset of the inhibitory responses was about twice that of the excitatory responses (p < 0.005, t-test). Two of the nonphasic cells were antidromically identified as projecting to the dorsal raphe. The results obtained indicate a role for dorsal raphe projections to the paraventricular nucleus in the regulation of neurohypophysial hormone secretion. The observation that different sub-populations of the cells recorded showed different responses, suggests that several mechanisms may be involved in the control of neuronal activity in the region recorded, in response to activation of the central serotonergic pathway examined. The results obtained are intended to further clarify the neural mechanisms regulating the secretion of vasopressin and oxytocin from the neurohypophysis.     

Paroxysmal neuronal depolarizations in the rat motor cortex in vivo: intracellular injection of the calcium agonist BAY K 8644

Summary Epileptic activity was elicited in the rat's motor cortex by local application of penicillin. At the neuronal level it consisted of typical paroxysmal depolarization shifts. The calcium agonist BAY K 8644 was injected into neurons showing such a discharge pattern. The application of this drug increased amplitude and afterdepolarization of paroxysmal neuronal depolarizations.     

Non-muscarinic effects of atropine on calcium conductances in cultured mouse spinal cord neurons

Cultured neurons derived from mouse spinal cord were studied using intracellular recording techniques. Effects of muscarinic cholinergic antagonists (atropine) on voltage-dependent membrane events, which could not be related to muscarinic receptors are described. Atropine (in nanomolar to micromolar concentrations) blocks calcium conductances in a manner which is not blocked by carbachol (100 microM). A direct effect of atropine on membrane Ca2+ conductances is suggested.     

Tizanidine (DS103-282), a centrally acting muscle relaxant, selectively depresses excitation of feline dorsal horn neurones to noxious peripheral stimuli by an action at alpha 2-adrenoceptors

The effects of microiontophoretic ejection of tizanidine were compared with those of adrenoceptor agonists on responses of single laminae IV and V neurones to noxious and innocuous cutaneous stimuli. Tizanidine, noradrenaline and clonidine depressed neuronal responses to noxious but not innocuous stimuli. Spontaneous activity was also depressed by these three substances. By contrast, beta- and alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonists had no consistent effect on neuronal responses to cutaneous stimuli. The selective actions of tizanidine, noradrenaline and clonidine were reversibly antagonized by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist RX781094 but not by WB4101 (alpha 1 antagonist). The binding of an alpha 2-adrenoceptor ligand to rat brain membranes was preferentially displaced by tizanidine. These results indicate an interaction of tizanidine with central alpha 2-adrenoceptors.