ISSN:
1432-1106
Keywords:
Midbrain reticular formation
;
Interstitio-vestibular neurons
;
Vestibular system
;
Semicircular canal inputs
;
Axon branching
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Experiments were performed on cats anesthetized with a chloralose to locate neurons in and around the interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC) that project to the vestibular nuclei, and to study labyrinthine inputs to these neurons. Neurons that project to the vestibular nuclei were identified by microstimulation confined to the vestibular nuclei on both sides. All neurons thus identified were activated antidromically from the ipsilateral (but not contralateral) vestibular nuclei. Vestibular projecting neurons were found in the INC and the reticular formation rostral, dorsal and caudal to the INC. About 23% of these neurons were vestibular branching spinal projecting neurons. The median conduction velocity of vestibular projecting neurons was estimated to be in the neighborhood of 12–16 m/s. Stimulation of the contralateral vestibular nerve evoked firing in 29% of neurons projecting to the vestibular nuclei, but not to the spinal cord. Interstitial neurons responded more frequently than reticular neurons (45% vs 11%, χ2 test, p 〈 0.001). By stimulation of individual semicircular canal nerves, it was shown that vestibular projecting neurons receive excitation from the contralateral vertical canals, but do not receive substantial inputs from the horizontal canal. Stimulation of the ipsilateral vestibular nerve excited 10% of neurons; suppression of activity was observed for six cells and four of the six were excited by stimulation of the contralateral vestibular nerve. Stimulation of ipsilateral individual semicircular canal nerves did not excite any cells tested; the activity of a few cells was suppressed by stimulation of the vertical canal nerves. One neuron received excitation from the contralateral anterior canal and suppression from the ipsilateral posterior canal. Vestibular branching spinal projecting neurons rarely received labyrinthine inputs as already reported (Fukushima et al. 1980a). These results suggest that vestibular projecting neurons may be involved in vertical vestibular reflexes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00235791
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