5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) augments spontaneous and evoked phrenic motoneuron discharge in spinalized rats

Experiments on anesthetized, spinalized rats were conducted to determine the effects of systemic 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) administration on: (1) spontaneous phrenic nerve activity and (2) evoked phrenic responses to short latency, non-serotonergic synaptic inputs elicited by electrical stimulation of lateral funiculus. 5-HTP augmented spontaneous phrenic activity and allowed expression of a second, longer latency evoked response. Both effects were antagonized by methysergide. Our results suggest that spinal serotonin increases the efficacy of synaptic inputs to phrenic motoneurons.

Synaptic inputs to medullary respiratory neurons from superior laryngeal afferents in the cat

Synaptic inputs from afferents in the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) to medullary respiratory neurons (n = 154) in the dorsal respiratory group (DRG), ventral respiratory group (VRG) and the region of the Bötzinger complex (BOT) were studied in anesthetized cats. Single pulse stimulation of the SLN-evoked monosynaptic EPSPs in most inspiratory bulbospinal (I-BS) neurons in the DRG, and disynaptic or oligosynaptic chloride-dependent IPSPs in other I-BS neurons in the DRG and VRG. Stimulation of laryngeal afferents also inhibited oligosynaptically expiratory bulbospinal neurons in the VRG, and all types of respiratory neurons recorded in the BOT region. Oligosynaptic potentials (usually EPSPs) were recorded in inspiratory and expiratory laryngeal motoneurons. These results provide evidence of a processing of SLN-evoked synaptic responses by all tested groups of medullary respiratory neurons. The pathways mediating these synaptic responses are discussed.

Effect of 17 beta-oestradiol on contraction, Ca2+ current and intracellular free Ca2+ in guinea-pig isolated cardiac myocytes

1. The effect of 17 beta-oestradiol on cardiac cell contraction, inward Ca2+ current and intracellular free Ca2+ ([free Ca2+]i) was investigated in guinea-pig single, isolated ventricular myocytes. The changes of cell length were measured by use of a photodiode array, the voltage-clamp experiments were performed with a switch clamp system and [free Ca2+]i was measured with the Ca2+ indicator, Fura-2. 2. 17 beta-Oestradiol (10, 30 microM) caused a decrease in cell shortening at both 22 and 35 degrees C. This negative inotropic effect was accompanied by a decrease in action potential duration mainly brought about by a shortening of the plateau region of the action potential. 17 beta-Oestradiol (10, 30 microM) induced a similar decrease in cell shortening in voltage-clamped and current-clamped cells. 3. In Fura-2 loaded cells, 17 beta-oestradiol (10 and 30 microM) decreased systolic Fura-2 fluorescence to 72 +/- 7% and 47 +/- 4% (n = 6, P less than 0.001) of control respectively. 17 beta-Oestradiol (10 microM) had no significant effect on diastolic Fura-2 fluorescence, but at higher concentration (30 microM) induced a slight decrease in resting Fura-2 fluorescence. The effect of 17 beta-oestradiol was reversible after 1-2 min of washout of the steroid. 4. 17 beta-Oestradiol (10 and 30 microM) decreased the peak inward Ca2+ current (ICa), which was sensitive to [Ca2+]o, dihydropyridines and isoprenaline, to 59 +/- 3% and 39 +/- 5% (n = 7 approximately 9, P less than 0.01) respectively, without producing any significant change in the shape of the current-voltage relationship.5. The recovery time of ICa from inactivation was delayed by 17beta-oestradiol (10microM). The inhibitory effect of 17beta-oestradiol on ICa was less at a holding potential of -80 mV than at -40 mV.6. We conclude that 17beta-oestradiol has a negative inotropic effect on guinea-pig single ventricular myocytes by inhibiting ICa and so reducing systolic [Ca2+]i. 17beta-Oestradiol may therefore have a Ca2+ channel blocking property in guinea-pig isolated ventricular myocytes.

Acute effect of 17 beta-estradiol on rabbit coronary artery contractile responses to endothelin-1

We assessed the acute effect of 17 beta-estradiol on coronary artery constrictor responses to endothelin-1. 17 beta-Estradiol significantly shifted endothelin-1, calcium, or BAY K 8644 concentration-dependent contraction curves to the right in endothelium-denuded coronary arteries isolated from nonpregnant female rabbits. The -log 50% effective dose (ED50) of calcium in high KCl medium (100 mM) was 3.8 +/- 0.11 in control and 3.2 +/- 0.1 and 2.8 +/- 0.12 after incubation with 17 beta-estradiol (1 and 10 microM, respectively). The -log ED50 of BAY K 8644 (KCl 15 mM) was 7.8 +/- 0.1 in control and 7.4 +/- 0.08 and 7.2 +/- 0.05 in the presence of 17 beta-estradiol (1 and 10 microM, respectively). The -log ED50 of endothelin-1 was 9.2 +/- 0.08 in control and 8.8 +/- 0.1, 8.4 +/- 0.07, and 8.1 +/- 0.12 after incubation with 17 beta-estradiol (3, 10, and 30 microM, respectively). Similar results were obtained from coronary arteries of male rabbits. These increases of -log ED50 values were significant (P less than 0.05 or 0.01). 17 beta-Estradiol and verapamil induced dose-dependent relaxation in both endothelium-intact or -denuded coronary arteries submaximally precontracted by endothelin-1. NG-monomethyl-L-arginine had no effect on relaxation induced by 17 beta-estradiol, whereas it eliminated relaxation induced by acetylcholine in rings with an intact endothelium. These data suggest that 17 beta-estradiol attenuates the rabbit coronary artery contraction induced by endothelin-1 via an endothelium-independent mechanism, possibly by affecting calcium influx.

Impairment of endothelium dependent responses in a rat model of chronic heart failure: effects of an exercise training protocol

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to document the response of aortic rings from a rat model of heart failure to endothelium dependent and endothelium independent vasodilating agents. The effects of an exercise training schedule upon these responses was studied.

METHODS

Heart failure was produced in one group of female Wistar rats by coronary artery occlusion, and sham operations were performed in a matched group. The rats were allowed to recover for six weeks, following which half the rats with heart failure were started on a treadmill exercise schedule for a further six weeks. After this time the rats were killed, and rings of aorta were studied in an organ bath to measure the response to both endothelium dependent and endothelium independent vasoactive agents.

RESULTS

The presence of heart failure was confirmed in both the non-trained (NT, n = 5) and trained rats (TR, n = 5), but not in the sham operated animals (SH, n = 6). The constrictor response to prostaglandin F2 alpha was similar in aortic rings from all the animals. The relaxation response to the endothelium dependent vasodilator acetylcholine (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) was impaired in the rats with heart failure compared to the sham operated animals (10% v 33% with 10(-7) M acetylcholine, p < 0.005). The dilator response in the trained rats was not significantly greater than in the non-trained rats (TR 35% v NT 24% with 10(-6) M acetylcholine). There was no difference in the response to sodium nitroprusside (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) between the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic heart failure impairs the response of aortic rings to the endothelium dependent vasodilator acetylcholine in a rat model of heart failure. The response to sodium nitroprusside, an endothelium independent relaxing agent, is not impaired by heart failure. These findings may help to explain the raised systemic vascular resistance and the failure of vasodilatation in skeletal muscle vasculature which limits exercise capacity in subjects with heart failure.

Comparative responses of brain stem and hippocampal neurons to O2 deprivation: in vitro intracellular studies

Most mammalian neurons are known to be sensitive to oxygen availability, but the nature of the sensitivity is not well understood. Previous results have suggested that brain stem neurons may respond differently than cortical neurons during oxygen deprivation. We pursued this hypothesis by examining the time course of change in membrane potential (Vm) and input resistance (Rn) during periods of reduced oxygen availability in a tissue slice preparation. Since extracellular potassium is an important factor determining resting membrane potential, extracellular K+ activity, (K+o), was also measured. Adult rat neurons from three regions were recorded: hippocampal CA1 region, hypoglossal nucleus (XII), and dorsal vagal motor nucleus (DMNX). At the end of a 5-min hypoxic exposure, all neurons depolarized and this depolarization was greatest in XII (28.8 +/- 3.2 mV) compared with DMNX (17.8 +/- 3.7 mV) and CA1 (6.7 +/- 4.4 mV). K+o increased in all regions and was larger in DMNX (7.1 +/- 2.6 mM) and XII (5.3 +/- 2.1 mM) compared with CA1 (2.2 +/- 1.4 mM). During more severe oxygen deprivation (anoxia), neurons also depolarized at different rates with XII greater than DMNX greater than CA1. K+o increased markedly (28-36 mM) by 5 min into anoxia, and no statistical difference was observed between regions. From these results we conclude that 1) all cells tested were depolarized after 5 min of hypoxia; however, regional variability exists in the sensitivity to hypoxia; brain stem neurons depolarize faster than cortical neurons; 2) during anoxia, all brain stem and cortical neurons show a major depolarization, and 3) these differences in membrane potential cannot be solely attributed to changes in extracellular K+.

Distribution of the microtubule-dependent motors cytoplasmic dynein and kinesin in rat testis

To examine the possible role of microtubule-based transport in testicular function, we used immunofluorescent techniques to study the presence and localization of the microtubule mechanoenzymes cytoplasmic dynein (a slow-growing end-directed motor) and kinesin (a fast-growing end-directed motor) within rat testis. Cytoplasmic dynein immunofluorescence was observed in Sertoli cells during all stages of spermatogenesis, with a peak in apical cytoplasm during stages IX-XIV. Cytoplasmic dynein immunofluorescence was also localized within Sertoli cells to steps 9-14 (stages IX-XIV) germ cell-associated ectoplasmic specializations. In germ cells, cytoplasmic dynein immunofluorescence was observed in manchettes of steps 15-17 (stages I-IV) spermatids, and small, hollow circular structures were seen in the cytoplasm of step 17 and step 18 spermatids during stages V and VI. Kinesin immunofluorescence was observed in manchettes of steps 10-18 spermatids (stages X-VI). The stage-dependent apical Sertoli cell cytoplasmic dynein immunofluorescence, in conjunction with the previously reported orientation of Sertoli cell microtubules (slow-growing ends toward the lumen) and peak secretion of androgen-binding protein and transferrin, is consistent with the hypothesis that cytoplasmic dynein is involved in Sertoli cell protein transport and secretion. Further, the localization of cytoplasmic dynein and kinesin to manchettes is consistent with current hypotheses concerning manchette function.

Detergents inhibit chloramphenicol acetyl transferase

Potent inhibition of chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) by Triton X-100 and Nonidet P-40 was observed. The CAT activity was also moderately inhibited by sodium deoxycholate and sodium dodecyl sulfate, and least by Tween 20. Detergents should, therefore, not be used for cell lysate preparation when CAT activity is used as the reporter in a transient expression experiment.

Oxidative and glycolytic pathways in rat (newborn and adult) and turtle brain: role during anoxia

Using enzyme histochemistry and in vitro electrophysiological recordings in brain slices, we studied 1) the relative activity of cytochrome c oxidase (Cytox) and hexokinase (HK) and 2) cellular function by examining ionic homeostasis across cell membranes in the turtle and newborn (5 days old) and adult rat central nervous system. We found that Cytox was higher in the rostral than in the caudal brain regions of the adult rat and that the activity in the newborn is at least as high as in the adult rat. In contrast, adult turtles had very low Cytox activity throughout the central nervous system. Compared with that in the adult rat, HK activity in the newborn was generally lower in the rostral brain and cerebellum but similar or higher in the brain stem and spinal cord. In the turtle, HK activity was higher in the cerebellum, brain stem, and ventral horn of the spinal cord than in those in the rat. During anoxia, extracellular K+ increased by approximately 10-fold (from 3.2 to approximately 32 mM) in the adult brain stem but only by 2.6 mM in newborn rats. After glycolysis was blocked with iodoacetic acid (10-20 mM), extracellular K+ increased remarkably in both adult and newborn rats to approximately 35 mM. In contrast, the turtle brain tissue showed a slight and insignificant increase in extracellular K+ during complete anoxia or with iodoacetic acid; there was a modest increase in K+ when anoxia and iodoacetate were administered together. We conclude that 1) the newborn rat brain must rely either on higher glycolytic capacity or on a reduction of metabolic rate during O2 deprivation and 2) the turtle brain can subsist on nonglucose fuels or on fuels not requiring the citric acid cycle and the electron transfer chain.

Role of ATP-sensitive K+ channels during anoxia: major differences between rat (newborn and adult) and turtle neurons

1. It is well known that anoxia induces an increase in extracellular K+. The underlying mechanisms for the increase, however, are not well understood. In the present study, we performed electrophysiological, pharmacological and receptor autoradiographic experiments in an attempt to examine K+ ionic homeostasis during anoxia. Ion-selective microelectrodes were employed to measure intracellular and extracellular K+ activity from hypoglossal neurons in brain slices. 2. During 3-4 min anoxia, adult hypoglossal neurons lose a large amount of their intracellular K+ and this contributes in a major way to the 8-fold increase in extracellular K+. 3. Loss of intracellular K+ from hypoglossal neurons is, to a great extent, due to activation of certain specific K+ channels. Glibenclamide, a potential sulphonylurea ligand and a specific blocker of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, has no effect on K+ homeostasis during oxygenated states, but almost halves the anoxia-induced increase in extracellular K+ in the adult rat. 4. [3H]glibenclamide autoradiography shows that the hypoglossal nucleus in the adult rat has high sulphonylurea receptor density, a finding that is consistent with our electrophysiological observation. 5. Since we have previously shown that newborn mammals and reptiles are more resistant to O2 deprivation than adult mammals, we performed comparative studies among adult rat, newborn rat and adult turtle. In sharp contrast to the adult rat, extracellular K+ activity in newborn rat and adult turtle brain increases little (10 to 100 times less than the adult rat) and glibenclamide has a small and insignificant effect on K+ efflux in the newborn rat and none in the turtle. Glibenclamide receptor binding sites are much lower in the newborn rat than in the adult rat central nervous system (CNS) and barely detectable in the turtle brain. 6. These results support the hypothesis that in the adult rat, K+ is lost during anoxia from neurons through sulphonylurea receptor or KATP channels in a major way. Generally, however, KATP channels are poorly expressed in the newborn rat and adult turtle CNS and have little role to play during O2 deprivation.

Cl- and Na+ homeostasis during anoxia in rat hypoglossal neurons: intracellular and extracellular in vitro studies

1. To understand the mechanisms which lead to acute neuronal swelling during anoxia, we studied the ionic movements of Cl- and Na+ during O2 deprivation in the hypoglossal (XII) neurons of rat brain slices using double-barrelled ion-selective microelectrodes. 2. Baseline extracellular Cl- and Na+ activities ([Cl-]o, [Na+]o) were 128.3 +/- 7.4 and 150.0 +/- 3.4 mM respectively (n = 12) in the adult. Similar baseline values were obtained from neonatal brain slices. 3. During a period of anoxia (4 min), [Na+]o decreased by about 40 mM in adult slices while [Na+]o did not show any significant change in the neonate (n = 12). Although anoxia induced a significant decrease of [Cl-]o in both adult and neonate, [Cl-]o dropped 7 times more in the adult than in the neonate (n = 12). 4. Intracellular Cl- activity ([Cl-]i) was studied in twenty-seven adult hypoglossal cells. All showed an increase in [Cl-]i) was studied in twenty-seven adult hypoglossal cells. All showed an increase in [Cl-]i with O2 deprivation. Detailed analysis carried out on ten hypoglossal neurons showed a baseline [Cl-]i of 11.4 +/- 4.5 mM and an increase in [Cl-]i by 20.6 +/- 7.2 mM during O2 limitation. 5. Baseline [Cl-]i in neonatal XII neurons was similar to that of the adult. Anoxia, however, produced an increase in [Cl-]i by only 4.5 +/- 2.4 mM (n = 7). This increase in [Cl-]i was significantly less than that in the adult (P less than 0.001). Prolonged anoxia (6-12 min) in the neonate led to a more substantial increase in [Cl-]i, an observation consistent with the decrease in [Cl-]o after prolonged O2 deprivation. 7. We conclude that during anoxia: (1) intracellular [Cl-] increases in the adult and this most likely occurs because of entry of extracellular Cl- into the cytosol and (2) there is a major maturational difference in mechanisms regulating Cl- and Na+ homeostasis between newborn and adult brain tissue. We speculate that these mechanisms may account, at least partially, for the relative tolerance to anoxia in the newly born.

O2 tension in adult and neonatal brain slices under several experimental conditions

Brain tissue O2 tension (pO2) was measured in brainstem slices of adult and neonatal rats using carbon fiber polarographic microelectrodes. These studies were performed in order to examine the relation between pO2 and a variety of experimental conditions including temperature, distance from slice surface, brain region, animal age, tissue thickness and ambient O2 levels. Baseline brain tissue pO2 was inversely proportional to temperature and depth from slice surface. White matter had a much higher pO2 than gray matter. Tissue thickness and animal age had major effects on tissue pO2. In slices of 800 microns thick at 37 degrees C, for example, brain tissue pO2 in the adult dropped to 0 mm Hg at a depth of 200-300 microns, but remained above 45 mm Hg throughout neonatal (3-10 days) slices, when O2 tension in the perfusate was about 600 mm Hg. In thicker neonatal slices (1500 microns), pO2 decreased also to 0 mm Hg in deep areas. An N2 environment produced a rapid reduction in pO2 to 0 mm Hg within 15 s, and O2 levels of 21, 10 and 5% induced graded pO2 minima and graded latencies to reach each pO2 nadir. We conclude that: (1) tissue thickness has a major effect on tissue pO2 level: pO2 can reach zero if the slice is thicker than 600 microns in the adult and 1500 microns thick in the neonate; (2) pO2 level is higher in neonatal brain tissue at all ambient O2 concentrations than in the adult; and (3) graded hypoxia produces patterned and graded reductions in tissue pO2.

The therapeutic and biological effects of total lymph node irradiation and autologous bone marrow infusion on malignant lymphoma patients

Forty patients with malignant lymphoma were treated by 60Co total lymphoid irradiation (TLI): 21 cases received 6 Gy and 19 received 8 Gy. Ten also received autologous bone marrow infusion (ABMI). Acute radiation damage with digestive tract reaction and hemopoietic and immunological depression was observed. Bone marrow was depressed. WBC and platelets decreased rapidly. Lymphocytes showed quantitative and qualitative changes even at the early stage. All these symptoms subsided within 40 days. TLI accompanied by irradiation of the tumor site could result in effective control. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of malignant lymphoma patients were 30/40 (75%), 14/24 (58%) and 4/12 (33%), respectively, while in those with Hodgkin's disease alone, the 1- and 3-year survival rates were 10/13 (76%) and 5/7 (71.4%), respectively. ABMI hastened hemopoietic reconstitution, which recovered relatively quickly after TLI.

[Dynamic variation of saikosaponin contents]

In this paper both the cultivated and wild Bupleurum chinense and B. scorzonerifolium from northeast China of different growing periods and ages were analyzed for the contents of saikosaponins a and d by HPLC and total saikosaponins by spectrophotometry. The results indicated that the saikosaponin content of B. chinense was higher than that of B. scorzonerifolium, and that the saikosaponin contents of the cultivated species were higher than or almost equal to those of the wild ones. It was also found that both the cultivated and wild B. chinense and B. scorzonerifolium featured the highest contents of saikosaponins in the nutrition-growing period.

Effect of anoxia on intracellular and extracellular potassium activity in hypoglossal neurons in vitro

1. A brain slice preparation was used to study the hypoglossal (XII) neuronal response to anoxia. Both intra- and extracellular potassium activities (K+i,K+o) were measured by the use of ion-selective microelectrodes, and K+ flux was assessed by the use of pharmacologic blockers. 2. Extracellular recordings showed that a short period of anoxia (4 min) induced an increase in K+o of 26.4 +/- 7.5 mM (mean +/- SD, n = 20) in the XII nucleus of adult rats. 3. Intracellular recordings (n = 31) in XII neurons showed a substantial decrease in K+i during anoxia. Fourteen neurons were analyzed in detail and these showed that XII neurons depolarized to -25.3 +/- 7.7 mV, whereas K+i dropped from 93.6 +/- 14.9 to 32 +/- 9.0 mM. These results strongly suggested that K+ is lost from XII neurons during anoxia. 4. Although the extracellular space (ECS) shrank by approximately 50% during anoxia, the possibility that the increase in K+o and decrease in K+i were mainly caused by shrinkage of the ECS and swelling of intraneuronal space was excluded to a great degree because the changes in K+i and K+o during anoxia were relatively very large. 5. To study the mechanisms by which K+ is lost from XII neurons, we used several pharmacologic blockers. High concentration of ouabain (10 mM) and strophanthidin (80 microM) increased K+o from baseline (3-4 mM) to 40.9 +/- 2.5 mM (n = 6) but did not abolish an additional anoxia-induced increase in K+o, suggesting that mechanisms other than Na(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase inhibition were also responsible for the anoxia-induced K+ leakage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibition by barium and glibenclamide of the net loss of 86Rb+ from rabbit myocardium during hypoxia

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The aim was to determine the effects of barium ions and glibenclamide on the hypoxia induced K+ efflux from rabbit myocardium.

DESIGN

Experiments were performed on the isolated interventricular septum of the rabbit perfused with a physiological solution through the septal artery. The stimulation rate was 90 beats.min-1 and the temperature 32 degrees C. The flux of 86Rb+ was used as a surrogate of K+ fluxes.

EXPERIMENTAL MATERIAL

Septa were obtained from adult male New Zealand white rabbits.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The uptake of 86Rb+ by the septum could be fitted to a single exponential curve with a rate constant of 0.024(SEM 0.001) min-1 (n = 14). Washout experiments were performed in which septa were labelled with 86Rb+ and then perfused with unlabelled solution for 60 min. The rate constants for the efflux of 86Rb+ were similar and were 0.022(0.001) min-1 (n = 13) for radioactivity in the tissue and 0.029(0.001) min-1 (n = 13) for radioactivity in the effluent. These rate constants were similar to those reported previously for 42K+. Septa were labelled for 150 to 180 min with 86Rb+ and then perfused with a hypoxic substrate free solution for 15 min followed by reoxygenation. The net loss of 86Rb+ was calculated to be equivalent to 4.00(0.20) mmol.kg-1 wet tissue of K+ (n = 8) and in washout experiments (n = 6) this loss was shown to be due to increased efflux. Ba2+, 0.1 mM and 1.0 mM, added at the onset of hypoxia decreased net tissue loss of 86Rb+ by 64(6)% (n = 5) and 97(1)% (n = 6) respectively (both p less than 0.01). Glibenclamide (0.1 mM) decreased tissue net loss by 52(3)% (n = 6, p less than 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Part of hypoxia induced net K+ loss in this preparation can be attributed to activation of ATP sensitive K+ channels but other mechanisms are also involved.

Respiratory neurons in the medulla of the rabbit: distribution, discharge patterns and spinal projections

To determine distribution, discharge patterns and the spinal projections of medullary respiratory neurons (RNs), a systematic mapping of 806 RNs was made in the medulla of anesthetized rabbits. In disagreement with previous reports that there are no discrete medullary respiratory neuronal groups in rabbits, two neuronal groups were identified: (1) dorsal respiratory group (DRG), associated with the nucleus tractus solitarius; and (2) ventral respiratory group (VRG), associated with the nucleus ambiguus compact formation. The density of RNs in the DRG was much lower than that in the VRG. In the VRG, 3 subdivisions of RN populations were found: predominantly expiratory neurons in the caudal and the rostral parts, and mainly inspiratory neurons in the intermediate region. Nine distinct types of RNs were classified on the basis of firing patterns. Nearly all types were found in both the DRG and each VRG subdivision. Antidromic mapping of 64 VRG neurons revealed that 67% projected to the spinal cord. Expiratory bulbospinal neurons in the rostral subdivision of the VRG projected only to the cervical cord (mainly ipsilaterally). Most neurons of the intermediate and caudal subdivisions of the VRG (74%) appeared to project either contralaterally or ipsilaterally below T. The axonal conduction velocity was 40-50 m/s by two-point determinations. We conclude that respiratory neuronal groups in the medulla of the rabbit are generally similar to those of the cat. Nearly equal proportions of bulbospinal RNs projected to the ipsilateral vs contralateral spinal cord.

Dual fluorescence combined with a two-color immunoperoxidase technique: a new way of visualizing diverse neuronal elements

A method is described that allows an estimation of the neurotransmitter-related immunoreactivity, morphology and relationship to other immunoreactive elements, of single functionally identified neurons in the central nervous system. First, neurons are identified electrophysiologically using intracellular recording and labelled by iontophoresis of lucifer yellow (LY). After fixation and sectioning of the brain tissue, the location of the labelled neuron is determined by fluorescence microscopy. Sections are then processed using an indirect immunofluorescence procedure in order to determine the antigen content of the labelled neurons. Antisera to LY and an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique is then used to localize LY in a permanent form, while the other previously localized antigen is permanently visualised by using the fluorescent-labelled second antibody as a bridge antibody in a peroxidase anti-peroxidase technique. The method is illustrated by an examination of neurons in the medulla oblongata of the rat, that have been stained intracellularly with LY, their content of tyrosine hydroxylase assessed, and their relationship to other tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons determined.

Prolonged augmentation of respiratory discharge in hypoglossal motoneurons following superior laryngeal nerve stimulation

Experiments were conducted to investigate long-lasting effects of brief superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) stimulation on respiratory discharge in the hypoglossal nerve. In paralyzed, decerebrate and artificially ventilated cats, SLN stimulation (Hz, 3-5, s, 3-5 times threshold for inhibition of phrenic nerve discharge) immediately increase hypoglossal activity. Following stimulation, the amplitude of respiratory activity in the hypoglossal nerve was augmented (478 +/- 205%), and slowly decayed to prestimulus levels with a time constant of 106 +/- 16 s. In contrast, phrenic nerve activity was completely inhibited during the SLN stimulation and for several seconds thereafter. After activity resumed, phrenic burst frequency remained depressed (33 +/- 6%). Stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve elicited similar effects on hypoglossal nerve activity. Intracellular recordings from hypoglossal motoneurons indicated that SLN stimulation increased central respiratory drive potentials (CRDPs) following a stimulus train, but had inconsistent effects on resting membrane potential. Intracellular depolarizing current pulses (5-15 nA; 2 s) had no prolonged effects on membrane potential or CRDPs. The possible role of serotonin in prolonged augmentation of hypoglossal activity following SLN stimulation was investigated. Intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into hypoglossal motoneurons and immunohistochemistry for serotonin revealed some close appositions between serotonin immunoreactive boutons and HRP-labeled neurons, but such appositions were sparse. Pretreatment with methysergide had little effect on prolonged augmentation of hypoglossal discharge following SLN stimulation. These results indicate that: (1) SLN stimulation causes prolonged augmentation of hypoglossal activity probably via increased synaptic inputs to hypoglossal motoneurons; and (2) serotonin is not necessary in the underlying mechanism.

Intracellular recording from respiratory neurones in the perfused 'in situ' rat brain

The study describes an arterially perfused in situ rat brain preparation, which uses an 'open circuit' flow of blood substitute with or without an oxygen carrier (2% perfluorotributylamine). The respiratory motor output was recorded from the phrenic and hypoglossal nerves, and could be maintained for up to 11 h from the start of perfusion (temperature of perfusate: 27-30 degrees C). The preparation allowed stable intracellular recordings from respiratory neurons in the brain stem and cervical spinal cord, and should be suitable for other studies which cannot be performed in standard whole animal models. The advantages of this approach compared with other in vitro or perfused in situ preparations are discussed.

An intracellular study of respiratory neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of the rat and their relationship to catecholamine-containing neurons

Intracellular recording and labelling with Lucifer yellow of respiratory neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla were carried out in urethane-anaesthetised rats. A combined immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase technique enabled an assessment of the tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity, as well as an examination of the morphology of inspiratory and expiratory neurons in this part of the medulla oblongata. The results demonstrate: a) that respiratory neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of the rat are intermingled with catecholamine-containing neurons of the C1 cell group, but are not themselves catecholamine-containing; b) that many non-spinally projecting respiratory neurons have axonal arborisations within the ventrolateral medulla in the same region as the C1 cell group, other respiratory neurons, and neurons reported to have a cardiovascular function; and c) that the dendrites of respiratory neurons in this region radiate throughout the ventrolateral medulla and frequently approach the ventral surface.

GABA-immunoreactive boutons make synapses with inspiratory neurons of the dorsal respiratory group

Intracellular labelling with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) combined with gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) immunocytochemistry was used to assess the GABAergic input to inspiratory bulbospinal neurons of the dorsal respiratory group in the cat. The relationship between GABA-immunoreactive (GABA-IR) boutons and intracellularly labelled neurons was examined at the light microscopic and ultrastructural levels. At the light microscopic level, GABA-IR boutons were frequently found in close apposition to dendrites and cell bodies of labelled neurons. The presence of synapses was confirmed with electron microscopy. In addition, synaptic specializations were observed between immunoreactive boutons and unlabelled terminals which in turn formed synaptic contacts with HRP-labelled dendrites, a finding consistent with presynaptic inhibition. These results demonstrate a direct GABAergic input to a functionally defined population of medullary respiratory neurons, and suggest involvement of this neurotransmitter in the control of these neurons.

Extensive monosynaptic inhibition of ventral respiratory group neurons by augmenting neurons in the Bötzinger complex in the cat

Axonal projections and synaptic connectivity of expiratory Bötzinger neurons with an augmenting firing pattern (Bot-Aug neurons) to neurons in the ipsilateral ventral respiratory group (VRG) were studied in anaesthetized cats. Antidromic mapping revealed extensive axonal arborizations of Bot-Aug neurons (24 of 45) to the rostral or caudal VRG, with some having arbors in both regions. Of 234 pairs of neurons studied with intracellular recording and spike-triggered averaging, monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) were evoked in 49/221 VRG neurons by 38/98 Bot-Aug neurons. The highest incidence of monosynaptic inhibition was found in inspiratory bulbospinal neurons (10 of 23 tested). Evidence was also found for monosynaptic inhibition, by a separate group of Bot-Aug neurons, of expiratory bulbospinal neurons (12/58), while excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were identified in another two of these neurons. In addition, monosynaptic IPSPs were recorded from 13 of 53 identified laryngeal motoneurons, and from 14 of 100 respiratory propriobulbar neurons. Presumptive disynaptic IPSPs were recorded from 11 of the 221 VRG neurons. We conclude that Bot-Aug neurons exert widespread inhibition on all major neuron categories in the ipsilateral VRG, and should be regarded as an important element in shaping the spatiotemporal output pattern of both respiratory motoneurons and premotor neurons.

Serotonin immunoreactive boutons form close appositions with respiratory neurons of the dorsal respiratory group in the cat

The aim of this study was to examine the location of serotonin immunoreactive boutons on both the soma and dendrites of neurons in the dorsal respiratory group by using a combination of intracellular recording and labelling and immunohistochemistry. Inspiratory neurons in the ventrolateral nucleus of the solitary tract (vl-NTS) were intracellularly labelled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in anaesthetised adult cats. The morphology of 23 neurons, all antidromically activated from the contralateral C3 spinal segment, was examined. Six neurons displayed pronounced dendritic arborizations outside the vl-NTS, with prominent dorsal and/or medial projections. The dendrites of the remaining neurons were almost entirely confined to the vl-NTS. Intramedullary axon collaterals were detected in four of nineteen examined axons. Serotoninergic fibres were immunohistochemically demonstrated in the NTS, and the apposition of immunoreactive boutons to the HRP-filled neurons examined at the light microscopic level. Boutons were identified in close apposition with the somata, proximal and distal dendrites of these neurons. However, the density of contacts was found to be substantially less than in a previous study of phrenic motoneurons (Lipski et al: Soc. Neurosci. Abst. 14:379, '88; Pilowsky et al: J. Neurosci. in press, '90). The relative paucity of contacts of serotonin immunoreactive boutons with premotor inspiratory neurons of the dorsal respiratory group indicates that the serotoninergic system affects respiratory pathways mainly at the level of respiratory motoneurons or at brainstem sites outside the vl-NTS.

Substrate properties of analogs of myo-inositol

The hydrolysis of the minor cell membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate mediates the action of many growth factors and hormones. As an approach to the development of specific inhibitors of this process, we have synthesized a series of analogs of myo-inositol and have evaluated their ability to serve as substrates for phosphatidylinositol synthetase. Modification at the 2-, 3-, or 4-positions produced compounds unable to serve as substrates, but several 5-modified analogs retained activity as substrates of phosphatidylinositol synthetase. The product formed from 5-deoxy-5-fluoro-myo-[3H]inositol by phatidylinositol synthetase was hydrolyzed by phospholipase D and gave 5-deoxy-5-fluoro-myo-inositol as the radiolabeled product. Two analogs, 5-deoxy-myo-inositol and 5-deoxy-5-fluoro-myo-inositol, were shown to permeate L1210 leukemia cells and be incorporated into cellular phospholipid. Analysis of the radiolabeled lipids formed on incubation of L1210 cells with 5-deoxy-5-fluoro-myo-[3H]inositol indicated that the fradulent lipid formed was further phosphorylated to the monophosphate but not to the diphosphate form.

Antidromic mapping of descending axons of respiratory bulbospinal neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rabbit

Antidromic mapping of the descending axons of the respiratory bulbospinal neurons in the region of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) was performed on rabbits anesthetized with urethane. Among 177 units tested, 29 out of 87 inspiratory (I), 27 out of 84 expiratory (E) and 2 out of 6 phase-spanning units were identified as bulbospinal. A prominent feature of the bulbospinal pathway from the NTS in the rabbit is the abundance of ipsilateral descending axons. The axons rising from one side are situated in the ventrolateral and ventral funiculi of both sides. The axonal conduction velocities are about 25-35 m/s. Both I and E bulbospinal neurons can be divided into R alpha and R beta types according to 'no I inflation' and 'maintained E inflation' tests.

Respiration related neurons in the region of the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rabbit

Systematic mapping of respiration-related units (RRUs) in the region of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) was performed on rabbits anesthetized with urethane. Of 523 RRUs 295 (56%) were inspiratory (I), 130 (25%) expiratory (E) and 98 (19%) phase-spanning (PS). Such a large number of E and PS RRUs in NTS have not been reported in the cat. Six out of 16 I RRUs 6 of 13 E RRUs, and 1 of 3 PS RRUs had projections to contralateral cervical spinal cord. The 'no I inflation' test was conducted on 76 I and 38 E RRUs, of which 29 I RRUs were identified as I alpha and 31 as I beta. Thirteen E RRUs were inhibited and 6 facilitated by preceding lung inflation. Almost all types of respiratory neurons so far reported from different nuclei of cat's brainstem have been located in the NTS region of the rabbit.

The role of the human caudate nucleus in acupuncture analgesia

The role of the caudate nucleus in acupuncture analgesia was studied in 17 patients receiving caudate stimulation through chronic implanted electrodes to relieve intractable pain caused by late malignancy. Electrical stimulation of the head of the caudate nucleus provided relief from intractable pain in all 17 patients. The pain and pain tolerance threshold were elevated, the alteration in skin galvanic activity, respiratory movement and fingertip plethysmography elicited by a given painful stimulus were depressed. The analgesia required a period of induction and persisted for some time after cessation of stimulation; it showed no obvious segmental topography. These characteristics are similar to those observed in acupuncture analgesia. The effect of caudate stimulation was similar to that of electric needling in depressing the late component of the somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) recorded over the scalp and from the centrum medianum of the thalamus. Evoked potentials could be recorded from the caudate nucleus when an acupuncture point was electrically stimulated. The evoked potential record was a complex wave of positive and negative components, the peak latencies of main components being 100-180 msec for positive wave and 148-332 msec for negative wave components. The present study supports the supposition that the caudate nucleus may play a role in acupuncture analgesia. The possibility that the effect of caudate stimulation is brought on by inhibiting the activity of the medial thalamus is discussed.