Fiber degeneration following lesions in the multipolar and globular cell areas in the ventral cochlear nucleus of the cat

Non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors may mediate ipsilateral excitation at lateral superior olivary synapses

Principal cells of the lateral superior olivary nucleus (LSO) are thought to receive a direct excitatory input from spherical bushy cells located in the ipsilateral ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) and an indirect input from the contralateral VCN globular bushy cells via a secure synapse in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). MNTB bushy cells project to the somata and proximal dendrites of LSO principal cells. LSO neurons display phasic 'chopper' temporal response patterns to ipsilateral tone-burst stimuli at characteristic frequency (CF), while binaural stimuli suppress this ipsilaterally evoked activity. This suppression is sensitive to interaural differences in intensity, phase and time, suggesting a role for these neurons in the localization of sound in space. In the present study, the nature of the neurotransmitter mediating fast ipsilateral excitation of LSO neurons was examined using iontophoretic application of excitant amino acid (EAA) agonists and antagonists. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quisqualate (QUIS) were used as agonists, while the selective NMDA receptor antagonist D. L-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV), and the non-selective receptor EAA antagonist cis-2,3-piperidine-dicarboxylic acid (PDA) were used to study ipsilaterally evoked neuronal responses. In 3 additional experiments the selective non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) replaced PDA. Ipsilateral, tone-evoked and spontaneous activities were generally enhanced by EAA agonists while partial blockade of tone-evoked, ipsilateral excitation was observed with EAA antagonists. Both PDA and DNQX more effectively blocked ipsilateral tone-evoked excitations and spontaneous activity than did the NMDA-receptor antagonist, APV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

GABA and glycine immunoreactivity in the guinea pig superior olivary complex

Immunoperoxidase immunocytochemistry was employed to examine the distribution of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-and glycine (GLY)-immunoreactive cells, fibers, and terminals in the guinea pig superior olivary complex. The nuclei studied were the lateral superior olive (LSO), medial superior olive (MSO), superior paraolivary nucleus (SPN), and the medial, ventral, and lateral nuclei of the trapezoid body (MNTB, VNTB, and LNTB, respectively). The majority of LSO neurons exhibited GABA-immunoreactive (+) labeling. These same neurons were also lightly GLY+. Extensive perisomatic punctate GLY + labeling was observed on most LSO neurons; these puncta most likely correspond to synaptic terminals. A very small number of MSO fusiform neurons were GABA +, and none were GLY +. The GLY positive perisomatic punctate labeling around most MSO neurons, although abundant, was not as profuse as that observed in the LSO. The MNTB neurons corresponding to the principal and elongate types were intensely GLY + and were contacted by small numbers of GLY + puncta. There was extensive GLY + punctate labeling in the SPN that surrounded the cell bodies of most of its large, radiate neurons and many of the smaller, fusiform neurons. The few large, radiate neurons that were lightly GLY + possessed far fewer GLY + puncta on their perikarya. The distribution of GABA + puncta was generally diffuse and scattered throughout the nuclei described above. In the VNTB and LNTB, several large neurons of various shapes were GLY + as were the small, oval neurons. The extent of GLY + punctate labeling was quite variable in both nuclei. The majority of perikarya in the VNTB and LNTB were GABA +. A light distribution of GABA + puncta was observed on most cell bodies in both nuclei. Peridendritic GABA + punctate labeling was dense in the VNTB neuropil. Two small populations of GLY + neurons were observed outside of the named nuclei of the SOC; one was located dorsal to the LSO, near its dorsal hilus, and the other was identified near the medial pole of the LSO. The somata of both populations possessed extremely sparse GLY + punctate labeling. In general, these results agree with and expand on findings in rodents from previous studies. There appears, however, to be differences between the guinea pig and cat with regard to the proportions of GABA + neurons in the LSO and GLY + punctate labeling in the MSO.

Synaptic potentials of chinchilla lateral superior olivary neurons

Neurons in the lateral superior olive (LSO) were characterized in vivo, by extracellular and intracellular recordings. Principal neurons of the LSO are excited by ipsilateral auditory stimuli and exhibit binaural inhibition, as observed in extracellular recordings. In subsequent intracellular recordings, ipsilateral acoustic stimuli evoked robust excitatory postsynaptic potentials (epsps), while contralateral stimuli evoked large inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (ipsps). The contralaterally evoked ipsps were reversed when the cell was polarized below resting membrane potential and when current was injected into neurons recorded with chloride-filled electrodes. The ipsp is probably a reflection of contralaterally evoked release of glycine acting through glycinergic receptors on the somata and proximal dendrites of these neurons. The properties of the epsps are consistent with data suggesting that ipsilaterally evoked excitation may be mediated by an excitatory amino acid-like substance acting through quisqualate or kainate receptors at dendritic locations.

Connections of the superior olivary complex in the rufous horseshoe bat Rhinolophus rouxi

In the rufous horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus rouxi), the superior olivary complex contains four main divisions. In comparison with other species, the most lateral division is clearly homologous to the lateral superior olive (LSO); the most medial division is homologous to the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). Lying between these landmarks, in approximately the position of the medial superior olive (MSO) of other mammals, are two additional divisions that are cytoarchitecturally distinct from one another yet do not greatly resemble the MSO of nonecholocating mammals such as the cat. We refer to these nuclei as the dorsal medial superior olive (DMSO) and the ventral medial superior olive (VMSO). We examined the afferent and efferent connections of all of these cell groups with retrograde and anterograde transport of WGA-HRP from the superior olivary complex. In the same animals we recorded the binaural response properties of single units in the superior olivary complex. Virtually all units recorded in LSO were excitatory to the ipsilateral ear and inhibitory to the contralateral ear (EI); all of the units sampled in the MNTB and most of those sampled in the VMSO responded only to the contralateral ear (OE). In DMSO the binaural properties of units were varied: the number of units that were inhibitory to the ipsilateral ear and excitatory to the contralateral ear (IE) was about equal to the number of units excitatory to both ears (EE); a few units had OE responses; no units had EI responses. Connectional correlates for these binaural response properties are seen in the patterns of retrograde transport from WGA-HRP injections in the divisions of the superior olive. The LSO receives projections from the ipsilateral cochlear nucleus and MNTB; MNTB receives projections from the contralateral cochlear nucleus. The DMSO and VMSO both receive bilateral projections from the cochlear nuclei. The results of retrograde and anterograde transport suggest that VMSO, in addition, receives projections from the ipsilateral MNTB. The LSO, DMSO, and VMSO all project to the ventral two-thirds of the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus, and their targets are approximately coextensive. However, the LSO projects bilaterally to the inferior colliculus, whereas the medial cell groups project mainly ipsilaterally.

Intrinsic connections within and between cochlear nucleus subdivisions in cat

The cat cochlear nuclear complex (CNC) is divided into three major subdivisions: the anteroventral, the posteroventral, and the dorsal cochlear nuclei (AVCN, PVCN, and DCN, respectively). Each of these subdivisions receives a topographic projection from the cochlea and each consists of a number of different cell types. The interconnections between these subdivisions and the cell types which give rise to them were studied by means of small injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) made at physiologically identified locations. DCN injections resulted in few labeled cells in the DCN, suggesting that its internal connections are very limited. In contrast, these same DCN injections resulted in numerous labeled cells in the PVCN and AVCN. Labeled PVCN cells, consisting of multipolar, octopus, and small spindle-shaped cells, were located in spatially restricted laminae stretching the entire rostrocaudal length of the nucleus, while labeled AVCN cells consisting of multipolar, globular, small spindle-shaped and small spherical cells were broadly distributed over the posterior half of the nucleus. Similar injections placed in the PVCN resulted in numerous labeled cells in all three subdivisions. The PVCN and AVCN cells labeled after PVCN injections were widely distributed across the isofrequency representations in both nuclei, while the labeled DCN cells were restricted to locations over the injection sites. Injections placed in the posterior half of the AVCN resulted in only very few labeled cells in the DCN. No cells were labeled following injections in the rostral AVCN.

Connections of the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus: an inhibitory parallel pathway in the ascending auditory system?

This study examines the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (DNLL) and its afferent and efferent connections. In Nissl-stained material, DNLL has three parts: dorsal, ventral, and lateral. Although each part contains neurons with similar Nissl patterns, the subdivisions may be distinguished by the size, shape, and orientation of the cells. The lateral DNLL contains a mixture of DNLL neurons and cells from the sagulum. Afferent connections to DNLL were investigated with anterograde axonal transport techniques. Bilateral inputs to DNLL arise from the anteroventral cochlear nucleus and lateral superior olive, while unilateral inputs are provided by the ipsilateral medial superior olive and the contralateral DNLL. The inputs appear to have a tonotopic organization. Afferent fibers to DNLL form horizontal bands that are continuous both mediolaterally and rostrocaudally. All parts of DNLL do not share the same inputs, and a medial-to-lateral gradient in the labeling of some pathways is evident. To study the efferent connections of DNLL, both retrograde and anterograde axonal transport techniques were used. The DNLL projects to the inferior colliculus and the contralateral DNLL. The topography of these projections suggests that areas of similar tonotopic organization are connected. In the inferior colliculus, the projection is heaviest to the central nucleus and extends to the adjacent dorsal and caudal cortex, the rostral pole nucleus, and the ventrolateral nucleus. Axons from DNLL terminate along the fibrodendritic laminae of the central nucleus as bands that are prominent on the contralateral side, whereas those on the ipsilateral colliculus are more diffuse. The afferent and efferent connections of DNLL constitute a multisynaptic pathway, parallel to the other ascending pathways to the inferior colliculus. The other ascending pathways include the direct pathways from the cochlear nucleus to the inferior colliculus and the indirect pathways via the superior olivary complex. Ascending pathways are discussed as to their relationship to the subdivisions of the inferior colliculus, the laterality of their projections, and their banding patterns in the central nucleus. In contrast to the excitatory pathways to the inferior colliculus, the neurons in DNLL may use GABA as a neurotransmitter. Axons from the DNLL terminate in the inferior colliculus as bands that could have a unique inhibitory function. Thus, the multisynaptic, DNLL pathway may provide feed-forward inhibitory inputs to the inferior colliculus, bilaterally, and to the contralateral DNLL.

Projections of nucleus angularis and nucleus laminaris to the lateral lemniscal nuclear complex of the barn owl

Interaural phase and intensity are cues by which the barn owl determines, respectively, the azimuth and elevation of a sound source. Physiological studies indicate that phase and intensity are processed independently in the auditory brainstem of the barn owl. The phases of spectral components of a sound are encoded in nucleus magnocellularis (NM), one of the two cochlear nuclei. NM projects solely and bilaterally to nucleus laminaris (NL), wherein interaural phase difference is computed. The other cochlear nucleus, nucleus angularis (NA), encodes the amplitudes of spectral components of sounds. We report here the projections of NA and NL to the lateral lemniscal nuclei of the barn owl. The lateral lemniscal complex comprises nucleus olivaris superior (SO); nucleus lemnisci lateralis, pars ventralis (LLv); and nucleus ventralis lemnisci lateralis (VLV). At caudal levels, VLV may be divided into a posterior (VLVp) and an anterior (VLVa) subdivision on cytoarchitectonic grounds. At rostral levels, the cytoarchitectural differences diminish and the boundaries between the two subdivisions become obscured. Likewise, our data from anterograde tracing studies suggest that at caudal levels the terminal fields of NA and NL remain confined to VLVp and VLVa, respectively. They merge, however, at rostral levels. The data also suggest that NL projects to the medial portion of the ipsilateral SO and that NA projects bilaterally to all parts of SO and LLv. Studies with the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase confirm these projections.

Neural connections identified with PHA-L anterograde and HRP retrograde tract-tracing techniques

This paper describes a method of identifying specific input and output elements of a two-neuron projection pathway. Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) anterograde tract-tracing was used in combination with the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to demonstrate connections between small groups of neurons in the brainstem auditory system. Specifically, the projection from cochlear nucleus to olivary neurons that project to the cochlea were demonstrated. The first neuron in this pathway (the cochlear nucleus neuron) was anterogradely labelled with PHA-L and could be traced via labelled axons and terminals to the second neuron (the olivocochlear neuron) whose soma was labelled with HRP after cochlear injection.

Somatosensory and auditory relay nucleus in the rostral part of the ventrolateral medulla: a morphological study in the cat

A nucleus that possibly relays both somatosensory and auditory information was identified in the well-known autonomic control region in the rostral part of the ventrolateral medulla (RVL) of the cat by four sets of experiments using the WGA-HRP (wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate) method. First, after injecting WGA-HRP into the dorsal column nuclei (DCN), anterograde and retrograde labeling was found bilaterally within and around a small cluster of medium-sized neurons in the RVL; more labeled neuronal cell bodies were seen in the cluster ipsilateral to the injection than in the contralateral cluster, whereas labeled axon terminals were distributed more densely on the contralateral side than on the ipsilateral side. The neuronal cluster in the RVL was located close to the ventrolateral surface of the medulla oblongata, constituting a short, slender column extending from a caudal level of the facial nucleus to the level of the rostral one-third of the inferior olive. This cluster of neurons was named the ventrolateral medullary nucleus (VLMN). In the second set of experiments, WGA-HRP was injected into the VLMN. Labeled neuronal cell bodies were seen in the reticular zone of the DCN bilaterally, with a slight dominance on the side contralateral to the injection, and further in the anteroventral division of the cochlear nuclei (CN) bilaterally, with a predominantly contralateral distribution. Labeled presumed axon terminals were seen bilaterally not only in the DCN and granular layer of the CN but also in the intercollicular region (IcR), lateral division of the posterior group of the thalamus (Pol), and medial geniculate nuclei (MG). Labeled terminals in the DCN were more numerous on the side ipsilateral to the injection than on the contralateral side, whereas those in other regions were distributed with a clear-cut contralateral dominance. In the third set of experiments, WGA-HRP injection into the CN resulted in anterograde and retrograde labeling in the VLMN. The labeling was bilateral, but more marked in the VLMN contralateral to the injection. In the fourth set of experiments, after WGA-HRP injection into the IcR, Pol, or MG, labeled neuronal cell bodies were located in the VLMN bilaterally with a dominant contralateral distribution. The results indicate that the VLMN possibly relays somatosensory and auditory information from the reticular zone of the DCN and anteroventral division of the CN to the IcR, Pol, and MG.

Intracellular labeling of afferents to the lateral superior olive in the bat, Eptesicus fuscus

An in vitro tissue slice preparation of the bat brain stem was used to label intracellularly individual axons projecting to the lateral superior olive from two different sources: the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN). The tracing of individually labeled MNTB axons into the lateral superior olive reaffirms the long accepted indirect route by which information from the contralateral ear reaches the lateral superior olive. While the MNTB appears to relay input from the contralateral AVCN, information from the ipsilateral ear reaches the lateral superior olive via a direct projection from the ipsilateral AVCN. Axons from the contralateral and ipsilateral pathways have different distribution patterns upon the fusiform cells of the lateral superior olive. Axon terminals of MNTB principal cells have a perisomatic and proximal dendritic distribution pattern. Axon terminal varicosities from the ipsilateral anteroventral cochlear nucleus are distributed primarily to more distal dendrites.

Projections to the inferior colliculus from the anteroventral cochlear nucleus in the cat: possible substrates for binaural interaction

The projections to the inferior colliculus of the cat are shown in autoradiographs after injections of 3H-amino acids into the anteroventral cochlear nucleus and anterograde axonal transport. Labeled bands of axons are seen in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus, parallel to the fibrodendritic laminae, and in layers 3 and 4 of the dorsal cortex. A bilateral projection to the lateral, low-frequency part of the inferior colliculus is observed. In contrast, the more ventromedial, mid- and high-frequency parts receive only a contralateral input. The projections from the cochlear nucleus to both the contralateral midbrain and bilaterally to the superior olivary complex appear to be tonotopically organized. After HRP injections in the inferior colliculus, small numbers of stellate neurons are labeled in the lateral and ventral low-frequency parts of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus on the ipsilateral side. EM autoradiographs show labeled axonal endings from both sides of the anteroventral cochlear nuclei are present in the same proportion in pars lateralis. Axonal endings from either cochlear nucleus have small, round synaptic vesicles and make asymmetric synaptic contacts on dendrites. Axons from the contralateral side also make axosomatic contacts on large disc-shaped or stellate cells. Neurons from the ipsilateral anteroventral cochlear nucleus apparently make more synaptic endings per cell as compared to neurons from the contralateral side. Together, bilateral inputs from the anteroventral cochlear nucleus can account for a third of the endings with round synaptic vesicles in pars lateralis of the central nucleus. Morphological similarities among the ascending inputs to the inferior colliculus are discussed. Both direct circuits from the cochlear nucleus to the inferior colliculus and indirect circuits via the superior olivary complex or lateral lemniscus may display banding patterns, nucleotopic organization, or differential synaptic organization. The direct inputs from the anteroventral cochlear nucleus to the colliculus may influence binaural interactions which occur in the superior olivary complex. In addition, direct inputs may create new binaural responses in the inferior colliculus that are independent of lower centers.

Efferent projections from posteroventral cochlear nucleus to lateral superior olive in guinea pig

Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L), a kidney bean lectin used as an anterograde tracer, was iontophoretically injected into the posteroventral cochlear nucleus (PVCN) of guinea pigs. PHA-L-labeled fiber segments and their terminal specializations were observed within the ipsilateral lateral superior olive (LSO) thereby establishing the existence of an efferent neural pathway from PVCN to this nucleus. Furthermore, the pathway is topographically organized with dorsal regions of PVCN projecting to the medial limb and ventral regions projecting to the lateral limb of LSO.

Convergence of ascending pathways at the inferior colliculus of the mustache bat, Pteronotus parnellii

To compare patterns of projections to the inferior colliculus from different sources, injections of [3H]-leucine were placed in the cochlear nuclei, superior olivary complex, and nuclei of the lateral lemniscus of Pteronotus parnellii. The results show that the target of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) is the ventral and lateral two thirds of the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus. The binaural pathways from the medial and lateral superior olives (MSO and LSO) project to the same target. The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) projects to the entire central nucleus of the inferior colliculus and does so in a more diffuse manner than does the AVCN. The DCN also sends sparse projections beyond the central nucleus into dorsal parts of the pericentral area. The intermediate (INLL) and ventral (VNLL) nuclei of the lateral lemniscus are relays in pathways that originate in the cochlear nucleus and terminate in the contralateral inferior colliculus. These nuclei also receive indirect input from the contralateral AVCN via the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body. Although nuclei of the lateral lemniscus project most densely to those areas of the inferior colliculus that are also the targets of the AVCN, MSO, and LSO, the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus also send spare projections outside these areas. Many of the pathways just described project in bands, a finding that raises the possibility that the projections parallel the orientation of disk-shaped cells in the inferior colliculus and raises the question of whether the bands from one source overlap or interdigitate with the bands from another source.

Descending projections from the superior olivary complex to the cochlear nucleus of the cat

Subdivisions of the cochlear nuclear complex give rise to a number of discrete projections to certain cell groups of the superior olivary complex and also received substantial descending projections from the periolivary nuclei. In the present study, we sought to determine by means of retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and anterograde transport of radiolabeled protein, if the periolivary nuclei give rise to discrete projections to the various subdivisions of the cochlear nuclear complex. Following medium to large injections of HRP into the cochlear nucleus, irrespective of location, labeled cells were found in all periolivary nuclei bilaterally. In every case more than 40% of the labeled cells were found in the lateral nucleus of the trapezoid body on the same side and the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body of both sides. Other periolivary nuclei contributing more than 5% of the total number of cells in individual cases were the contralateral lateral nucleus of the trapezoid body and the ipsilateral anterolateral and dorsal periolivary nuclei. Injections of tritiated leucine into periolivary nuclei gave rise to axonal labeling to the trapezoid body and the dorsal acoustic stria, usually bilaterally, and to terminal labeling that was widely distributed within the cochlear nuclear complex. In several cases with small injections, particularly in the lateral nucleus of the trapezoid body, the projections from the periolivary nuclei to the anteroventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei connected areas described as having similar best-frequency representation. The autoradiographic data corroborated the main results from the HRP experiments and provided additional information permitting these conclusions: the projections from the periolivary nuclei to the cochlear nuclear complex are organized tonotopically, at least in part; each periolivary nucleus (and perhaps individual cells), projects widely throughout the cochlear nuclear complex; the pattern of termination of projections from different periolivary nuclei to a given region of the cochlear nuclear complex are similar, as seen in autoradiograms, and the lateral and dorsal periolivary nuclei project mainly ipsilaterally, while the medial periolivary nuclei project bilaterally with a contralateral bias. The magnitude of these projections and their widespread distribution within the cochlear nuclear complex would suggest an important role for the descending projections in the normal functioning of the cochlear nucleus.

The human auditory brain stem: a comparative view

This study compares human brain stem auditory centers with those of the cat in terms of their topography and cytoarchitecture. Graphic reconstructions of the brain stem pathway illustrate differences in configuration of human auditory centers, such as mediolateral elongation of the cochlear nuclei and rostral prolongation of the superior olivary complex. Greater human brain stem size creates a considerably longer auditory pathway: the distance traversed by axons passing from the cochlear nuclei to the ipsilateral inferior colliculus is approximately 14 mm in the cat and 35 mm in man, while the distance to the contralateral colliculus is about 22 mm in the cat and 46 mm in man. Neuronal groups which are well developed in the human brain stem are the populations of large relay neurons in the cochlear nuclei, the medial olivary nucleus, periolivary region, dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, and inferior colliculus. In contrast, a number of nuclei and cell groups are very poorly developed or absent in the human auditory system: these include several types of small neurons in the cochlear nuclei, the lateral olivary nucleus, nucleus of the trapezoid body, and ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. The functional implications of these changes are discussed.

Projections from the anteroventral cochlear nucleus to the lateral and medial superior olivary nuclei

The projections from the cochlear nucleus to the lateral and medial superior olivary nuclei were studied in the cat by use of retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase to demonstrate the connections. The medial superior olivary nucleus receives input only from the anterior and posterodorsal subdivisions of the anterior division of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AA and APD, respectively; Brawer, Morest, and Kane: J. Comp. Neurol. 155: 251-300, 1974). These two subdivisions are populated almost exclusively by spherical bushy cells. Like the medial superior olivary nucleus, the lateral superior olivary nucleus receives inputs from AA and APD. In addition, the lateral superior olivary nucleus receives projections from the posterior subdivision (AP) of the anterior division and also from the posterior division of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus. The projections to the medial superior olivary nucleus are bilateral, whereas the projections to the lateral superior olivary nucleus are almost entirely ipsilateral. One implication of the results is that the medial superior olivary nucleus receives inputs from only one cell type--the spherical bushy cell--but that, at the least, two cell types project to the lateral superior olivary nucleus. Both the olivary nuclei receive input from most, if not all, of the dorsoventral extent of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus, implying that both receive input from neurons arrayed across the entire frequency representation of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus. All of the projections appear to be organized topographically such that frequency representation is preserved.

Morphological evidence for the existence of multiple neuronal classes in the cat lateral superior olivary nucleus

This study characterizes morphologically the neurons residing within the matrix of the cat lateral superior olive (LSO), excluding the hili and myelinated axon envelope. Several light microscopic techniques including Golgi impregnations, Nissl stains, and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry were used, as well as electron microscopy. Five distinct classes of neurons have been identified: principal neurons, multiplanar neurons, marginal neurons, small neurons, and class 5 neurons. These neuronal classes differ in regard to their size and shape, dendritic organization, perikaryal synaptic density, and their relative numbers. Principal neurons compose approximately three-quarters of the LSO neurons. They are multipolar and uniplanar in their dendritic arborization, radiating from the hili in rostrocaudal planes perpendicular to the curvatures of the LSO. In transverse sections the principal cell perikarya are fusiform and bipolar, with mean dimensions of 23 X 11 microns. More than 60% of the surface of these cells is contacted by synaptic terminals. Multiplanar neurons (averaging 23 X 19 microns) compose only 11% of the LSO neuronal population. Their dendritic arborization is not restricted to any particular plane, and their somal surface receives synaptic contacts similar, in number and type, to principal cells. Marginal neurons, although they are similar to principal neurons in shape and dendritic arborization, differ in that they are generally smaller (averaging 20 X 10.5 microns). They also possess fewer axosomatic synaptic contacts (approximately 33%), are oriented perpendicularly to principal neurons, are limited in distribution to the contours of the LSO immediately beneath the myelinated axon envelope, and constitute only 4% of the neuronal population. Small neurons (mean dimensions = 9 X 8 micron) compose 8% of the LSO neurons. They possess a multiplanar array of primary dendrites and have nuclei with multiple deep infoldings. Small neurons have the fewest axosomatic synaptic contacts of all classes of LSO neurons (approximately 10%). Additionally, there are neurons that are similar to principal neurons, but receive fewer axosomatic contacts (approximately 33%). These cells have been tentatively identified as class 5 neurons until more information on this type allows for the assignment of a more descriptive name. A number of acetylcholinesterase-positive neurons are also found within the LSO, whose relationship to the other classes of neurons is presently unresolved. Possible functions of the multiple neuronal types are discussed.

Morphological changes in the cochlear nuclear complex in primate phylogeny and development

The primate cochlear nuclear complex exhibits several characteristic morphological differences in the various primate families from Lorisidae through Hominidae. The most striking differences occur in the organization of the dorsal cochlear nucleus in which the laminar pattern becomes progressively obscured. Granule cells form an external granular layer as well as being intermixed within the molecular and pyramidal layers in slow lorises and squirrel and rhesus monkeys. Whereas a prominent external granular layer remains in chimpanzees, granule cells are scant in other portions of the nucleus. Human adults lack an external granular layer. A small number of granule cells occur but with inconstant distribution. Primates lack the linear array of pyramidal cells oriented perpendicularly to the epithelial surface as seen in cats. The granule cell layer exhibits similar regression in development of the human cochlear complex. The external granular layer is prominent in the fetus but rapidly decreases in size after birth. It achieves its adult form prior to 18 months. The data suggest that neuronal attrition, or programmed cell death, may be the major mechanism accounting for the alterations that occur in the human granule cell layer. Other differences in cytoarchitecture, within the great apes and humans, include decreases in the small and giant cell populations of the cochlear complex. These changes, in consort with the organizational changes and reduction of granule cells as noted above, suggest a trend towards reduced intranuclear integration at the level of the cochlear nucleus coupled with encephalization of the auditory system.

Projections from the cochlear nucleus to the inferior colliculus in normal and neonatally cochlea-ablated gerbils

The distribution of the projection from one cochlear nucleus (CN) within each inferior colliculus (IC) was studied in adult, normal gerbils and adult gerbils subjected to unilateral ablation of the contralateral cochlea at 2 days of age. The projection was studied by using the Fink-Heimer technique for impregnating degenerating axons and their terminal processes with silver. Following an extensive, unilateral lesion of the CN, degeneration was seen in both ICs of all animals. In normal animals, degeneration was both more widespread and heavier in the contralateral than in the ipsilateral central nucleus of IC (ICC). Degeneration was most widespread in the rostral and lateral parts of both ICCs and in the ventral part of the contralateral ICC. Degeneration was observed in 26% of the area examined in ipsilateral ICC and in 73% of the area examined in contralateral ICC. In cochlea-ablated animals there was a much greater similarity in the area of degeneration in the ICC ipsilateral (57%) and contralateral (67%) to the CN lesion. The same regional distributions of degeneration were observed as in the normal animals except that the distribution of degeneration in the ipsilateral ICC more closely resembled the normal contralateral than the normal ipsilateral profile. We conclude that the normal distribution of projections from the CN within the ipsilateral ICC is substantially modified by neonatal ablation of the contralateral cochlea.

The projections of principal cells of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body in the cat

Previous studies suggest that the principal cells of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) give rise to the projection from MNTB to the lateral superior olivary nucleus (LSO) of the same side, where they mediate rapid inhibitory effects of contralateral sound stimulation. In the present study, we explored certain morphological features of this connection as well as several other projections of the MNTB by using anterograde and retrograde axonal tracing methods. Following injections of tritiated leucine into MNTB, labeled axons reached LSO by passing ventral to, dorsal to, and through the medial superior olivary nucleus, and gave rise to labeling around the somata and proximal dendrites of LSO fusiform cells. As measured in autoradiograms of 2 micron plastic sections, these axons had a modal diameter of 5-6 micron. Terminal labeling, tentatively attributed to principal cell axons, was also seen in the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VNLL) and the dorsomedial and ventromedial periolivary nuclei. HRP injections into the LSO and the VNLL showed that the principal cell projected to both of these nuclei and revealed a topographic arrangement of the projection to the LSO which is consistent with tonotopic maps determined electrophysiologically. Control HRP injections demonstrated that other minor projections of the MNTB arose from minor cell populations in this nucleus. The findings provide a morphological correlate of certain physiological findings and suggest a wider role for the MNTB in the ascending auditory system than previously has been supposed.

Quantitative analyses of axonal endings in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus and distribution of 3H-labeling after injections in the dorsal cochlear nucleus

Quantitative analyses of electron microscopic (EM) autoradiographs were used to identify the afferents from the dorsal cochlear nucleus in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (IC) in the cat. In order to localize the sources of radioactivity, material from axonal transport experiments was analyzed by means of a hypothetical grain procedure which takes the cross-scatter of beta particles into account. Measurements of the synaptic vesicles in axonal endings and a cluster analysis were used to identify different groups of endings. In order to determine which types of endings arise in the dorsal cochlear nucleus, axonal endings labeled after axonal transport and unlabeled endings were characterized and compared to the groups defined by the cluster analysis. Axonal endings with round synaptic vesicles were labeled with more than 2 grains/micron2 which was about 30% of the radioactivity in the central nucleus of the IC. This was six to seven times greater than if the radioactivity had been randomly distributed. Other tissue compartments usually had less radioactivity. Some myelinated and unmyelinated axons were labeled, but, as a group they had lower amounts of radioactivity than predicted by random labeling. In most cases, only low levels of activity were found in glial and postsynaptic structures. Five groups of axonal endings in the medial part of the central nucleus were identified by an analysis which clustered similar types of endings. The variance of the longest axis, the mean diameter, the variance of area, and the mean area of the synaptic vesicles were the variables most useful in distinguishing these five groups. Axonal endings with round synaptic vesicles were classified as either small, or large, or very large, while endings with pleomorphic vesicles were either large or small. Using measurements of the cross-sectional diameter of dendritic microtubules, samples of digitized axonal endings from normal and experimental cases were normalized and could be compared directly to the groups defined by the cluster analysis. Microtubules were 21.7 nm (+/- 1.6) in average diameter. After injections of 3H-leucine and/or proline in the dorsal cochlear nucleus, most of the labeled endings in the IC contained small, round vesicles (less than 47 nm in diameter) although a very small number of endings with large, round vesicles also were labeled.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acoustic chiasm II: Anatomical basis of binaurality in lateral superior olive of cat

The afferent projections to the lateral superior olive (LSO) were examined with horseradish peroxidase, horseradish peroxidase-wheat germ agglutinin conjugate, 125I-wheat germ agglutinin and tritiated leucine autoradiograhy, anterograde axonal degeneration, and 14C-2-deoxyglucose methods. The pathway to the ipsilateral LSO orginates in the spherical cells in anteroventral cochlear nucleus. Although some of the fibers pass above the lateral nucleus of the trapezoid body, most pass below it and turn at right angles to enter the LSO either directly through its ventral, lateral, or dorsal borders, or through its ventral or dorsal hilus. They end in unpolarized terminal fields throughout the LSO. Most if not all of these fibers are true collaterals of axons continuing across the midline in the trapezoid body. Verifying Held's (1893) finding of a major direct projection from the cochlear nucleus to the contralateral medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MTB) and Rasmussen's ('46) finding of a major projection from the MTB to the LSO, the present results illustrate that this two-neuron pathway probably supplies all but a very small component of the relatively direct input to the LSO from the contralateral ear. This pathway originates in the globular cells of the ventral cochlear nucleus and relays mostly though not exclusively through the "principal cells" in the more rostral parts of the MTB. It terminates mostly in perisomal endings in unpolarized fields throughout the LSO, though most heavily within the (high frequency) medial and middle limbs and less heavily in the LSO's (low frequency) lateral limb. In addition to this indirect pathway, there is a small direct pathway to the contralateral LSO as suggested by Goldberg and Brown ('69) and Warr ('72, '82). This direct pathway to the contralateral LSO, like the direct ipsilateral pathway, probably originates in the spherical cell region of the ventral cochlear nucleus, crosses the midline in the trapezoid body, and terminates in a small circumscribed area within the LSO's ventromedial (high frequency) area. The 2-deoxyglucose method applied to cats in which the ipsilateral and contralateral pathways have been surgically isolated shows that each of the pathways converging on the LSO is topographically and tonotopically organized with the ipsilateral and the combined contralateral terminations in strict tonotopic register.

Topographical organization of the inferior collicular projection and other connections of the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus in the cat

The topographic distribution of projections from the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VNLL) in the cat was investigated with the autoradiographic tracing method. The origin of minor projections was verified by retrograde tracing methods. Small injections of tritiated leucine were placed in restricted zones of VNLL. A major afferent fiber system to the inferior colliculus was labeled in all cases. From the injection site labeled fibers coursed through and around the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus to enter the ipsilateral inferior colliculus. Regardless of the position or small size of the injection, labeled fibers distributed widely in the inferior colliculus. Fibers ended in the central nucleus and deeper layers of the dorsal cortex in most cases. There was also labeling in the ventrolateral nucleus, but very few fibers ended as lateral as the lateral nucleus. A small number of labeled fibers passed from the inferior colliculus into the nucleus of the brachium of the inferior colliculus and adjacent tegmental areas. Some labeled fibers entered the commissure of the inferior colliculus where they were traced into the dorsal cortex and rostral pole of the inferior colliculus on the side contralateral to the injection site. Though the projections labeled in individual cases were similar in their divergent pattern within the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus, specific variations in the pattern were found. The dorsal zone of VNLL projected more heavily to the deeper layers of the dorsal cortex and an adjacent field in the central nucleus than the other zones. Dorsal injections in the middle zone of VNLL, on the other hand, labeled the medial part of the central nucleus more heavily, whereas ventral injections in the middle zone resulted in heavier lateral labeling. The ventral zone of VNLL projected heavily to a central field in the central nucleus. In addition to this major afferent system of VNLL to the inferior colliculus, a smaller descending projection was found. The descending projection ended mainly in the dorsomedial periolivary region and ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body. However, in some cases a few fibers were traced to the cochlear nuclei. Finally, we observed projections to the medial geniculate body from the dorsal and ventral zones of VNLL that ended diffusely in the medial division of the medial geniculate body. Possibly some fibers from the dorsal zone contribute to a broader projection of the lateral tegmentum to the dorsal division of the medial geniculate body.

The fine structure of the lateral superior olivary nucleus of the cat

The synaptic organization of the lateral superior olivary nucleus of the cat was analyzed under the electron microscope. The predominant cell type, the fusiform cell, has dendrites that extend from opposite poles of the cell body toward the margins of the nucleus, where they terminate in spinous branches. The fusiform cells are contacted by three types of synaptic terminals that can be distinguished by the size and shape of their synaptic vesicles. The somatic and proximal dendritic surfaces are apposed by synaptic terminals containing small, flat synaptic vesicles. Further from the cell body, the dendrites form numerous synaptic contacts with terminals containing large round vesicles as well as with the terminals containing small, flat vesicles. The most distal dendritic branches and their spiny appendages appear to form synapses almost exclusively with the terminals with large, round vesicles. A relatively rare type of terminal that contains small, round vesicles may form synapses with either the somatic or dendritic surfaces. A few small cells are interspersed among the fusiform cells, but they are more commonly located around the margins of the nucleus. The small cells form few axosomatic contacts. The simplest interpretation of the findings is that the terminals with small, flat vesicles arise in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body and are inhibitory in function, whereas the terminals with large, round vesicles arise in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus and are excitatory; however, this remains to be demonstrated experimentally. In any case, the differential distribution of these two types of inputs on the somatic and dendritic surfaces must be an important determinant of the physiological response properties of the fusiform cells to binaural acoustic stimuli.

Muscarinic receptors in the cochlear nucleus and auditory nerve of the guinea pig

The specific-binding properties of l-[3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate, a muscarinic acetylcholine-receptor antagonist, were investigated in synaptic and other membrane preparations of the guinea pig cochlear nucleus and auditory nerve. Binding parameters for all experiments were consistent with a single binding site with a Hill coefficient of 1.0. The binding of the ligand was specific and of high affinity, with values of KD in the range of 30-80 pM. Bmax was 0.352 +/- 0.023 pmol/mg protein for the dorsal cochlear nucleus and 0.215 +/- 0.011 pmol/mg protein for the ventral cochlear nucleus. The dorsal cochlear nucleus/ventral cochlear nucleus ratio for density of muscarinic receptors (1.6/1.0) was maintained across two different buffer systems, which varied with respect to the inclusion of proteolysis inhibitors. The results for auditory nerve indicated a level of binding much below that of the cochlear nucleus, with Bmax = 0.052 +/- 0.011 pmol/mg protein. The results of specific-binding experiments for l-[3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate support a role for acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter in the cochlear nucleus. The greater density of muscarinic receptors in the dorsal cochlear nucleus may indicate greater cholinergic activity in the dorsal relative to the ventral cochlear nucleus.

Neuron types in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus that project to the medial geniculate body

At least four neuron types, distinguished on the basis of dendritic and cell body morphology, were labeled in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus after horseradish peroxidase injections into the medial geniculate body of the cat. Most labeled cells had disc-shaped dendritic fields whose orientation and arrangement into layers were important identifying features. Most labeled cells were small or medium-sized disc-shaped cells with dendritic fields and cell bodies of corresponding size. These cell types appeared to have dispersed Nissl substance and infrequent axosomatic endings. Large disc-shaped cells, identified by their large dendritic fields and somata, were also labeled. These may have had a different Nissl pattern, including both perinuclear cisterns and clumps of granular endoplasmic reticulum, and numerous axosomatic synaptic endings. Stellate cells, which constituted the fourth labeled cell type, were distinguished by their spherical dendritic fields composed of dendrites radiating in all directions, especially across the layers formed by the disc-shaped cells. Stellate cells probably corresponded to neurons with stacks or clumps of granular endoplasmic reticulum, an irregular nuclear envelope, and frequent axosomatic contacts. These results suggest that many of the cell types previously identified in studies using the Golgi method send their axons to the medical geniculate body. The results also raise the possibility that Nissl pattern and dendritic morphology of central nucleus cell types are related. The presence of several types of neurons in the central nucleus with axons ascending to the thalamus may provide a structural basis for some type of parallel information processing in this part of the central auditory system.

The auditory brainstem nuclei and some of their projections to the inferior colliculus in the North American opossum

Afferent projections to the inferior colliculus in the North American opossum have been examined using the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. Projections to primarily the contralateral inferior colliculus arise in the dorsal and ventral cochlear nuclei, the auditory nerve nucleus and the spinal trigeminal nucleus pars caudalis, while ipsilateral projections arise in the superior paraolivary nucleus, the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body, the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, the paralemniscal nucleus, the deep layer of the superior colliculus and the parabrachial nucleus. Bilateral projections to the inferior colliculus originate within the dorsal column nuclei, the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis pars ventralis, the lateral and medial superior olivary nuclei, the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus and the auditory cortex. Nissl, fiber and Golgi-stained preparations were used to study the neuronal organization of those auditory nuclei with projections to the inferior colliculus. Anterograde axonal degeneration and transport techniques revealed that the inferior colliculus is innervated differentially by the dorsal and ventral cochlear nucleus, the superior olivary complex and the auditory neocortex. Axons from the contralateral dorsal cochlear nucleus and the ipsilateral superior olivary complex innervate both the central nucleus and external cortex, whereas those from ventral cochlear nucleus and contralateral, superior olivary complex project to only the central nucleus. Projections from auditory cortex form the complement of those from the cochlear nuclei and superior olivary complex, that is, they terminate in a thin band overlying the dorsal cortex and the superficial layer of external cortex. Our results have been compared with those obtained from eutherian mammals and it is clear that there are striking similarities in neuronal organization and connectivity. Since the opossum is born 12 days after conception and has an extended development in an external pouch, it may be suited for developmental studies of the mammalian auditory connections and the behaviors dependent of them.

A critical period during postnatal auditory development of mice

CBA/J mice were given a 50 dB unilateral conductive hearing loss by removal of the left cartilaginous external auditory meatus. When the conductive loss extended from 12 to 24 days after birth, the left globular cells and left large spherical cells of the ventral cochlear nucleus were significantly smaller (P less than 0.01) than comparable cells on the right side. Right medial nucleus of the trapezoid body cells and right inferior colliculus cells were significantly smaller (P less than 0.01) than comparable left side cells. These same effects were found with conductive losses of 4-24, 4-45, and 4-90 days after birth. There were no significant differences (P greater than 0.05) between right and left cell sizes with conductive losses of 4-12 or 24-45 days after birth. There were significant right/left cell size differences (P less than 0.01) when the conductive loss was 4-18, 12-18, or 18-24 days, but these differences were of lesser magnitude than when the conductive loss included the full 12-24 day period. Since normally all these neurons have adult soma size by postnatal day 12, it is evident that adequate acoustic stimulation is necessary between 12 and 24 days postnatally in order to maintain normal brainstem auditory neuronal size in CBA/J mice.

Influence of neonatal cochlear removal on the development of mouse cochlear nucleus. III. Its efferent projections to inferior colliculus

In order to determine the transneuronal developmental influences of auditory deafferentation, the right cochleas, with the first order spiral ganglion neurons, were removed in 6-day-old mice to eliminate all peripheral input to the right cochlear nucleus (CN). At 45 days, some of the efferent projections of right CN in these unilaterally lesioned mice and their unoperated controls were identified by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase from the contralateral (left) inferior colliculus (IC). In both groups of animals, reaction product was observed in neurons of the right CN, contralateral to the injection, and no labeling was seen in the ipsilateral left CN in either group. Contralaterally labeled were the fusiform cells of dorsal CN, the globular cells of ventral CN, and neurons within the nucleus of the intermediate acoustic stria. Quantification revealed significantly fewer fusiform and globular cells labeled in the deafferented CN, whereas the number of labeled acoustic stria neurons was the same in both groups. Although the deafferented CN had 65.4% fewer labeled neurons, the proportions projecting to IC were similar in the two groups, 7.8%. Because of this significant reduction in the number of deafferented CN neurons projecting to the contralateral IC, it was concluded that the transneuronal effects of deafferentation would be to deprive or deafferent developing neurons within the higher auditory brainstem nuclei.

Cytology of periolivary cells and the organization of their projections in the cat

Projections of cells located near principal nuclei of the superior olive, periolivary cells, were studied by injecting horseradish peroxidase or fluorescent tracers into the cochlea, cochlear nucleus, and inferior colliculus. At least two distinct cytological classes of periolivary cells were found to project to each of these structures. "Large" and "small" olivocochlear cells were labelled. Their cytology and locations were found to be as had been previously described. Some olivocochlear cells also project to the cochlear nucleus. Other major periolivary cell classes that project to the cochlear nucleus include a lateral group of multipolar cells whose members are located around the ipsilateral lateral superior olive and have coarse, darkly staining Nissl substance. The other major periolivary cell class that projects to the cochlear nucleus is the small cell of the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body. This cell is characterized by its size and by only one or two intensely staining clumps of Nissl substance. Projections of these cells to the cochlear nucleus is from both sides. Periolivary cells that project to the inferior colliculus include medial and lateral groups. Cells of the lateral group project from both sides. These cells are multipolar in shape and contain lightly staining, flocculent Nissl substance. They are predominantly located immediately ventral to the lateral superior olive. Projections from the medial group are predominantly ipsilateral and arise from the region medial to the medial superior olive. The cells are multipolar and contain clumped Nissl substance. They often lie near "large" olivocochlear cells, which they resemble in Nissl material, but are distinguished from the latter in Protargol material by having ring-type axosomatic endings. The appearance and locations of these six classes of periolivary cells make it possible to recognize them in nonexperimental material and to infer with confidence what their projections are. These results show considerable organization of these previously little understood structures.

Evidence of sub-collicular auditory projections to the medial geniculate nucleus in the cat: an autoradiographic and horseradish peroxidase study

Connection of a posteromedial region of the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus were examined in the cat using the autoradiographic tracing method. This sub-collicular region previously had been shown, using retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase, to send axons to the superior colliculus. The autoradiographic findings revealed that many axons from the posteromedial region of the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus that entered the superior colliculus continued into the midbrain reticular formation. Moreover, other axons traced rostral to the interior colliculus into the thalamus ended in the medial geniculate nucleus, bilaterally. Experiments in which horseradish peroxidase was placed in the medial geniculate nucleus retrogradely labeled the large neurons in the posteromedial region supporting the autoradiographic observations. Other sub-collicular regions also contained labeled cells in these cases, including the main body of the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus and scattered cell groups around the superior olivary complex.

Auditory neuronal sizes after a unilateral conductive hearing loss

The left external auditory meatus was removed in 4-day-old CBA/J mice; after killing at 45 days, serial sections of the cochleae and brain stem were prepared. From these, the cross-sectional areas of spiral ganglion neurons and of 14 auditory brain stem neuronal types were measured, using a total of 210 neurons of each of the 15 types from both the right and left sides. Nine neuronal types were significantly smaller (P less than 0.01) on the left side: spiral ganglion neurons; globular, small spherical, large spherical, octopus, multipolar, and granule cells of the ventral cochlear nucleus; Purkinje-like cells of the dorsal cochlear nucleus; and spindle cells of the lateral superior olivary nucleus. Two neuronal types were significantly smaller (P less than 0.01) on the right: principal cells of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (superior olivary complex), and spindle-shape principal neurons of the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus. The left ventral cochlear nucleus had significantly smaller volume (P less than 0.01) than the right but right and left dorsal cochlear nuclear volumes did not differ significantly (P greater than 0.05). Right and left sides were not significantly different (P greater than 0.05) for the following neuronal types: fusiform cells and coarse- and fine-Nissl deep cells of the dorsal cochlear nucleus, and rostral bipolar cells of the medial superior olivary nucleus. Neurons affected by unilateral conductive loss were not significantly different (P greater than 0.05) from the same cells in mice with bilateral conductive losses; neurons not affected by unilateral conductive loss were not significantly different (P greater than 0.05) from the same cells in normal mice.

Pathways connecting the right and left cochlear nuclei

Connections between the right and left cochlear nuclei were studied with retrograde and anterograde axonal transport techniques. Large, multipolar neurons in the anterior and posterior divisions of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus and in the posteroventral cochlear nucleus project to the ventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei on the opposite side. In addition, giant cells in the deep layers of the dorsal cochlear nucleus project to the contralateral posteroventral cochlear nucleus and possibly also to the contralateral dorsal cochlear nucleus. The pattern of terminal distribution of the crossed connections was determined by using the anterograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase-labelled wheat germ lectin. Although no part of the cochlear nuclear complex is completely free of anterograde label, the densest labelling is found in the anterior division of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus, throughout the posteroventral cochlear nucleus (where it is closely associated with cell bodies), and in the fusiform and superficial layers of the dorsal cochlear nucleus. These direct synaptic connections from one cochlear nucleus to the other could play a significant role in processes that depend on binaural interactions within the central nervous system.

The neuronal architecture of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus of the cat in the region of the cochlear nerve root: horseradish peroxidase labelling of identified cell types

Golgi impregnations of the posterior part of the cat's anteroventral cochlear nucleus have revealed two types of neurons, bushy cells with short bush-like dendrites and stellate cells with long, tapered processes; Nissl stains have revealed globular and multipolar cell bodies with dispersed and clumped ribosomal patterns, respectively. In the present study, we injected horseradish peroxidase into the trapezoid body. Ipsilaterally, retrograde, diffuse labelling of neurons, presumably through damaged fibers, yielded Golgi-like profiles of numerous bushy cells with typical dendrites and with thick axons projecting toward the trapezoid body. Stellate cells were almost never labelled in this way. Anterograde diffuse labelling of thick axons demonstrated calyx endings in the contralateral medial nucleus of the trapezoid body. In the electron-microscope, the perikarya of diffusely-filled bushy neurons were found to have the dispersed ribosomal pattern and the kinds of synaptic endings typical of globular cells, including large profiles of end-bulbs from cochlear nerve axons. After injections restricted to the medial trapezoid nucleus, granularly-labelled cells in the cochlear nucleus were almost completely confined to the contralateral side; Nissl counterstaining showed them to be globular cells in the posterior part of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus. After larger injections, involving surrounding regions of the superior olivary complex, granular labelling occurred throughout the ventral cochlear nucleus on both sides. There is also evidence that stellate cells in Golgi impregnations correspond to multipolar cell bodies in Nissl stains. We conclude that bushy cells typically correspond to globular cells, which receive end-bulbs from the cochlea and send thick axons to the contralateral medial trapezoid nucleus, where they form calyces on principal cells. Principal cells, in turn, are known to project to the lateral superior olive and to one of the nuclei of origin of the crossed olivo-cochlear bundle, which feeds back to the cochlea. In this circuit, correlations between synaptic patterns and particular physiological signal transfer characteristics can be suggested. These could be related to binaural intensity interactions in the lateral superior olive and to a regulatory loop involving the olivo-cochlear bundles.

The neuronal architecture of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus of the cat in the region of the cochlear nerve root: Golgi and Nissl methods

This report characterizes the cells and fibers in one part of the cochlear nucleus, the posterior division of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus. This includes the region where the cochlear nerve root enters the brain and begins to form endings. Nissl stains reveal the somata of globular cells with dispersed Nissl substance and those of multipolar cells with coarse, clumped Nissl bodies. Both parts of the posterior division contain cells with each Nissl pattern, but in different relative numbers and locations. Golgi impregnations demonstrate two types of neurons: bushy cells, with short bush-like dendrites, and stellate and elongate cells, with long tapered dendrites. Several varieties of bushy cells, differing in the morphology of the cell body and in the size and extent of the dendritic field, can be distinguished. Comparison of the distributions of these cell types, as well as cellular morphology, suggest that the globular cells recognized in Nissl stains correspond to bushy neurons, while the multipolar cells correspond to stellate and elongate neurons. Golgi impregnations reveal large end-bulbs and smaller boutons from cochlear nerve fibers, as well as boutons from other, unidentified sources, ending in this region. The particular arrangements of the dendritic fields of the different cell types and the axonal endings associated with them indicate that these neurons must have different physiological properties, since they define different domains with respect to the cochlear and non-cochlear inputs.

A Golgi study of the medial geniculate body in the tree shrew (Tupaia glis)

The subdivisions of the medial geniculate body in Tupaia recognized in previous connectional and cytoarchitectural studies are identified in Golgi-impregnated material. They may be distinguished by the organization of the neuropil, especially the dendrites, and, in many cases, by differences in the neurons. The ventral nucleus contains tufted cells with disc-shaped dendritic fields which are aligned to form laminae. The caudomarginal and deep dorsal nuclei have less tufted, less precisely arranged cells with longer, thin appendages. Neurons in the suprageniculate and dorsal nuclei are similar except that they apparently are arranged more randomly and tend to have more spherically shaped dendritic fields. The medial division is characterized rostrally by the presence of stellate cells and caudally by large cells which appear to be the neurons, observed in previous studies to have widespread connections. The results of this Golgi study suggest that the subdivisions of the medial geniculate body might be grouped differently than in previous reports. When combined with data from previous studies of connections, the results show that the medial geniculate body of even distantly related species may follow a common plan. The ventral nucleus is the medial geniculate component of the central pathway which extends from the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus to the primary auditory cortex. Most of the other medial geniculate subdivisions participate in either pericentral pathways originating in the cortex and other nuclei which surround the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus or in the pathways of the lateral midbrain tegmentum. Pericentral and lateral tegmental pathways terminate in non-primary auditory cortex. The widespread pathway involves only the caudal nucleus of the medial division. It receives afferents from most, if not all, of the midbrain regions that give rise to the other pathways and distributes to all parts of the auditory cortex where it terminated in layers other than layer III-IV.

Tonotopic organization of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus of the cat

A quantitatively accurate map of the tonotopic organization of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) was derived from single unit recordings. Histologically localized single unit recordings from many animals were mapped onto a computerized atlas of the cochlear nucleus, and surfaces of constant characteristic frequency (CF) estimated with the aid of computer graphics. In anterior AVCN the surfaces of constant CF were found to be parallel planes, whereas in posterior AVCN they progressively deviated from this simple description. A further complication was noted in the most posterior portion of the AVCN where units with very different CF was found in close proximity. Comparison of the tonotopic map with descriptions of cellular organization shows conclusively that different CF ranges are dominant in the various cytoarchitectonic regions of the AVCN.

Effect of monaural and binaural stimulation on cytoplasmic RNA content in cells of the central nucleus of the cat inferior colliculus

A cytophotometric study of sections stained with gallocyanin and chrome alum showed that monaural stimulation for 2 h and binaural stimulation for 1.5 h with rhythmic noise signals led to a marked increase in the cytoplasmic RNA content per cell in the principal and large multipolar neurons of the dorsal and ventral parts of the ventrolateral region of the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus. The increase in cytoplasmic RNA content in the principal cells of the ipsi- and contralateral parts of this nucleus relative to the stimulated ear in the case of monaural stimulation and the increase in RNA content in response to binaural stimulation suggests a uniform distribution of bilaterally converging connections from the lower nuclei of the auditory system on the principal cells. The increase in cytoplasmic RNA in the large multipolar cells of the contralateral central nucleus in response to monaural stimulation is evidence of the predominantly contralateral projection to these cells. The results are evidence of convergence of binaural influences on the principal and large multipolar cells of the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus.

Ascending auditory afferents to the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus

Afferents from the hindbrain auditory system to the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus were analyzed by the use of orthograde and retrograde axon-tracing techniques. Three divisions of the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus, a dorsal, an intermediate, and a ventral division are discussed. The dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus is a recipient of afferents from cells located mainly in the superior olivary complex and the contralateral dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. It receives direct afferents from only a few cells in the cochlear nuclei. In sharp contrast, the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus is the recipient of afferents from many cells in the contralateral ventral cochlear nucleus and from only a few cells in the superior olivary complex. Further, it receives no afferents from cells in the contralateral nuclei of the lateral lemniscus. The intermediate nucleus of the lateral lemniscus receives afferents from some cells in the cochlear nucleus and the superior olivary complex. It is unique among the three nuclei of the lateral lemniscus in that it receives a substantial projection from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body.

The nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis in the rat. Demonstration of afferents by the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase

Injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were placed in the middle or caudal portion of the nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis (PGCL) and 24 h later the entire spinal cord and brain were processed and examined for labeled neurons. Spinal afferents arise from all levels of the cord. Rexed's lamination scheme was adapted to the spinal cord of the rat and labelled neurons were localized to laminae IV, V, VII, VIII and X mainly on the side contralateral to the injection. At cervical levels, labeled neurons were consistently found bilaterally. The medial reticular nuclei of the medulla and pons contained HRP-labelled perikarya, which were concentrated most heavily in the nuclei reticularis medullae oblongatae ventralis, gigantocellularis, and pontis caudalis predominantly ipsilateral to the injection. The medial vestibular nucleus was consistently labeled. HRP-labeled perikarya were found bilaterally within the commissural portion and in the medial part of the nucleus of the solitary tract on the side of the injection. The rostral portion of the PGCL receives afferents from some secondary auditory nuclei: the ipsilateral inferior colliculus and the posterior ventral cochlear nucleus bilaterally. Thus, the rostral PGCL may be involved in auditory feedback loops. The caudal raphe nuclei are a major source of afferents to the caudal PGCL. The lateral hypothalamic area, paraventricular nucleus, and zona incerta also contain labeled neurons when injections are centered in the caudal portion of the nucleus.

Development of the brain stem in the rat. III. Thymidine-radiographic study of the time of origin of neurons of the vestibular and auditory nuclei of the upper medulla

Groups of pregnant rats were injected with two successive daily doses of 3H-thymidine from gestational days 12 and 13 (E12 + 13) until the day before parturition (E21 + 22). In adult progeny of the injected rats the proportion of neurons generated on specific embryonic days was determined quantitatively in the vestibular and auditory nuclei of the upper medulla. In the vestibular nuclei, neurons are generated between days E11 and E15 in an overlapping sequential order, yielding a lateral-to-medial and a rostral-to-caudal internuclear gradient. In the lateral vestibular nucleus peak production time is day E12; in the superior nucleus, E13; in the inferior nucleus, E13 and E14; and in the medial nucleus, E14. The early generation of neurons of the lateral vestibular nucleus may reflect the early differentiation of the circuit from the gravity receptors (utricle) to neurons of the spinal cord controlling postural balance. The later production of neurons of the superior vestibular nucleus may reflect the subsequent differentiation of the circuit from the rotational receptors (semicircular canals) to the neurons of the brain stem controlling eye movements. The generation time of neurons of the nucleus prepositus hypoglossi overlaps with that of the medial vestibular nucleus. The neurons of the anteroventral and posteroventral cochlear nuclei are produced from days E13 to E17, with no temporal differences between the two nuclei. The neurons of the dorsal cochlear nucleus are generated over a very long time span, beginning on day E12 and extending into the postnatal period. There is a sequence in the production of neurons forming the different layers of the dorsal cochlear nucleus in the following order: pyramidal cells, cells of the inner layer, cells of the outer layer and, finally, cells of the granular layer. There is also a sequential production of neurons in four nuclei of the superior olivary complex. In the lateral trapezoid nucleus peak production time is day E12; in the medial superior olivary nucleus, day E13; in the medial trapezoid nucleus, day E15; and in the lateral superior olivary nucleus, day E16. This order yields a medial-to-lateral gradient in the dorsal aspect of the superior olivary complex, and a lateral-to-medial gradient ventrally. These mirror-image gradients were also seen intranuclearly in the lateral superior olivary nucleus and the medial trapezoid nucleus. The cytogenetic gradients could not be related to tonotopic representation; however, they could be related to the lateral location of ipsilateral cochlear nucleus input to the lateral superior olivary nucleus and the medial location of the contralateral cochlear nucleus input to the medial trapezoid nucleus.

The dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus in the cat: neuronal types and their distributions

The normal population of neurons and their distributions within the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus were studied in both Nissl-stained celloidin and frozen sections and in Golgi impregnations from brains of mature cats. According to axial measurements of somata in Nissl-stained material, neurons of the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (DNLL) were classified by width:length ratio (r) into round (0.80 less than or equal to r less than or equal to 1.0), ovoid (0.65 < r < 0.80), or elongate (r less than or equal to 0.65) types. These same neurons could also be classed by average diameter (Dm) as large (Dm greater than or equal to 22), medium (12.0 less than or equal to Dm < 22.0), or small (Dm < 12.0). A combination of data on ratios (shape) and average diameters (size) provided the following possible categories of Nissl-stained, DNLL neurons: large round (LR), large ovoid (LO), large elongate (LE), medium round (MR), medium ovoid (MO), medium elongate (ME), small round (SR), small ovoid (SQ), and small elongate (SE). Very few small cells were found, however. Quantitative studies of the distributions of cell type within the whole DNLL showed (1) most medium-sized and most LE cells in the caudal third of the DNLL and (2) most LO and LR cells dorsally located in the rostral third of the DNLL. There were progressively more large and more round types along the caudal-to-rostral axis. In Golgi impregnations of the DNLL, all medium and large cell types, but no small cell types (defined in the Nissl study) were found. Golgi material showed (1) subdivisions of the LO class into vertical (LOV) and horizontal (LOH) types, and (2) radiate (MRR) and oriented (MRO) subclasses of MR neurons according to dendritic arbor and cytology, orientation within the DNLL, and axonal morphology. Examples from all classes of large cells (particularly, LE cells) could have ventrally directed axons. These ventrally directed axons might be efferents to the cochlear nucleus, known from our previous work. A strong horizontal orientation of most DNLL cell somata and dendrites, shown in both our Nissl and Golgi material, is discussed in relation to known inputs to the DNLL. Correlations of our morphological findings with limited electrophysiological data on the DNLL are also discussed.

The brainstem projection of the vestibular nerve in the cat

The projection of the vestibular nerve to the brainstem of the cat was re-examined with silver degeneration methods after complete lesions of the vestibular ganglion. Whereas previous investigations emphasize that only parts of the major vestibular nuclei are innervated by the vestibular nerve, the present investigation shows that only the dorsal division of the lateral vestibular nucleus is uninnervated. Thus, the terminal field of the vestibular nerve extends to the cytoarchitectonic boundaries of the superior, medial, descending, and the ventral division of the lateral vestibular nuclei. Vestibular nerve fibers were also traced to discrete terminal fields in the reticular formation lateral to the abducens nucleus and in the rostral, lateral parts of the accessory cuneate nucleus. These observations indicate a more widespread distribution of vestibular nerve fibers in the brainstem of the cat than previously believed.