Lingually induced inhibition of masseteric motoneurones

Developmental changes in GABAergic and glycinergic synaptic transmission to rat motoneurons innervating jaw-closing and jaw-opening muscles

Trigeminal motoneurons (MNs) innervating the jaw-closing and jaw-opening muscles receive numerous inhibitory synaptic inputs from GABAergic and glycinergic neurons, which are essential for oromotor functions, such as the orofacial reflex, suckling, and mastication. The properties of the GABAergic and glycinergic inputs of these MNs undergo developmental alterations during the period in which their feeding behavior proceeds from suckling to mastication; however, the detailed characteristics of the developmental patterns of GABAergic and glycinergic transmission in these neurons remain to be elucidated. This study was conducted to investigate developmental changes in miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in masseter (jaw-closing) and digastric (jaw-opening) MNs using brainstem slice preparations obtained from Wistar rats on postnatal day (P)2-5, P9-12, and P14-17. The frequency and amplitude of glycinergic mIPSCs substantially increased with age in both the masseter and digastric MNs. The rise time and decay time of glycinergic mIPSCs in both MNs decreased during development. In contrast, the frequency of GABAergic components in masseter MNs was higher at P2-5 than at P14-17, whereas that in the digastric MNs remained unchanged throughout the postnatal period. The proportion of currents mediated by GABA-glycine co-transmission was higher at P2-5, and then it decreased with age in both MNs. These results suggest that characteristics related to the development of inhibitory synaptic inputs differ between jaw-closing and jaw-opening MNs and between GABAergic and glycinergic currents. These distinct developmental characteristics may contribute to the development of feeding behaviors.

Efferent and afferent connections of supratrigeminal neurons conveying orofacial muscle proprioception in rats

The supratrigeminal nucleus (Su5) is a key structure for controlling jaw movements; it receives proprioceptive sensation from jaw-closing muscle spindles (JCMSs) and sends projections to the trigeminal motor nucleus (Mo5). However, the central projections and regulation of JCMS proprioceptive sensation are not yet fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to reveal the efferent and afferent connections of the Su5 using neuronal tract tracings. Anterograde tracer injections into the Su5 revealed that the Su5 sends contralateral projections (or bilateral projections with a contralateral predominance) to the Su5, basilar pontine nuclei, pontine reticular nucleus, deep mesencephalic nucleus, superior colliculus, caudo-ventromedial edge of the ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus, parafascicular thalamic nucleus, zona incerta, and lateral hypothalamus, and ipsilateral projections (or bilateral projections with an ipsilateral predominance) to the intertrigeminal region, trigeminal oral subnucleus, dorsal medullary reticular formation, and hypoglossal nucleus as well as the Mo5. Retrograde tracer injections into the Su5 demonstrated that the Su5 receives bilateral projections with a contralateral predominance (or contralateral projections) from the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices, granular insular cortex, and Su5, and ipsilateral projections (or bilateral projections with an ipsilateral predominance) from the dorsal peduncular cortex, bed nuclei of stria terminalis, central amygdaloid nucleus, lateral hypothalamus, parasubthalamic nucleus, trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus, parabrachial nucleus, juxtatrigeminal region, trigeminal oral and caudal subnuclei, and dorsal medullary reticular formation. These findings suggest that the Su5, which receives JCMS proprioception, has efferent and afferent connections with multiple brain regions that are involved in emotional and autonomic functions as well as orofacial motor functions.

Suppression of the Swallowing Reflex during Rhythmic Jaw Movements Induced by Repetitive Electrical Stimulation of the Dorsomedial Part of the Central Amygdaloid Nucleus in Rats

A previous study indicated that the swallowing reflex is inhibited during rhythmic jaw movements induced by electrical stimulation of the anterior cortical masticatory area. Rhythmic jaw movements were induced by electrical stimulation of the central amygdaloid nucleus (CeA). The swallowing central pattern generator is the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and the lateral reticular formation in the medulla. Morphological studies have reported that the CeA projects to the NTS and the lateral reticular formation. It is therefore likely that the CeA is related to the control of the swallowing reflex. The purpose of this study was to determine if rhythmic jaw movements driven by CeA had inhibitory roles in the swallowing reflex induced by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN). Rats were anesthetised with urethane. The SLN was solely stimulated for 10 s, and the swallowing reflex was recorded (SLN stimulation before SLN + CeA stimulation). Next, the SLN and the CeA were electrically stimulated at the same time for 10 s, and the swallowing reflex was recorded during rhythmic jaw movements (SLN + CeA stimulation). Finally, the SLN was solely stimulated (SLN stimulation following SLN + CeA stimulation). The number of swallows was reduced during rhythmic jaw movements. The onset latency of the first swallow was significantly longer in the SLN + CeA stimulation than in the SLN stimulation before SLN + CeA stimulation and SLN stimulation following SLN + CeA stimulation. These results support the idea that the coordination of swallowing reflex with rhythmic jaw movements could be regulated by the CeA.

Projection and synaptic connectivity of trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus neurons controlling jaw reflexes

Neurons in the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus (Vmes) receive deep sensation (proprioception) from jaw-closing muscle spindles and periodontal ligaments and project primarily to the jaw-closing motoneuron pool (jaw-closing nucleus) of the trigeminal motor nucleus and to the supratrigeminal nucleus. Numerous articles have described the morphology and physiology of the central projections of Vmes afferents originating from the muscle spindles and periodontal ligaments. However, no report has provided a detailed description of projection and synaptic connectivity, especially of single afferents, and their functional implications. In this review, we reanalyze data obtained by single intra-axonal recording and labeling of functionally identified Vmes muscle spindle afferents and periodontal ligament afferents and by electron microscopic observation of their projection features and synaptic organization of boutons, to compare the data for the jaw-closing nucleus and supratrigeminal nucleus. Our analysis shows that each Vmes afferent type has characteristic projection pattern and synaptic feature that may be important in jaw-reflex control.

Transcortical descending pathways through granular insular cortex conveying orofacial proprioception

Our motor behavior can be affected by proprioceptive information. However, little is known about which brain circuits contribute to this process. We have recently revealed that the proprioceptive information arising from jaw-closing muscle spindles (JCMSs) is conveyed to the supratrigeminal nucleus (Su5) by neurons in the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus (Me5), then to the caudo-ventromedial edge of ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPMcvm), and finally to the dorsal part of granular insular cortex rostroventrally adjacent to the rostralmost part of secondary somatosensory cortex (dGIrvs2). Our next question is which brain areas receive the information from the dGIrvs2 for the jaw-movements. To test this issue, we injected an anterograde tracer, biotinylated dextranamine, into the dGIrvs2, and analyzed the resultant distribution profiles of the labeled axon terminals. Anterogradely labeled axons were distributed in the pontomedullary areas (including the Su5) which are known to receive JCMS proprioceptive inputs conveyed directly by the Me5 neurons and to contain premotoneurons projecting to the jaw-closing motoneurons in the trigeminal motor nucleus (Mo5). They were also found in and around the VPMcvm. In contrast, no labeled axonal terminals were detected on the cell bodies of Me5 neurons and motoneurons in the Mo5. These data suggest that jaw-movements, which are evoked by the classically defined jaw-reflex arc originating from the peripheral JCMS proprioceptive information, could also be modulated by the transcortical feedback connections from the dGIrvs2 to the VPMcvm and Su5.

Thalamo-insular pathway conveying orofacial muscle proprioception in the rat

Little is known about how proprioceptive signals arising from muscles reach to higher brain regions such as the cerebral cortex. We have recently shown that a particular thalamic region, the caudo-ventromedial edge (VPMcvm) of ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM), receives the proprioceptive signals from jaw-closing muscle spindles (JCMSs) in rats. In this study, we further addressed how the orofacial thalamic inputs from the JCMSs were transmitted from the thalamus (VPMcvm) to the cerebral cortex in rats. Injections of a retrograde and anterograde neuronal tracer, wheat-germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP), into the VPMcvm demonstrated that the thalamic pathway terminated mainly in a rostrocaudally narrow area in the dorsal part of granular insular cortex rostroventrally adjacent to the rostralmost part of the secondary somatosensory cortex (dGIrvs2). We also electrophysiologically confirmed that the dGIrvs2 received the proprioceptive inputs from JCMSs. To support the anatomical evidence of the VPMcvm-dGIrvs2 pathway, injections of a retrograde neuronal tracer Fluorogold into the dGIrvs2 demonstrated that the thalamic neurons projecting to the dGIrvs2 were confined in the VPMcvm and the parvicellular part of ventral posterior nucleus. In contrast, WGA-HRP injections into the lingual nerve area of core VPM demonstrated that axon terminals were mainly labeled in the core regions of the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices, which were far from the dGIrvs2. These results suggest that the dGIrvs2 is a specialized cortical region receiving the orofacial proprioceptive inputs. Functional contribution of the revealed JCMSs-VPMcvm-dGIrvs2 pathway to Tourette syndrome is also discussed.

Revisiting the supratrigeminal nucleus in the rat

The supratrigeminal nucleus (Vsup), originally proposed as a premotoneuron pool in the trigeminal reflex arc, is a key structure of jaw movement control. Surprisingly, however, the location of the rat Vsup has not precisely been defined. In light of our previous cat studies, we made two hypotheses regarding the rat Vsup: (1) the Vsup is cytoarchitectonically distinguishable from its surrounding structures; (2) the Vsup receives central axon terminals of the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus (Vmes) neurons which are primary afferents innervating muscle spindles of jaw-closing muscles and periodontal ligaments around the teeth. To test the first hypothesis, we examined the cytoarchitecture of the rat Vsup. The Vsup was identified as an area medially adjacent to the dorsomedial part of trigeminal principal sensory nucleus (Vp), and extended from the level just rostral to the caudal two-thirds of the trigeminal motor nucleus (Vmo) to the level approximately 150 μm caudal to the Vmo. Our rat Vsup was much smaller and its location was considerably different in comparison to the Vsup reported previously. To evaluate the second hypothesis, we tested the distribution patterns of Vmes primary afferent terminals in the cytoarchitectonically identified Vsup. After transganglionic tracer applications to the masseter, deep temporal, and medial pterygoid nerves, a large number of axon terminals were observed in all parts of Vsup (especially in its medial part). After applications to the inferior alveolar, infraorbital, and lingual nerves, a small number of axon terminals were labeled in the caudolateral Vsup. The Vsup could also be identified electrophysiologically. After electrical stimulation of the masseter nerve, evoked potentials with slow negative component were isolated only in the Vsup. The present findings suggest that the rat Vsup can be cytoarchitectonically and electrophysiologically identified, receives somatotopic termination of the trigeminal primary afferents, and principally receives strong termination of the spindle Vmes primary afferents.

Electrophysiological and morphological properties of rat supratrigeminal premotor neurons targeting the trigeminal motor nucleus

The electrophysiological and morphological characteristics of premotor neurons in the supratrigeminal region (SupV) targeting the trigeminal motor nucleus (MoV) were examined in neonatal rat brain stem slice preparations with Ca(2+) imaging, whole cell recordings, and intracellular biocytin labeling. First, we screened SupV neurons that showed a rapid rise in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) after single-pulse electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral MoV. Subsequent whole cell recordings were generated from the screened SupV neurons, and their antidromic responses to MoV stimulation were confirmed. We divided the antidromically activated premotor neurons into two groups according to their discharge patterns during the steady state in response to 1-s depolarizing current pulses: those firing at a frequency higher (HF neurons, n = 19) or lower (LF neurons, n = 17) than 33 Hz. In addition, HF neurons had a narrower action potential and a larger afterhyperpolarization than LF neurons. Intracellular labeling revealed that the axons of all HF neurons (6/6) and half of the LF neurons (4/9) entered the MoV from its dorsomedial aspect, whereas the axons of the remaining LF neurons (5/9) entered the MoV from its dorsolateral aspect. Furthermore, the dendrites of three HF neurons penetrated into the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus (Vp), whereas the dendrites of all LF neurons were confined within the SupV. These results suggest that the types of SupV premotor neurons targeting the MoV with different firing properties have different dendritic and axonal morphologies, and these SupV neuron classes may play unique roles in diverse oral motor behaviors, such as suckling and mastication.

Properties of synaptic transmission from the reticular formation dorsal to the facial nucleus to trigeminal motoneurons during early postnatal development in rats

We previously reported that electrical stimulation of the reticular formation dorsal to the facial nucleus (RdVII) elicited excitatory masseter responses at short latencies and that RdVII neurons were antidromically activated by stimulation of the trigeminal motor nucleus (MoV), suggesting that excitatory premotor neurons targeting the MoV are likely located in the RdVII. We thus examined the properties of synaptic transmission from the RdVII to jaw-closing and jaw-opening motoneurons in horizontal brainstem preparations from developing rats using voltage-sensitive dye, patch-clamp recordings and laser photostimulation. Electrical stimulation of the RdVII evoked optical responses in the MoV. Combined bath application of the non-N-methyl-d-aspartate (non-NMDA) receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), and the NMDA receptor antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (APV) reduced these optical responses, and addition of the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine and the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline further reduced the remaining responses. Electrical stimulation of the RdVII evoked postsynaptic currents (PSCs) in all 19 masseter motoneurons tested in postnatal day (P)1-4 rats, and application of CNQX and the NMDA receptor antagonist (+/-)-3(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) reduced the PSC amplitudes by more than 50%. In the presence of CNQX and CPP, the GABA(A) receptor antagonist SR95531 further reduced PSC amplitude, and addition of strychnine abolished the remaining PSCs. Photostimulation of the RdVII with caged glutamate also evoked PSCs in masseter motoneurons of P3-4 rats. In P8-11 rats, electrical stimulation of the RdVII also evoked PSCs in all 14 masseter motoneurons tested, and the effects of the antagonists on the PSCs were similar to those in P1-4 rats. On the other hand, RdVII stimulation evoked PSCs in only three of 16 digastric motoneurons tested. These results suggest that both neonatal and juvenile jaw-closing motoneurons receive strong synaptic inputs from the RdVII through activation of glutamate, glycine and GABA(A) receptors, whereas inputs from the RdVII to jaw-opening motoneurons seem to be weak.

Synaptic Transmission From the Supratrigeminal Region to Jaw-Closing and Jaw-Opening Motoneurons in Developing Rats

The supratrigeminal region (SupV) receives abundant orofacial sensory inputs and descending inputs from the cortical masticatory area and contains premotor neurons that target the trigeminal motor nucleus (MoV). Thus it is possible that the SupV is involved in controlling jaw muscle activity via sensory inputs during mastication. We used voltage-sensitive dye, laser photostimulation, patch-clamp recordings, and intracellular biocytin labeling to investigate synaptic transmission from the SupV to jaw-closing and jaw-opening motoneurons in the MoV in brain stem slice preparations from developing rats. Electrical stimulation of the SupV evoked optical responses in the MoV. An antidromic optical response was evoked in the SupV by MoV stimulation, whereas synaptic transmission was suppressed by substitution of external Ca2+ with Mn2+. Photostimulation of the SupV with caged glutamate evoked rapid inward currents in the trigeminal motoneurons. Gramicidin-perforated and whole cell patch-clamp recordings from masseter motoneurons (MMNs) and digastric motoneurons (DMNs) revealed that glycinergic and GABAergic postsynaptic responses evoked in MMNs and DMNs by SupV stimulation were excitatory in P1–P4 neonatal rats and inhibitory in P9–P12 juvenile rats, whereas glutamatergic postsynaptic responses evoked by SupV stimulation were excitatory in both neonates and juveniles. Furthermore, the axons of biocytin-labeled SupV neurons that were antidromically activated by MoV stimulation terminated in the MoV. Our results suggest that inputs from the SupV excite MMNs and DMNs through activation of glutamate, glycine, and GABAA receptors in neonates, whereas glycinergic and GABAergic inputs from the SupV inhibit MMNs and DMNs in juveniles.

Intrinsic membrane properties and morphological characteristics of interneurons in the rat supratrigeminal region

The membrane properties and morphological features of interneurons in the supratrigeminal area (SupV) were studied in rat brain slices using whole-cell patch clamp recording techniques. We classified three morphological types of neurons as fusiform, pyramidal, and multipolar and four physiological types of neurons according to their discharge pattern in response to a 1-sec depolarizing current pulse from -80 mV. Single-spike neurons responded with a single spike, phasic neurons showed an initial burst of spikes and were silent during the remainder of the stimulus, delayed-firing (DF) neurons exhibited a slow depolarization and delay to initial spike onset, and tonic (T) neurons showed maintained a discharge throughout the stimulus pulse. In a subpopulation of neurons (10%), membrane depolarization to around -44 mV produced a rhythmic burst discharge (RB) that was associated with voltage-dependent subthreshold membrane oscillations. Both these phenomena were blocked by the sodium channel blocker riluzole at a concentration that did not affect the fast transient spike. Low doses of 4-AP, which blocks low-threshold K+ currents, transformed bursting into low-frequency tonic discharge. In contrast, bursting occurred with exposure to cadium, a calcium-channel blocker. This suggests that persistent sodium currents and low-threshold K+ currents have a role in intrinsic burst generation. Importantly, RB cells were most often associated with multipolar neurons that exhibited either a DF or a T discharge. Thus, the SupV contains a variety of physiological cell types with unique morphologies and discharge characteristics. Intrinsic bursting neurons form a unique group in this region. .

The location of brainstem neurons with bilateral projections to the motor nuclei of jaw openers in the cat

Symmetrical motor output is the rule in the masticatory system. We examined morphologically how this functional symmetry might be reflected in the organization of premotor neurons that could mediate excitation of jaw-opener motoneurons. Premotor neurons projecting bilaterally to jaw-opener motoneurons by way of axon collaterals were identified by retrograde dual-labeling with cholera toxin B-conjugated fluorescein isothiocyanate (CTb-FITC) and tetramethylrhodamine (TMR). In each cat, CTb-FITC and TMR were injected into the digastric motoneuron pools, respectively, on the left and right sides. In three animals, 69-147 neurons were labeled with both tracers, comprising approximately 44% of all retrogradely labeled cells. Double-labeled cells were located bilaterally in the trigeminal oral nucleus (Vo) and the adjacent reticular formation (RF), the former containing a larger number of cells. Neurons labeled with only one tracer were also distributed bilaterally in the Vo and RF. The results indicated that the bilaterally projecting premoter neurons identified mainly in the Vo and RF represent neuronal substrates for the symmetry that characterizes most jaw movements.

Involvement of reticular neurons located dorsal to the facial nucleus in activation of the jaw-closing muscle in rats

The location of excitatory premotor neurons for jaw-closing motoneurons was examined by the use of electrical and chemical stimulation and extracellular single-unit recording techniques in the anesthetized rat. Single-pulse electrical stimulation of the supratrigeminal region (SupV) and the reticular formation dorsal to the facial nucleus (RdVII) elicited masseter EMG response at mean (+/-SD) latencies of 2.22 +/- 0.59 ms and 3.10 +/- 1.14 ms, respectively. Microinjection (0.1-0.3 microl) of glutamate (50 mM) or kainate (0.5-100 microM) into RdVII increased masseter nerve activity in artificially ventilated and immobilized rats by 30.2 +/- 40.5% and 50.7 +/- 46.8% compared to baseline values, respectively. Forty reticular neurons were antidromically activated by stimulation of the ipsilateral trigeminal motor nucleus (MoV). Twenty neurons were found in RdVII, and the remaining 20 neurons were located in SupV, or areas adjacent to SupV or RdVII. Eleven neurons in RdVII responded to at least either passive jaw opening or light pressure applied to the teeth or tongue. Nine neurons responded to passive jaw opening. Five of the nine neurons responded to multiple stimulus categories. A monosynaptic excitatory projection from one neuron in RdVII was detected by spike-triggered averaging of the rectified masseter nerve activity. We suggest that reticular neurons in RdVII are involved in increasing masseter muscle activity and that excitatory premotor neurons for masseter motoneurons are likely located in this area. RdVII could be an important candidate for controlling activity of jaw-closing muscles via peripheral inputs.

Unilateral application of an inflammatory irritant to the rat temporomandibular joint region produces bilateral modulation of the jaw-opening reflex

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of unilateral acute inflammation of craniofacial deep tissues on the ipsilateral and contralateral jaw-opening reflex (JOR). The effects of mustard oil (MO), injected into the temporomandibular joint region, were tested on the JOR recorded in the digastric muscle and evoked by low-intensity electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral and contralateral inferior alveolar nerve in anesthetized rats. The MO injection induced a long-lasting suppression of the amplitude of both ipsilaterally and contralaterally evoked JOR, although the latency and duration of the JOR were unaffected. The suppressive effect was more prominent for the contralaterally evoked JOR, and observed even when background activity in the digastric muscle was increased by the MO injection. The results indicate that changes in the JOR amplitude following MO injection do not simply reflect alterations in motoneuronal excitability, and suggest that inflammation of deep craniofacial tissues modulates low-threshold sensory transmission to the motoneurons.

Efferent and afferent connections of GABAergic neurons in the supratrigeminal and the intertrigeminal regions

It has been reported in the cat and rat that inhibitory premotor neurons, which send their axons to motoneurons of the trigeminal motor nucleus (Vm) are distributed in the reticular regions around the Vm, especially in the supratrigeminal region (Vsup) and the intertrigeminal region (Vint). In the present study, we examined neuronal connections of GABAergic neurons in the Vsup and Vint in the mouse by utilizing the adult heterozygous GAD67-GFP knock-in mouse, in which green fluorescence protein (GFP) is expressed in GABAergic neurons under the control of the endogenous GAD (GAD67) gene promoter [Yanagawa, Y., Kaneko, K., Kanbara, N., Totsuka, M., Yagi, T., Obata, K., 2001. Development of mouse expressing GFP in GABAergic neurons. Neurosci. Res. Suppl. 25, S77; Tamamaki, N., Yanagawa, Y., Tomioka, R., Miyazaki, J.-I., Obata, K., Kaneko, T., 2003. Green fluorescent protein expression and colocalization with calretinin, parvalbumin and somatostatin in the GAD67-GFP knock-in mouse. J. Comp. Neurol. 467, 60-79]. The connections were examined light- and electron-microscopically by combining the anterograde or the retrograde tract-tracing method with the immunohistochemical method for GFP. The data indicated that the Vsup and Vint of the mouse contained GABAergic neurons, which received projection fibers from the marginal layer of the nucleus of the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve (Vc) on the ipsilateral side and sent their axons to the Vm on the contralateral side. Some of these GABAergic neurons may represent Vm-premotor neurons that receive nociceptive input from the Vc to elicit jaw-opening reflex by inhibiting jaw-closing Vm-motoneurons.

Properties and interconnections of trigeminal interneurons of the lateral pontine reticular formation in the rat

Numerous evidence suggests that interneurons located in the lateral tegmentum at the level of the trigeminal motor nucleus contribute importantly to the circuitry involved in mastication. However, the question of whether these neurons participate actively to genesis of the rhythmic motor pattern or simply relay it to trigeminal motoneurons remains open. To answer this question, intracellular recordings were performed in an in vitro slice preparation comprising interneurons of the peritrigeminal area (PeriV) surrounding the trigeminal motor nucleus (NVmt) and the parvocellular reticular formation ventral and caudal to it (PCRt). Intracellular and extracellular injections of anterograde tracers were also used to examine the local connections established by these neurons. In 97% of recordings, electrical stimulation of adjacent areas evoked a postsynaptic potential (PSP). These PSPs were primarily excitatory, but inhibitory and biphasic responses were also induced. Most occurred at latencies longer than those required for monosynaptic transmission and were considered to involve oligosynaptic pathways. Both the anatomical and physiological findings show that all divisions of PeriV and PCRt are extensively interconnected. Most responses followed high-frequency stimulation (50 Hz) and showed little variability in latency indicating that the network reliably distributes inputs across all areas. In all neurons but one, excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) were also elicited by stimulation of NVmt, suggesting the existence of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons within the motor nucleus. In a number of cases, these PSPs were reproduced by local injection of glutamate in lieu of the electrical stimulation. All EPSPs induced by stimulation of PeriV, PCRt, or NVmt were sensitive to ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists 6-cyano-7-dinitroquinoxaline and D,L-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, while IPSPs were blocked by bicuculline and strychnine, antagonists of GABA(A) and glycine receptors. Examination of PeriV and PCRt intrinsic properties indicate that they form a fairly uniform network. Three types of neurons were identified on the basis of their firing adaptation properties. These types were not associated with particular regions. Only 5% of all neurons showed bursting behavior. Our results do not support the hypothesis that neurons of PeriV and PCRt participate actively to rhythm generation, but suggest instead that they are driven by rhythmical synaptic inputs. The organization of the network allows for rapid distribution of this rhythmic input across premotoneuron groups.

AMPA receptor subunit expression in trigeminal neurons during postnatal development

Trigeminal motoneurons (Mo5) and mesencephalic trigeminal neurons (Me5) are important constituents of the neural circuitry responsible for jaw movements. Non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors are a critical component of the brainstem circuitry responsible for reflex and centrally activated jaw movements; however, little is known about the expression of these receptors in neonatal oral-motor circuitry. Receptor immunohistochemistry using affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies directed against GluR1, GluR2/3/4c, and GluR4, respectively, and a monoclonal antibody directed against the GluR2 subunit, were used in rats at postnatal day (P)1, P3, P5, P10, P19-21, P32-35, and P60 to describe the expression of the alpha-amino-d-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor in Mo5 and Me5 neurons. In Mo5, immunoreactivity was noted for all antibodies throughout the time frame sampled. Neurons in caudal portions of Me5 displayed immunoreactivity to each antibody except at P60 when GluR2 immunoreactivity was absent. Neurons located in rostral Me5 displayed GluR2/3/4c and GluR4 immunoreactivity throughout the time frame, GluR1 immunoreactivity emerged at P3 and a transient expression of GluR2 expression was observed between P10 and P32-35. The lack of labeling of some neurons in both regions, coupled with differences in temporal expression, suggests that there are differences in the AMPA receptor phenotype within and between Mo5 and Me5 during postnatal development. Differences in AMPA subunit composition suggest a complex role for AMPA-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission in brainstem circuits controlling jaw movements.

Synaptic control of motoneuronal excitability

Movement, the fundamental component of behavior and the principal extrinsic action of the brain, is produced when skeletal muscles contract and relax in response to patterns of action potentials generated by motoneurons. The processes that determine the firing behavior of motoneurons are therefore important in understanding the transformation of neural activity to motor behavior. Here, we review recent studies on the control of motoneuronal excitability, focusing on synaptic and cellular properties. We first present a background description of motoneurons: their development, anatomical organization, and membrane properties, both passive and active. We then describe the general anatomical organization of synaptic input to motoneurons, followed by a description of the major transmitter systems that affect motoneuronal excitability, including ligands, receptor distribution, pre- and postsynaptic actions, signal transduction, and functional role. Glutamate is the main excitatory, and GABA and glycine are the main inhibitory transmitters acting through ionotropic receptors. These amino acids signal the principal motor commands from peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal structures. Amines, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, and neuropeptides, as well as the glutamate and GABA acting at metabotropic receptors, modulate motoneuronal excitability through pre- and postsynaptic actions. Acting principally via second messenger systems, their actions converge on common effectors, e.g., leak K(+) current, cationic inward current, hyperpolarization-activated inward current, Ca(2+) channels, or presynaptic release processes. Together, these numerous inputs mediate and modify incoming motor commands, ultimately generating the coordinated firing patterns that underlie muscle contractions during motor behavior.

Increased in vivo levels of neurotransmitters to trigeminal motoneurons: effects on craniofacial bone and TMJ

The results of chronic, in vivo delivery of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter substances upon the craniofacial skeleton are of ongoing interest to clinician and basic scientist alike. Our purpose was to document and compare the effects of biodegradable glycine, glutamate, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) microspheres upon the craniofacial skeleton and TMJ of actively growing rats. Glycine, glutamate, TRH, and blank microspheres were stereotactically implanted in proximity to motoneurons within the trigeminal motor nucleus in order to test the following null hypotheses: (1) neurotransmitter microspheres implanted near trigeminal motoneurons of growing rats have no significant effect on the craniofacial skeleton and temporomandibular joints of implanted animals, and (2) there are no significant differences between the relative effects of glutamate, TRH (excitatory to trigeminal motoneurons), and glycine (inhibitory to trigeminal motoneurons) implants upon the craniofacial skeleton and temporomandibular joint. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent stereotactic neurosurgery at 35 days; five rats each were killed at 14 and 21 days postoperative for data collection and comparison between glycine-, glutamate-, TRH-, blank-microsphere, and sham-surgery rats. Glycine rats had significantly (P < or = 0.05, 0. 01) smaller implant-side cranial dimensions and mandibular condyles, all glycine rats showed increased gracility of implant-side bones, and deviation of their facial skeleton away from the implant-side; this was in contrast to the generally larger implant-side bony structures in both glutamate and TRH rats. The two null hypotheses were both rejected. Due to their inhibitory and excitatory effects upon trigeminal motoneurons, masticatory muscles, and their neuromuscular generation of biomechanical forces that affect bone, the neurotransmitter substances glycine, glutamate, and TRH appear to play an important role in the growth and development of the mammalian craniofacial skeleton and TMJ.

Distribution pattern of inhibitory and excitatory synapses in the dendritic tree of single masseter alpha-motoneurons in the cat

Little is known about the differences in the distributions of inhibitory and excitatory synapses in the dendritic tree of single motoneurons in the brainstem and spinal cord. In this study, the distribution of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-, glycine-, and glutamate-like immunoreactivity in axon terminals on dendrites of cat masseter alpha-motoneurons, stained intracellularly with horseradish peroxidase, was examined by using postembedding immunogold histochemistry in serial ultrathin sections. The dendritic tree was divided into three segments: primary (Pd) and distal (Dd) dendrites and intermediate (Id) dendrites between the two segments. Quantitative analysis of 175, 279, and 105 boutons synapsing on 13 Pd, 54 Id, and 81 Dd, respectively, was performed. Fifty percent of the total number of studied boutons were immunopositive for GABA and/or glycine and 48% for glutamate. Among the former, 27% showed glycine immunoreactivity only and 14% were immunoreactive to both glycine and GABA. The remainder (9%) showed immunoreactivity for GABA only. As few as 3% of the boutons were immunonegative for the three amino acids. Most boutons immunoreactive to inhibitory amino acid(s) contained a mixture of spherical, oval, and flattened synaptic vesicles. Most boutons immunoreactive to excitatory amino acid contained clear, spherical, synaptic vesicles with a few dense-cored vesicles. When comparisons of the inhibitory and excitatory boutons were made between the three dendritic segments, the proportion of the inhibitory to the excitatory boutons was high in the Pd (60% vs. 37%) but somewhat low in the Id (46% vs. 52%) and Dd (44% vs. 53%). The percentage of synaptic covering and packing density of the inhibitory synaptic boutons decreased in the order Pd, Id, and Dd, but this trend was not applicable to the excitatory boutons. The present study provides possible evidence that the spatial distribution patterns of inhibitory and excitatory synapses are different in the dendritic tree of jaw-closing alpha-motoneurons.

Projections from the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus to commissural interneurons in the supratrigeminal region: an electron microscope study in the rat

Electron microscopic double-labeling study in the rat indicated that projection fibers from the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus (Vc) were distributed ipsilaterally within the supratrigeminal region (STR) capping the trigeminal motor nucleus (Tm) and made synaptic contact with neurons projecting to the contralateral Tm. Nociceptive inputs to the Vc may reflexly control, via interneurons in the STR, the activities of Tm neurons innervating the masticatory, tensor tympani, and/or tensor veli palatine muscles.

Identification of gamma-aminobutyric acid-immunoreactive axon endings associated with mesencephalic periodontal afferent terminals and morphometry of the two types of terminals in the cat supratrigeminal nucleus

A previous study has shown that mesencephalic periodontal afferent terminals receive contacts more frequently from axonal endings containing pleomorphic, synaptic vesicles (P-endings) in the supratrigeminal nucleus (Vsup) than in the trigeminal motor nucleus, suggesting that interneurons in Vsup play an important role in modulating the jaw-closing reflex. The present study was attempted to identify neurotransmitters in P-endings associated with mesencephalic periodontal afferents in cat Vsup through the use of intracellular staining of horseradish peroxidase combined with the postembedding immunogold methods. A morphometric analysis was carried out to compare the ultrastructural features of these two types of terminals. Serial sections of 31 labeled boutons and of their associated 38 P-endings were examined. They were processed for postembedding immunogold labeling with antibodies to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The 38 P-endings presynaptic to periodontal afferents showed GABA-like immunoreactivity, but the afferent terminals were free from the labeling. The morphometric analysis indicated that bouton volume, apposed surface area, total active zone size, and mitochondrial volume were smaller in GABA-immunoreactive P-endings than in periodontal afferents, but the pooled data of the two types of terminals showed that each synaptic parameter was highly correlated in a positive, linear manner with bouton volume. These observations provide evidence that P-endings presynaptic to mesencephalic periodontal afferents contain the neurotransmitter GABA and that their axoaxonic synapses are organized in accordance with the ultrastructural "size principle" proposed by Pierce and Mendell (Pierce and Mendell [1993] J. Neurosci. 13:4748-4763) on Ia-motoneuron synapses.

Distribution of GABAergic and glycinergic premotor neurons projecting to the facial and hypoglossal nuclei in the rat

The distribution of inhibitory premotor neurons for the facial and hypoglossal nuclei was examined in the lower brainstem of the rat. A retrograde axonal tracing method with the fluorescent tracer, tetramethylrhodamine dextran amine (TMR-DA), was combined with immunofluorescence histochemistry for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), i.e., the enzyme involved in gamma-aminobutyric acid synthesis, or glycine. In the rats injected with TMR-DA unilaterally into the facial or hypoglossal nucleus, the distribution of TMR-DA-labeled neurons showing GAD-like immunoreactivity (GAD/TMR-DA neurons) was essentially the same as that of TMR-DA-labeled neurons displaying glycine-like immunoreactivity (Gly/TMR-DA neurons). The distributions of GAD/TMR-DA and Gly/TMR-DA neurons in the rats injected with TMR-DA into the facial nucleus were also similar to those in the rats injected with TMR-DA into the hypoglossal nucleus. These neurons were seen most frequently in the lateral aspect of the pontine reticular formation, the supratrigeminal region, the dorsal aspect of the lateral reticular formation of the medulla oblongata, and the reticular regions around the raphe magnus nucleus and the gigantocellular reticular nucleus pars alpha, bilaterally with a slight dominance on the side ipsilateral to the injection site. A number of GAD/TMR-DA and Gly/TMR-DA neurons were also seen in the oral and interpolar subnuclei of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, bilaterally with a slight ipsilateral dominance. In the rats injected with TMR-DA into the facial nucleus, GAD/TMR-DA and Gly/TMR-DA neurons were also encountered in the paralemniscal zone of the midbrain tegmentum bilaterally with an apparent dominance on the side contralateral to the injection site. A large part of these inhibitory premotor neurons for the facial and hypoglossal nuclei and the excitatory ones may constitute premotor neuron pools common to the orofacial motor nuclei implicated in the control of integrated orofacial movements.

Electron microscopic observation of synaptic connections of jaw-muscle spindle and periodontal afferent terminals in the trigeminal motor and supratrigeminal nuclei in the cat

Previous studies indicate that the trigeminal motor nucleus (Vmo) and supratrigeminal nucleus (Vsup) receive direct projections from muscle spindle (MS) and periodontal ligament (PL) afferents. The aim of the present study is to examine the ultrastructural characteristics of the two kinds of afferent in both nuclei using the intracellular horseradish peroxidase (HRP) injection technique in the cat. Our observations are based on complete or near-complete reconstructions of 288 MS (six fibers) and 69 PL (eight fibers) afferent boutons in Vmo, and of 93 MS (four fibers) and 188 PL (four fibers) afferent boutons in Vsup. All the labeled boutons contained spherical synaptic vesicles and were presynaptic to neuronal elements, and some were postsynaptic to axon terminals containing pleomorphic, synaptic vesicles (P-endings). In Vmo neuropil, MS afferent boutons were distributed widely from soma to distal dendrites, but PL afferent boutons predominated on distal dendrites. Most MS afferent boutons (87%) formed synaptic specialization(s) with one postsynaptic target while some (13%) contacting two or three dendritic profiles; PL afferents had a higher number of boutons (43%) contacting two or more dendritic profiles. A small but significant number of MS afferent boutons (12%) received contacts from P-endings, but PL afferent boutons (36%) received three times as many contacts from P-endings as MS afferents. In Vsup neuropil, most MS (72%) and PL (87%) afferent boutons formed two contacts presynaptic to one dendrite and postsynaptic to one P-ending, and their participation in synaptic triads was much more frequent than in Vmo neuropil. The present study indicates that MS and PL afferent terminals have a distinct characteristic in synaptic arrangements in Vmo and Vsup and provides evidence that the synaptic organization of primary afferents differs between the neuropils containing motoneurons and their interneurons.

GABAergic and glycinergic neurons projecting to the trigeminal motor nucleus: a double labeling study in the rat

The distribution of GABAergic and glycinergic premotor neurons projecting to the trigeminal motor nucleus (Vm) was examined in the lower brainstem of the rat by a double labeling method combining retrograde axonal tracing with immunofluorescence histochemistry. After injection of the fluorescent retrograde tracer, tetramethylrhodamine dextran amine (TRDA), into the Vm unilaterally, neurons labeled with TRDA were seen ipsilaterally in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, and bilaterally in the parabrachial region, the supratrigeminal and intertrigeminal regions, the reticular formation just medial to the Vm, the principal sensory and spinal trigeminal nuclei, the pontine and medullary reticular formation, especially the parvicellular part of the medullary reticular formation, the alpha part of the gigantocellular reticular nucleus, and the medullary raphe nuclei. Some of these neurons labeled with TRDA were found to display glutamic acid decarboxylase (the enzyme involved in GABA synthesis)-like or glycine-like immunoreactivity. Such double-labeled neurons were seen mainly in the supratrigeminal region, the reticular region adjacent to the medial border of the Vm, and the dorsal part of the lateral reticular formation of the medulla oblongata; a number of them were further scattered in the intertrigeminal region, the alpha part of the gigantocellular reticular nucleus, the nucleus raphe magnus, the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus, and the interpolar subnucleus of the spinal trigeminal nucleus. These neurons were considered to be inhibitory (GABAergic or glycinergic) neurons sending their axons to motoneurons in the Vm, or to local interneurons within and around the Vm.

Premotor neurons for trigeminal motor nucleus neurons innervating the jaw-closing and jaw-opening muscles: differential distribution in the lower brainstem of the rat

The distribution of premotor neurons for trigeminal motor nucleus neurons innervating the jaw-closing and jaw-opening muscles was examined in the lower brainstem of the rat by using retrograde and anterograde labeling techniques. First, Fluorogold, a fluorescent retrograde tracer, was injected into the dorsolateral or ventromedial division of the trigeminal motor nucleus, each of which contains motoneurons innervating the jaw-closing or jaw-opening muscles, respectively. Second, Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin, an anterograde tracer, was injected into each of the lower brainstem sites, where clusters of retrogradely labeled premotor neurons had been seen in the first set of experiments. Third, after injection of the anterograde tracer into a lower brainstem site, followed by injection of the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B subunit into a masticatory muscle, termination of anterogradely labeled axons onto retrogradely labeled motoneurons was confirmed with the aid of a confocal laser-scanning microscope. It was found that the premotor neurons distributed in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, medial part of the parabrachial region, supratrigeminal region, and dorsal parts of the principal sensory, oral spinal and interpolar spinal trigeminal nuclei project preferentially to the dorsolateral division of the trigeminal motor nucleus, whereas those in the lateral part of the parabrachial region, intermediate parts of the principal sensory, oral spinal and interpolar spinal trigeminal nuclei, and alpha part of the gigantocellular reticular nucleus project preferentially to the ventromedial division of the trigeminal motor nucleus. The dorsal and lateral parts of the medullary reticular formation and the medullary raphe nuclei contain premotor neurons of both types. Group k motoneurons, a cluster of trigeminal motoneurons that innervate the tensor tympani muscle, receive projection fibers predominantly from the dorsolateral part of the oral pontine reticular formation.

Two major types of premotoneurons in the feline trigeminal nucleus oralis as demonstrated by intracellular staining with horseradish peroxidase

Previous studies suggest that neurons in the dorsomedial subdivisions of trigeminal nucleus oralis (Vo) may contribute to reflex control of jaw movements and to modulation of sensory information. The present study has addressed this possibility by the use of intracellular staining with horseradish peroxidase of physiologically identified neurons in Vo to examine functional and morphological properties of these neurons. Of 14 labeled neurons, eight had axon collaterals terminating exclusively in the dorsolateral subdivision of the trigeminal motor nucleus (DL neurons) and four in its ventromedial subdivision (VM neurons); axon collaterals of two neurons were not traced. Both groups of neurons sent terminal arbors into other nuclei of the lower brainstem. The DL neurons were distinguishable from the VM neurons in their receptive field (RF) location, neuronal position, somadendritic architecture, and projections to other brainstem nuclei. All neurons, except for two that were exclusively activated by noxious stimuli applied to the tongue, were responsive to light mechanical stimulation of peri- and intraoral structures. The RFs of the DL neurons were located in more posterior oral structures than those of the VM neurons. The RF of nearly all low-threshold DL neurons was located in the maxillary region, and that of the VM neurons, in contrast, involved the mandibular region. The VM neurons were located medial or ventral to the DL neurons. The soma size of the VM neurons was significantly larger than that of the DL neurons. Dendritic arbors of both groups could be separated into medial and lateral components. The ratio of the dendritic transverse areas in the medial vs. lateral component was significantly higher in the VM neurons than in the DL neurons. The DL neurons also issued collaterals that terminated in larger brainstem areas than those of the VM neurons. These observations provide new evidence on the morphological and functional properties of Vo neurons that contribute to reflex control of jaw and facial movements and modulation of sensory information.

Immunohistochemical evidence for GABA and glycine-containing trigeminal premotoneurons in the guinea pig

Electrophysiological studies have suggested that inhibition of trigeminal motoneurons during mastication and the jaw-opening reflex are mediated by last-order interneurons (premotoneurons) utilizing GABA and glycine [Chandler et al. (1985), Brain Res., 325:181-186; Enomoto et al. (1987), Neurosci. Res., 4:396-412; Goldberg and Nakamura (1968), Experientia, 24:371-373; Kidokoro et al. (1968), J. Neurophysiol., 31:695-708; Nakamura et al. (1978), Exp. Neurol., 61:1-14]. In the present study we performed a series of double-labeling experiments in guinea pigs to determine the location of neurons which contain GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) or glycine that project to the trigeminal motor nucleus (Mo5). This was accomplished by performing immunohistochemical staining in combination with a retrograde tract tracing technique using colloidal gold bound to inactivated WGA-HRP (wheat germ agglutin-horseradish peroxidase) (gWGA-HRP) as our retrograde tracer. Neurons which had a positive immunoreactivity to GABA or GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase) and contained the retrograde marker were located in regions adjacent to the Mo5 such as the intertrigeminal, supratrigeminal, peritrigeminal and rostral portions of the parvocellular reticular formation alpha. Neurons which had a positive immunoreactivity to glycine and contained the retrograde marker were identified in the parvocellular reticular formation, the spinal trigeminal nucleus oralis, supratrigeminal and intertrigeminal regions. These data provide anatomical evidence for GABAergic and glycinergic projections to Mo5.

Evocation of either excitatory or inhibitory reflex responses in human masseter muscle by electrical stimulation of the lip at varying intensities

Electrical stimuli at 1 Hz with pulse widths of 0.05, 0.1 and 1 ms with intensities from two to six times sensory threshold (2-6 T) were delivered to the lower lip. The reflex responses were monitored by surface electromyography of the ipsilateral masseter muscle. An excitatory response that was not preceded or followed by an inhibition could be evoked in seven out of ten subjects at intensities below 5 T at all pulse widths. A higher stimulus intensities, the excitation disappeared and/or was preceded by as short-latency inhibition (SLI) or a long-latency inhibition (LLI). The electrical threshold for the excitatory response was statistically lower than the SLI and LLI, especially when longer pulse widths wee used. Three subjects demonstrated a primarily excitatory response, whereas four had a more pronounced inhibitory response. It was concluded that separate populations of myelinated fibres may be responsible for the responses: the lowest-threshold fibres may elicit excitatory responses and fibres with higher thresholds may evoke inhibitory responses. Another possible explanation is that central spatial summation could be responsible for the opening of the inhibitory and excitatory central pathways. The excitatory response may be the result of a reflex pathway similar to that evoked by activation of periodontal mechanoreceptors, and could be responsible for the load compensation mechanisms during chewing and/or positioning of food. The inhibitory responses are well known, and are considered to be a protective reflex.

Supra- and juxtatrigeminal inhibitory premotor neurons with bifurcating axons projecting to masseter motoneurons on both sides

Inhibitory neurons participating in the bilateral disynaptic inhibition of jaw-closing motoneurons by stimulation of unilateral trigeminal sensory branches were searched for in the reticular formation around the trigeminal motor nucleus in cats anaesthetized with pentobarbital. Extracellular recordings were made from neurons which responded orthodromically after a monosynaptic latency to single shock stimulation of the ipsilateral infraorbital and/or inferior alveolar nerves. Direct inhibitory connection with contralateral masseter motoneurons was demonstrated in reticular neurons by the spike-triggered averaging technique, i.e., by averaging the intracellular potentials of a contralateral masseter motoneuron with respect to spontaneously occurring spikes of a reticular interneuron. By intraaxonal injection of neurobiotin, electrophysiologically identified inhibitory premotor reticular neurons were found to project to and to terminate in the trigeminal motor nuclei on both sides. Termination in the contralateral motor nucleus was demonstrated for four neurons that showed the peripheral input pattern stated above. The results provide hard evidence for contralaterally projecting interneurons in the reticular formation, participating in peripherally evoked disynaptic inhibition of masseter motoneurons on the contralateral side. Given the previously reported findings that the supratrigeminal region contains neurons which project to the ipsilateral motor nucleus and mediate disynaptic inhibition of masseter motoneurons, it is suggested that the supratrigeminal region contains bilaterally projecting interneurons, mediating peripherally evoked disynaptic inhibition of masseter motoneurons on both sides.

Exteroceptive suppression of temporalis muscle activity: methodological and physiological aspects

In recent years studies of the suppression of EMG activity in temporalis muscle induced by stimulation in the trigeminal territory have opened new perspectives in headache research. The various methods that have been used in different laboratories are reviewed and some of the physiological modulations of temporalis exteroceptive suppression are described. Among different methods of recording, averaging 10 full-wave rectified EMG responses produces results with acceptable variability and discomfort. In order to obtain maximal responses the intensity of the stimulation should reach at least 20 mA. To avoid habituation of the second temporalis exteroceptive suppression period (ES2), the stimulation frequency has to be at 0.1 Hz or below. The level of voluntary contraction is not a critical variable as long as it reaches 50% of maximum. Some physiological variations of temporalis suppression are well documented. In females, ES2 is shorter during menstruation than at mid-cycle and correlated with the estradiol/progesterone ratio in plasma. Conditioning temporalis ES2 by a preceding peripheral stimulus markedly reduces its duration, which is partly reversible by naloxone. Various pharmacological agents are able to modify temporalis ES2: its duration is increased by 5-HT1 antagonists, but decreased by 5-HT uptake blockers; contradictory results have been obtained with acetylsalicylic acid. These results suggest that inhibitory brain-stem interneurons mediating temporalis ES2 are inhibited by serotonergic afferents, probably from the raphe magnus nucleus, and that the latter receives an excitatory input from the periaqueductal gray matter and other limbic structures, in part via opioid receptors.

Properties of rhythmically active reticular neurons around the trigeminal motor nucleus during fictive mastication in the rat

Response properties of the neurons in the reticular formation around the trigeminal motor nucleus (MoV) were examined during cortically-induced fictive mastication (CIFM) in anesthetized and immobilized rats. Forty-three neurons were rhythmically active (RA neurons) during CIFM, most of which were located in the supratrigeminal nucleus and the reticular formation medial to the oral spinal trigeminal nucleus. The firing frequency of 36 of the RA neurons was modulated in the same rhythm as that of masseteric or digastric nerve activities during CIFM. We divided these neurons into four groups according to the phase of activation: sixteen neurons fired mainly in the phase of masseteric activity (type 1), 11 fired in the transition phase from masseteric activity to digastric activity (type 2), 5 fired in the phase of digastric activity (type 3) and 4 fired in the transition phase from digastric activity to masseteric activity (type 4). Thirty-nine (91%) of the 43 RA neurons responded to at least one of the tested peripheral stimuli. The responses were mostly excitatory but inhibitory responses were sometimes obtained, especially for types-1 and 2 neurons. RA neurons in the reticular formation medial to the oral spinal trigeminal nucleus responded to stimulation of inferior alveolar nerve at a shorter latency than RA neurons in the supratrigeminal nucleus. Fifteen (48%) of 31 RA neurons responded to triple-pulse stimulation of the contralateral cortex. In contrast, only 5(26%) of the 19 RA neurons responded to the ipsilateral cortical stimulation. Stimulation of the ipsilateral MoV was performed on 24 RA neurons, of which 9 responded antidromically (A-RA neurons) at latencies of 0.4-1.4 ms. Eight (89%) of the 9 A-RA neurons received peripheral inputs. The spike triggered averaging method was applied to 4 of the 9 A-RA neurons, ad in all cases short latency field potentials were recorded in the MoV. We conclude that trigeminal premotor neurons receive convergence from central and peripheral inputs. This integration can adjust the appropriate level of motoneuronal excitability during mastication.

Masseteric facilitation induced by electrical stimulation of rat orofacial tissues

The effects of a conditioning electrical shock applied to the periodontium of the lower incisor or the glabrous area of the lower lip on the jaw-closing reflex in the anesthetized, non-paralysed rat were studied. The masseteric reflex was triggered by stimulation of the mesencephalic nucleus as a test shock and was recorded from the masseter muscle. There was facilitation of the jaw-jerk reflex, which culminated at an interval of 10-15 ms between the conditioning and the test shocks. This facilitation was not suppressed by digastric excision or by blocking a possible rebound closing reflex evoked by jaw opening. No inhibitory influence was observed. This facilitatory effects relies on an A alpha input and on cell bodies making up the mesencephalic nucleus. The direct excitatory electrical events observed in the masseter muscle after periodontal or labial stimulation proved to be due to the diffusion of the bioelectrical activity generated in the neighbouring jaw-opening muscles.

Strychnine blockade of the non-reciprocal inhibition of trigeminal motoneurons induced by stimulation of the parvocellular reticular formation

Stimulation of a region within the parvocellular medullary reticular formation (PcRF) that contains somas of premotor interneurons produces short latency inhibitory synaptic potentials (IPSPs) in cat trigeminal motoneurons. The present study was undertaken to determine whether glycinergic synapses are responsible for these IPSPs. The intravenous administration of strychnine, an established glycine antagonist, abolished these PcRF-IPSPs. This effect appears to be specific for glycinergic inhibitory synapses because the short lasting component of the IPSP produced by inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) stimulation was also abolished, whereas, in contrast, the long lasting non-glycinergic component of this IPSP was not suppressed. These results indicate that a glycinergic system in the reticular formation is responsible for the non-reciprocal postsynaptic inhibition of trigeminal motoneurons.

Facilitation of masseter EMG and masseteric (jaw-closure) reflex by serotonin in behaving cats

The trigeminal motor nucleus (MoV) contains the somata of the motoneurons that control jaw position and jaw movements. This nucleus is of neurochemical interest because it receives a dense serotonergic input. We examined the effects of application of serotonin or fluoxetine, a serotonin reuptake blocker, into this nucleus on the spontaneous or reflex (jaw-closure) electrical activity of the masseter muscle in behaving cats. Serotonin produced a clearcut enhancement of both spontaneous and reflex activities. This action was attenuated by previous systemic injection of the serotonin receptor antagonist methysergide. The effect was mimicked to a certain extent by fluoxetine. These data provide evidence that the serotonergic input to MoV exerts a general facilitatory influence on masseter motoneurons activity.

Masseter inhibitory reflex in movement disorders. Huntington's chorea, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and unilateral masticatory spasm

Evoked by electrical stimulation of the mental nerve, the masseter inhibitory reflex consists of an early and a late silent period (SP1 and SP2), which interrupt the voluntary electromyographic (EMG) activity in the masseter muscle. We recorded the masseter inhibitory reflex and measured its latency, depth of suppression, duration and recovery cycle to paired stimuli, in patients with Huntington's chorea. Parkinson's disease, dystonia, or unilateral masticatory spasm. In patients with Huntington's chorea the reflex data and recovery cycle were normal. In patients with Parkinson's disease or dystonia, although the reflex data were normal, SP2 recovered far more rapidly than it did in control subjects. This is possibly due to hypoactivity of an inhibitory control of the polysynaptic chain of ponto-medullary interneurons that mediate SP2. In patients with unilateral masticatory spasm, both SP1 and SP2 were absent. Suppression is probably absent because this involuntary movement originates at a point along the peripheral course of the nerve.

An electrophysiological study of trigeminal commissural interneurons in the anaesthetized rabbit

The physiological characteristics of intertrigeminal area, nucleus oralis tau and supratrigeminal interneurons terminating in the contralateral-trigeminal motor nucleus were studied. Their antidromic conduction velocities were found to be between 3.7 and 16.3 m/s and most units had ipsilateral oral and peri-oral low threshold mechanoreceptive fields. Many received convergent inputs from both mandibular and maxillary divisions of the trigeminal nerve as well as the sensorimotor cortex.

Monosynaptic connexions of single V interneurones to the contralateral V motor nucleus in anaesthetised rats

We have used the extracellular spike triggered averaging method to obtain evidence for a monosynaptic connexion of single V (trigeminal) interneurones, located in the region immediately caudal to the V motor nucleus, onto neurones within the contralateral V motor nucleus. The extracellular fields recorded in the contralateral nucleus are of smaller amplitude than those detected within the ipsilateral nucleus and the implications of this are discussed.

Projections of two separate cortical areas for rhythmical jaw movements in the rat

The cortico-bulbar projection from two separate cortical areas which induce different types of rhythmical jaw movements (RJM), and the relationship between these cortical areas were studied with horseradish peroxidase tracing method. One area (A-area) corresponded to the primary jaw motor area and the other (P-area) was located in the agranular insular cortex. Separate descending pathways from two areas passed through the pyramidal tract and projected to the supratrigeminal nucleus, the intertrigeminal region, the dorsal part of the trigeminal sensory complex, and the reticular formation. In the reticular formation, the A-area projected more medially than the P-area did, and the ipsilateral projection from the P-area was more prominent than that from the A-area, although contralateral projections were dominant in the majority of regions. The two areas had only a sparse reciprocal connection. We suppose that the difference in patterns of RJM induced by the two cortical RJM areas may be due to the different projection patterns from these two areas.

Physiological and morphological characteristics of periodontal mesencephalic trigeminal neurons in the cat--intra-axonal staining with HRP

Intra-axonal recording and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) injection techniques were employed to define the response properties of periodontal mechanoreceptive afferents originating from the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus (Vmes) and their morphological characteristics. The periodontal Vmes neurons were classified into two types: slowly adapting (SA) and fast adapting (FA) types. The central terminals of 7 SA and 4 FA afferents were recovered for detailed analyses. The whole profile of SA and FA neurons were unipolar in shape and their cell bodies were located in the dorsomedial parts of the Vmes. The united (U) fiber traveled caudally from the soma to the dorsolateral aspect of the trigeminal motor nucleus (Vmo), where it split into the peripheral (P) and C fibers with a T- or Y-shaped appearance. The P fiber joined the trigeminal sensory or motor tract. The C fiber descended caudally within Probst's tract. All 3 stem fibers issued main collaterals. The main collaterals of all neurons examined formed terminal arbors in the supratrigeminal nucleus (Vsup) and all but two SA neurons projected to the intertrigeminal region (Vint), while the projections to other nuclei of the trigeminal motor nucleus (Vmo), juxtatrigeminal region (Vjux), main sensory nucleus (Vp) and oral nucleus (Vo.r) differed between SA and FA afferents and between neurons of the same type. The SA and FA neurons were classified into three and two subgroups, respectively. The major differences in central projections between the two types were that all the FA neurons projected to the Vp or Vo.r but none of SA type and this relation was reversed in the projection to the Vjux, and that more than half of SA neurons projected to Vmo but only one FA neuron to the Vmo. The Vmes neurons which sent their collaterals into the Vmo had the P fiber passing through the tract of the trigeminal motor nerve. The average size of somata and mean diameters of U fibers and main collaterals from C fiber were significantly larger in SA neurons than FA neurons. The average size of fiber varicosities became smaller in the following nuclei, Vmo, Vsup, Vp, Vint and Vo.r, but not significant between the two functional types. The functional role of the periodontal Vmes afferents to jaw reflexes was discussed particularly with respect to their central projection sites in the brainstem nuclei.

The monosynaptic excitatory connections of single trigeminal interneurones to the V motor nucleus of the rat

1. We have used the extracellular spike-triggered averaging method to identify a population of trigeminal interneurones that make monosynaptic connections within the V motor nucleus. The experiments were performed on rats anaesthetized with pentobarbitone (60 mg/kg I.V.; supplementary doses given as necessary to maintain a deep level of anaesthesia). 2. A tungsten microelectrode (tip exposure of some 200 microns) was inserted into the masseter motoneurone pool to allow recording of extracellular activity. A glass electrode filled with DL-homocysteic acid was used to make simultaneous extracellular recordings of the firing of single neurones in the region immediately caudal to the motor nucleus. 3. Fifty-eight out of 166 interneurones tested gave unitary extracellular fields in the motor nucleus. The responses consisted of a terminal spike (presynaptic spike) followed by a negative field of duration approximately 3 ms and amplitude 0.4-10.8 microV. The mean latency between the positive peak of the terminal spike and the onset of the field (synaptic delay) was 0.43 ms (S.D. = 0.10 ms), and the mean latency from the onset of the interneurone spike to the positive peak of the presynaptic spike was 0.35 ms (S.D. = 0.22 ms). Thus the interneurones project directly to the motor nucleus where they then make monosynaptic connections. 4. The negative extracellular fields were taken to reflect an excitatory synaptic input onto neurones within the motor nucleus. The fields were of maximum amplitude at the point of maximum masseter motoneurone antidromic field, suggesting that the connection may be onto elevator motoneurones. 5. The location of the interneurone appeared to the main factor governing the likelihood of obtaining a field. Interneurones located more than 400 microns from the caudal border of the motor nucleus rarely produced fields whereas most of those located within this distance gave fields. This pattern of distribution is strikingly similar to that of trigeminal interneurones labelled by the transneuronal transport of wheatgerm agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase after an intramuscular injection of the tracer into the masseter muscle. We suggest that this provides electrophysiological support for the suggestion that the tracer does indeed label interneurones by means of retrograde transsynaptic transport.