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  • 1
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Colostomy ; Colitis ; Permeability ; Colon ; Ussing chambers ; Rat ; Villus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: Barrier properties of an isolated colon loop and the remnant colon in continuity with the gastrointestinal tract after colostomy were studied in the rat. METHODS: The in vivo absorption after colonic loop administration of the marker fluorescein sodium was measured as the urinary recovery. The in vitro permeability was measured in Ussing diffusion chambers as the transmucosal passage of [14C]mannitol and of human serum albumin in the isolated and the nonexcluded colonic segments and was compared with the corresponding colonic regions from sham-operated rats at 1 to 14 days after operation. RESULTS: Body weight gain of the rats decreased and diarrhea appeared from day 2 after colostomy. Histologic examination showed mucosal atrophy with decreased villus height in the isolated colonic loop and an increased villus height in the nonexcluded colon segment. Absorption of fluorescein sodium in the isolated loop was increased at 8 and 14 days. Moreover, permeability in the isolated loop was increased for both mannitol and human serum albumin from four days after colostomy compared with the corresponding colonic segments after the sham operation, whereas a decrease in the passage of mannitol was noted in the nonexcluded colon. CONCLUSIONS: Experimentally performed colostomy diversion in the rat induced alterations of the barrier function in both the isolated colonic loop and the nonexcluded colon in continuity with the fecal stream.
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  • 2
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Delayed-type hypersensitivity ; Laparoscopy ; Phytohemagglutinin ; Keyhole limpet hemocyanin ; Laparoscopic-assisted colon resection ; Rat ; Murine
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: We evaluated cell-mediated immune function after laparoscopic-assisted and open bowel resection in rats by measuring delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=120) were sensitized to 1 mg of KLH ten days before investigations. Rats were challenged preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and on postoperative day (POD) 2 with an intradermal injection of 0.3 mg of KLH and 0.2 mg of PHA (at different sites). Averages of two measures of perpendicular diameters (taken 24 and 48 hours postchallenge) were used to calculate the area of induration using the formula for the area of an ellipse, A=(D1/2×D2/2)×π. Anesthesia control animals underwent no procedure (n=40). Open resection group underwent ligation and resection of the cecum (length=2 cm) through a 7 cm midline incision (n=40). In the laparoscopic-assisted resection group, under CO2 pneumoperitoneum (4–6 mmHg), the cecum was identified, dissected free, and exteriorized through a 4 mm port. The cecum was then ligated and resected extracorporeally (n=40). RESULTS: Preoperative responses to both KLH and PHA were the same in all three groups. Furthermore, within each group, postoperative responses were similar. When groups were compared, the anesthesia group responses were significantly greater than the open resection group responses at all time points (P 〈0.05 for all comparisons). Laparoscopic-assisted resection group responses differed from control at only two of eight postoperative measures. Laparoscopic resection group responses were significantly greater than open resection group responses to challenge with both KLH and PHA on POD1 (P 〈0.02, for both comparisons) and POD 4 (P 〈0.05, for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative cell-mediated immune function is better preserved after laparoscopic-assisted bowel resection than after open resection as assessed by skin antigen testing.
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  • 3
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Diseases of the colon & rectum 39 (1996), S. 935-937 
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Anus/injuries ; Foreign bodies ; Rectum/injuries ; Rectum/surgery ; Human ; Vacuum extraction, obstetric instrumentation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: Rectal foreign bodies can be extracted by non-surgical methods. However, glass objects require technical considerations to minimize morbidity and may necessitate surgical extraction. We describe a technique that allowed safe transanal extraction of a glass foreign body and avoided laparotomy. METHODS: A patient with a history of a previous rectal foreign body that required laparotomy presented with another incarcerated rectal foreign body. After attempts at manual extraction failed, spinal anesthesia was induced, and an obstetric vacuum extractor was used to transanally withdraw the glass foreign body. RESULTS: The glass foreign body was withdrawn uneventfully using the vacuum extractor. Laparotomy was avoided. The patient was hospitalized for observation and discharged 24 hours later. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the delivery vacuum extractor provided a safe, cost-effective method of glass foreign body removal by the transanal route. Literature review found no other reports of rectal foreign body removal by this method.
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  • 4
    ISSN: 1534-4681
    Keywords: Regional drug delivery ; Rat ; Immunology ; Testis ; Cancer chemotherapy ; Infertility
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Testicular circulatory isolation (TCI), a regional drug exclusion approach designed to prevent chemotherapy-induced male infertility, can reduce testicular drug exposure and preserve fertility. The immunological sequelae of this surgical procedure were investigated. Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats received unilateral TCI for 45 min and were killed at intervals of up to 43 days later. Testicular histology was evaluated qualitatively using hematoxylin and eosin stain, a direct immunofluorescent technique for detection of antigen-antibody complexes, and an indirect immunofluorescent technique to detect circulating antitestis antibodies. Results: No immune-mediated injury was evident up to 43 days after TCI. Conclusion: The current work, taken together with previously published data, indicate that TCI produces no immunological damage in the rat testis. Because TCI is well tolerated in humans, this work also supports the institution of human clinical trials of this technique in men about to receive fertility-threatening chemotherapy.
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  • 5
    ISSN: 1435-604X
    Keywords: Photosensitizer ; Photodynamic therapy ; mTHPC ; Temoporfin ; Pharmacokinetics ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Physics , Technology
    Notes: Abstract A Phase I photodynamic therapy (PDT) clinical trial was carried out with Temoporfin (Foscan®, mTHPC) at the Departments of Otolaryngology at Orebro Medical Center (OMC) and Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC). A range of drug doses, consisting of 0.3, 0.15, 0.075 and 0.0375 mg kg−1, were utilized. Light treatment was performed on the sixth day after injection of the photosensitizer mTHPC. Photodynamic therapy was done on prostate cancer (six cases), bronchial cancer (one case), nasopharyngeal cancer (three cases), laryngeal cancer (eight cases), mesothelioma (one case), laryngeal papilloma (five cases) and basal cell nevus syndrome (one case). A number of patients were treated more than once. Plasma was collected and analysed at 1, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h and at 2 weeks post-injection, to follow the loading and clearance rate of the photosensitizer. Normal and malignant tissues were collected immediately prior to PDT, chemically extracted, and analysed for drug content spectrofluorometrically. Plasma drug levels were proportional to the dose. The half-life of the drug was 45.4 h across the entire dose range. The ratio of the drug in the tumour compared to normal adjacent mucosa was in the range of 2–3. There were no significant adverse effects. These data establish the basis for full clinical trials.
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  • 6
    ISSN: 1438-8359
    Keywords: Cervical sympathectomy ; Stellate ganglion block ; Adrenocorticotropic hormone ; Thyroid-stimulating hormone ; Growth hormone ; Prolactin ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract To examine the effects of bilateral cervical sympathectomy on the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL), 18 male rats were divided into three groups: control (Cont), sham operation (Sham), and bilateral cervical sympathectomy (Symp). All rats were kept under a normal circadian rhythm for 2 weeks. Subsequently, blood was collected and plasma ACTH as well as serum TSH, GH, and PRL levels were measured. The difference in ACTH levels between the Cont and Sham groups was not significant, but ACTH levels in the Symp group were significantly higher than those in the other groups. The difference in TSH levels between the Cont and Sham groups was also not significant, but TSH levels in the Symp group were significantly lower than those in the Cont group. There were no statistically significant differences in GH and PRL levels among these groups. The present results suggest that cervical sympathectomy in the rat increases ACTH secretion and decreases TSH secretion in the pituitary. These effects seem to be due to a mildly increased secretion of melatonin in the pineal body that probably in turn increases corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) secretion and decreases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) secretion in the hypothalamus. Extrapolation of these findings to humans suggests that longterm and repeated stellate ganglion block would affect the pituitary secretions of ACTH and TSH.
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  • 7
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Amino acids 10 (1996), S. 49-57 
    ISSN: 1438-2199
    Keywords: Amino acids ; Taurine ; γ-Aminobutyric acid ; Synaptosome ; Olfactory bulb ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Superfusion of synaptosomes prepared from rat olfactory bulb revealed constant basal release of endogenous taurine (Tau), aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu) andγ-aminobutyrate (GABA): their release rates were 110.4 ± 13.0, 30.3 ± 6.7, 93.7 ± 13.1, and 53.3 ± 8.8 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The depolarizing-stimulation with 30mM KCl evoked 1.17-, 2.18-, 2.55- and 1.53-fold increases, respectively. Tau release was calcium-independent. However, the perfusion of synaptosomes with Tau (10µM) inhibited the evoked increase in GABA release by 63% without changing basal release, although it did not affect release of Asp and Glu. Phaclofen (10µM, a GABAB receptor antagonist), but not bicuculline (10µM, a GABAA receptor antagonist), counteracted the Tau-induced reduction in GABA release. These data suggest that Tau may be abundantly released from nerve endings of rat olfactory bulb and that it may regulate GABA release through the activation of presynaptic GABAB autoreceptors.
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  • 8
    ISSN: 1432-1440
    Keywords: Angiotensin receptors types ; Cloning ; Signaling ; Transgenic models ; Regulation ; Transcription ; Organ specificity ; Human ; Cardiovascular ; Receptor antagonists
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The actions of angiotensin II in the cardiovascular system are transmitted by two known and possibly some unknown angiotensin receptor types. AT1 and AT2 both correspond to G-protein-coupled receptors with seven hydrophobic transmembrane domains, several N-glycosylation sites and a potential G-protein binding site. Cloning of coding regions and promoter sequences contributed to the understanding of receptor protein function and regulation. Angiotensin receptors with atypical binding properties for the known AT1- and AT2-specific ligands are expressed on human cardiac fibroblasts and in the human uterus. In several animal models, receptors with high affinity for angiotensin (1–7) have been described. AT1 stimulation is mediated by the generation of phospholipid-derived second messengers, activation of protein kinase C, the MAPkinase pathway and of immediate early genes. Recently, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of tyrosine kinases have been associated with AT1- and AT2-mediated signal transduction. ATR are regulated by phosphorylation, internalization, modification of transcription rate and mRNA stability. Regulation is highly cell and organ specific and includes upregulation of ATR in some pathophysiological situations where the renin angiotensin system is activated. Whereas the function of AT1 in the cardiovascular system is relatively well established, there is little information regarding the role of AT2. Recent hypotheses suggest an antagonism between AT1 and AT2 at the signal transduction and the functional level. Transgenic animal models, particularly with targeted disruption of the AT1 and AT2 genes, suggest the contribution of both genes to blood pressure regulation. Genetic polymorphisms have been described in the AT1 and AT2 gene or neighbored regions and are used to analyze the association between gene defects and cardiovascular diseases. AT1 antagonists are now being introduced into the treatment of hypertension and potentially heart failure, and more interesting pharmacological developments are expected from the ongoing basic studies.
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  • 9
    ISSN: 1432-1440
    Keywords: Key words Angiotensin receptors ; mRNA ; Quantitative PCR ; Human ; Atrium
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The number of atrial angiotensin II binding sites is reduced in end-stage human heart failure. The goals of our study were the development of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction for angiotensin II receptor type 1 mRNA to determine the angiotensin receptor type1 (AT1) mRNA content in the atria of patients with end-stage heart failure. We established a quantitative PCR based on coamplification of AT1 wild-type and an internal standard in the same PCR, followed by liquid-phase hybridization of PCR products in microtiter plates and quantitation by ELISA. Glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA in the same samples was used to relate the AT1 mRNA content to a stably expressed reference gene. Atrial samples from 11 patients with end-stage heart failure obtained at cardiac transplantation were compared with atrial samples from 11 patients with normal cardiac function undergoing routine cardiac surgery. A PCR/ELISA system with a variance of about 6% after reverse transcription and a linear measuring range was established. In the samples from 11 patients with end-stage heart failure a 58% decrease in AT1 mRNA content was found in comparison with 11 controls (heart failure: 185680±196912 AT1 mRNA copies/μg RNA, controls: 440555±268456, P〈0.02). When AT1 mRNA content was related to glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA, a 65% decrease was detected (AT1/glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase: heart failure: 4.84±5.18; controls: 13.74±7.77; P〈0.005). Standardization of PCR resulting in a low coefficient of variance, high reproducibility, and large sample capacity is possible using optimal internal standardization and the liquid-phase hybridization/ELISA system for detection. The optimized PCR procedure indicated downregulation of atrial AT1 in end-stage human heart failure, suggesting a reduced capacity of the atria to respond to angiotensin II stimulation in end-stage heart failure.
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  • 10
    ISSN: 1432-1440
    Keywords: Angiotensin receptors ; mRNA ; Quantitative PCR ; Human ; Atrium
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The number of atrial angiotensin II binding sites is reduced in end-stage human heart failure. The goals of our study were the development of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction for angiotensin II receptor type 1 mRNA to determine the angiotensin receptor typel (AT1) mRNA content in the atria of patients with end-stage heart failure. We established a quantitative PCR based on coamplification of AT1 wild-type and an internal standard in the same PCR, followed by liquidphase hybridization of PCR products in microtiter plates and quantitation by ELISA. Glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA in the same samples was used to relate the AT1 mRNA content to a stably expressed reference gene. Atrial samples from 11 patients with endstage heart failure obtained at cardiac transplantation were compared with atrial samples from 11 patients with normal cardiac function undergoing routine cardiac surgery. A PCR/ELISA system with a variance of about 6% after reverse transcription and a linear measuring range was established. In the samples from 11 patients with end-stage heart failure a 58% decrease in AT1 mRNA content was found in comparison with 11 controls (heart failure: 185680±196912 AT1 mRNA copies/μg RNA, controls: 440555±268456, P〈0.02). When AT1 mRNA content was related to glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA, a 65% decrease was detected (AT1/glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase: heart failure: 4.84±5.18; controls: 13.74±7.77; P〈0.005). Standardization of PCR resulting in a low coefficient of varince, high reproducibility, and large sample capacity is possible using optimal internal standardization and the liquid-phase hybridization/ELISA system for detection. The optimized PCR procedure indicated downregulation of atrial AT1 in end-stage human heart failure, suggesting a reduced capacity of the atria to respond to angiotensin II stimulation in end-stage heart failure.
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  • 11
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: α1-adrenoceptors ; Idazoxan ; Indanidine ; Noradrenaline ; Aorta ; Small mesenteric artery ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have studied the effects of idazoxan in rat aorta and small mesenteric artery. In the aorta, idazoxan behaved as a partial agonist (pKA=6.30). Prazosin produced rightward shift (pA2=9.88) and steepening of the idazoxan curve. In contrast, idazoxan had no effect of basal tension in the mesenteric artery, but shifted the noradrenaline curve to the right in a parallel manner (pA2=6.12). The selective al-adrenoceptor agonist, indanidine, also behaved as a partial agonist in the aorta and produced no significant contractions of the small mesenteric artery. Since idazoxan and indanidine have been reported to raise blood pressure in the pithed rat via an action at vascular α1-adrenoceptors, these results call into question the reliability of the small mesenteric artery assay as a predictor for α1-adrenoceptor-mediated pressor activity in vivo.
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  • 12
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Chronic haloperidol ; Dopamine D2 receptors ; NMDA receptors ; AMPA receptors ; Caudate-putamen ; Quantitative autoradiography ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of chronic treatment with haloperidol on the striatal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), α-amino-3-hydro-xy-5-methyl-4-isoxasole-propionic acid (AMPA) and dopamine D2 receptors using a quantitative autoradiography in rats. Haloperidol was given to animals in a dose of ca. 1 mg/kg/day in drinking water for 6 weeks or 3 months and was afterwards withdrawn for 5 days. Haloperidol increased by 20–50% the binding of [3H]spiperone in different regions of the caudate-putamen. Haloperidol decreased by ca. 30% the binding of [3H]AMPA in the ventrolateral region of intermediate part of the caudate-putamen, but did not influence the binding of [3H]MK-801. The present results suggest that, apart from supersensitivity to dopamine, chronic treatment with haloperidol also induces subsensitivity of striatal AMPA receptors.
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  • 13
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Key words Rabbit ; Human ; 5-HT1Dα receptor structure ; 5-HT1Dβ receptor structure ; Radioligand binding ; Ketanserin ; Methiothepin
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The study of serotonin receptor function has been complicated by the extreme molecular diversity of serotonin receptor subtypes, the lack of selective agonists and antagonists for many of the subtypes, and divergence in the pharmacological properties of a single receptor subtype across different animal species. An example of this pharmacological diversity between species homologues is provided by the 5-HT1D receptor subfamily. To further advance the ability to characterize and pharmacologically compare functional responses mediated by native 5-HT1D receptors, we have cloned the 5-HT1Dα and 5-HT1Dβ receptor subtypes from the rabbit and evaluated their pharmacological profiles using radioligand binding assays. The deduced amino acid sequences of the rabbit 5-HT1Dα and 5-HT1Dβ receptor genes displayed 60% overall identity [75% transmembrane (TM) identity] to each other and 〉90% overall identity (95% TM identity) to their corresponding human homologues. Two compounds were identified in binding assays which discriminated between the closely-related 5-HT1D receptors. Ketanserin exhibited high affinity (pKi=7.66) and selectivity (〉20-fold) for the 5-HT1Dα receptor while methiothepin displayed high affinity (pKi=7.86) and selectivity (16-fold) for the 5-HT1Dβ receptor subtype. The rabbit and human recombinant 5-HT1D receptors showed significant intraspecies (rabbit 5-HT1Dα vs. 5-HT1Dβ) and interspecies (i.e. rabbit vs. human 5-HT1Dα) similarities in their ligand binding profiles. These data suggest that 5-HT1D-mediated responses in rabbit preparations may provide information relevant to the pharmacology of the 5-HT1D receptor subtypes in humans.
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  • 14
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Key words Diabetic neuropathy ; Somatosensorial evoked potentials ; Aminoguanidine ; L-carnitine ; Rat ; Alloxan
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The effects of aminoguanidine (AG) and L-carnitine (LC) on somatosensorial evoked potential (SEP) latency and neural levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), products of lipid peroxidation, were compared in alloxan-diabetic rats. AG and LC were given to diabetic rats starting from the 3rd week after the induction of diabetes and lasting for 4 weeks. SEP latency was measured by stimulating via caudal nerve and recording via cortex, once weekly during the treatments. Diabetes caused deficits in SEP (P〈0.05 vs non-diabetic control rats, respectively). AG and LC restored SEP latencies slightly but not significantly, with the exception of the prominent effect of AG at the first week and both treatments at the 4th week of the treatments (P〈0.05 vs untreated diabetic rats, respectively). Diabetes caused elevation in neural TBARS levels (P〈0.05 vs non-diabetic group), which was prevented by both AG and LC (P〈0.05 vs untreated diabetic rats, respectively). Weight and the glucose levels were not influenced by the treatments. Our results suggest that AG improves SEP latencies better than LC. Our results also suggest that the beneficial effects of both AG and LC on diabetic neuropathy are not associated with the regulation of glycemia, but these effects may be related in part with prevention of lipid peroxidation.
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  • 15
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: N-methyl-D-aspartate ; Glutamate ; Kainate ; Dissociated cerebellar cells ; Rat ; Mitochondrial membrane potential
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effect of three different glutamate receptor ligands on mitochondrial membrane potential has been studied in rat pup dissociated cerebellar cells by measuring rhodamine 123 fluorescence. L-glutamate, NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) and kainate (from 10−8 to 10−3 M) decreased in a concentration-dependent manner the mitochondrial membrane potential with EC50 values of 6.7±1.7, 3.8±0.5, and 37.4±14 μM, respectively. Dizocilpine ((+)MK 801) was able to inhibit the NMDA- and L-glutamate-induced decrease in rhodamine 123 fluorescence, while kainate-induced fluorescence-decreases were unaffected. However, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) totally prevented the effect of kainate on mitochondrial membrane potential, but failed to block the L-glutamate effect. It is concluded that, in our cell preparation, L-glutamate exerts its action mainly through NMDA-subtype receptors, and that Ca2+ and Na+ entry through ionotropic glutamate receptors could be responsible for an impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential.
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  • 16
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Diabetic neuropathy ; Somatosensorial evoked potentials ; Aminoguanidine ; L-carnitine ; Rat ; Alloxan
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effects of aminoguanidine (AG) and L-carnitine (LC) on somatosensorial evoked potential (SEP) latency and neural levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), products of lipid peroxidation, were compared in alloxan-diabetic rats. AG and LC were given to diabetic rats starting from the 3rd week after the induction of diabetes and lasting for 4 weeks. SEP latency was measured by stimulating via caudal nerve and recording via cortex, once weekly during the treatments. Diabetes caused deficits in SEP (P 〈 0.05 vs non-diabetic control rats, respectively). AG and LC restored SEP latencies slightly but not significantly, with the exception of the prominent effect of AG at the first week and both treatments at the 4th week of the treatments (P 〈 0.05 vs untreated diabetic rats, respectively). Diabetes caused elevation in neural TBARS levels (P 〈 0.05 vs non-diabetic group), which was prevented by both AG and LC (P 〈 0.05 vs untreated diabetic rats, respectively). Weight and the glucose levels were not influenced by the treatments. Our results suggest that AG improves SEP latencies better than LC. Our results also suggest that the beneficial effects of both AG and LC on diabetic neuropathy are not associated with the regulation of glycemia, but these effects may be related in part with prevention of lipid peroxidation.
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  • 17
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Key words N-methyl-D-aspartate ; Glutamate ; Kainate ; Dissociated cerebellar cells ; Rat ; Mitochondrial ; membrane potential
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effect of three different glutamate receptor ligands on mitochondrial membrane potential has been studied in rat pup dissociated cerebellar cells by measuring rhodamine 123 fluorescence. L-glutamate, NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) and kainate (from 10–8 to 10–3 M) decreased in a concentration-dependent manner the mitochondrial membrane potential with EC50 values of 6.7±1.7, 3.8±0.5, and 37.4±14 μM, respectively. Dizocilpine ((+)MK 801) was able to inhibit the NMDA- and L-glutamate-induced decrease in rhodamine 123 fluorescence, while kainate-induced fluorescence-decreases were unaffected. However, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) totally prevented the effect of kainate on mitochondrial membrane potential, but failed to block the L-glutamate effect. It is concluded that, in our cell preparation, L-glutamate exerts its action mainly through NMDA-subtype receptors, and that Ca2+ and Na+ entry through ionotropic glutamate receptors could be responsible for an impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential.
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  • 18
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology 354 (1996), S. 670-676 
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Bradykinin ; Kininases ; Carrageenan ; Angiotensin converting enzyme ; Aminopeptidase P ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The influence of some peptidase inhibitors on oedema and plasma extravasation induced by bradykinin and carrageenan in rat paw was evaluated. Bradykinin-induced oedema in normal rats was increased by o-phenanthroline (3.10−2 M), by captopril (10−6 M to 10−4 M), by lisinopril (10−6 M to 10−4 M), or by lisinopril (10−5 M) in combination with apstatin (8.10−5 M or 1.4 10−4 M). It was not modified by phosphoramidon (10−6 M to 10−5 M) and by diprotin A (10−3 M). It was increased by mergepta at high concentrations (2.10−4 M). Mergepta did not increase the potentiating effect of captopril. Carrageenan-oedema in normal rats was increased by captopril (10−5 M), lisinopril (10−5 M) and apstatin (1.4 10 M). It was not modified by mergepta (10−4 M), phosphoramidon (10−5 M) and diprotin A (10−3 M). Des-Argl-bradykinin and Des-Arg9-bradykinin have low oedema-promoting effects. Captopril (10−5 M) increased the effects of bradykinin but not those of carrageenan in kininogen-deficient Brown Norway rats. Angiotensin-converting enzyme and amino-peptidase P appear to be main kinin-inactivating enzymes in rat paws. Carboxypeptidase N, neutral endopeptidase 24.11 and dipeptidyl(amino)peptidase IV do not play a significant role in this inactivation.
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  • 19
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Key words Clozapine ; Haloperidol ; Chronic treatment ; Nucleus accumbens ; Caudate putamen ; Dopamine ; In vivo fast cyclic voltammetry ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Fast cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fibre microelectrodes was used to investigate the effects of chronic clozapine or haloperidol administration on electrically evoked dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens and caudate putamen of the anaesthetized rat. Stimulation trains were delivered to the median forebrain bundle (60 pulses, 350 μs duration) every 5 min, and the evoked dopamine efflux measured as a function of a) the applied stimulus intensity (range 0.2 mA–1.0 mA), and b) the applied stimulus frequency (range 10 Hz–250 Hz). Chronic administration of either clozapine (20 mg/kg × 21 days, p.o.) or haloperidol (1 mg/kg × 21 days, p.o.) significantly reduced electrically evoked dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens over the range of stimulus intensities and frequencies tested. The reduction in evoked dopamine efflux observed in the nucleus accumbens of clozapine- and haloperidol-treated rats showed no statistically significant difference. In contrast, only chronic haloperidol treatment significantly reduced evoked dopamine efflux in the caudate putamen. These findings demonstrate that chronic treatment with either the atypical neuroleptic, clozapine, or the typical neuroleptic, haloperidol, produce long-term changes in mesolimbic dopamine function; actions which may underlie their antipsychotic efficacy. They also provide further evidence that the sparing action of clozapine on nigrostriatal dopamine activity may underlie the lower incidence of extrapyramidal side effects associated with its long-term administration.
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  • 20
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Key words Basal ganglia ; Neuropeptides ; Monoamines ; Amino acids ; Microdialysis ; Chromogranin C ; Secretogranin ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In vivo microdialysis was used to study the effect of secretogranin II-derived peptides on dynorphin B (Dyn B), dopamine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate and aspartate release in the substantia nigra and neostriatum of halothane-anaesthesized rats. In the substantia nigra, local infusion of secretoneurin (secretogranin II 154–186) (1–50 μM) increased, in a concentration-dependent manner, extracellular aspartate, glutamate, Dyn B, dopamine and GABA levels. The effect was particularly prominent on aspartate and glutamate levels which, following 50 μM of secretoneurin, were increased by 〉20 and 〉10 fold, respectively. However, the effect of secretoneurin on Dyn B release appeared to be more specific, since a significant increase (〉2 fold) was already observed following 1 μM of secretoneurin. In the neostriatum, Dyn B, glutamate, aspartate and GABA levels were also increased by local secretoneurin infusion, but the effect was less prominent than in the substantia nigra. In the substantia nigra, only Dyn B levels were significantly increased following infusion of 10 μM of the secretoneurin-C terminal (secretoneurin-15C), whereas Dyn B and GABA levels were increased by the same concentration of the secretogranin II C terminus (YM). Only glutamate and aspartate levels were increased by local infusion of 10 μM of secretogranin II 133–151 (LF), a peptide adjacent to secretoneurin in the primary amino acid sequence. In the neostriatum, Dyn B and GABA levels were increased by 10 μM of secretoneurin-15C. Dyn B levels were also increased by 10 μM of YM, and glutamate and aspartate levels were increased by 10 μM of both YM and LF. Thus, secretogranin II-derived peptides affect extracellular levels of several putative neurotransmitter systems monitored in the basal ganglia of the rat with in vivo microdialysis. The effect of Dyn B appears to be specific and related to a physiological role of secretoneurin, since (i) it occurs in an area where secretoneurin-immunocytochemistry has been observed, (ii) is exerted at comparatively low concentrations, and (iii) is mimicked by secretoneurin-15C. The increases in excitatory amino acid levels produced by high concentrations of secretoneurin and other secretogranin II-derived peptides reflect, perhaps, a potential neurotoxicity produced by abnormal accumulation of these peptides.
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  • 21
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology 354 (1996), S. 736-745 
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Key words NMDA ; Ethanol ; Glycine ; Ca2+ fluxes ; Neurotoxicity ; Cerebellar granule cells ; Cortical cells ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effects of ethanol and/or glycine on NMDA-induced enhancement of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i), 45Ca2+ influx, 4-b-[3H]phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]PDBu) binding, and neuronal necrosis in cultured rat cortical and cerebellar granule neurons were examined. Using microfluorimetric techniques in combination with rapid perfusion of single brain neurons, we found that glycine (10 μM) was a necessary co-agonist for NMDA-induced depolarization in cerebellar granule cells. In contrast, depolarization with NMDA in cortical cells was observed even without the addition of exogenous glycine as well as in the absence or presence of 1 mM MgCl2. Ethanol (50 mM) inhibited the effects of NMDA in some, but not all, neurons indicative of the existence of ethanol-sensitive and ethanol-insensitive cortical and cerebellar granule neurons. In studies performed in monolayers of cortical and cerebellar granule cells, we observed that the presence of glycine (10 μM) was a necessary prerequisite to unmask inhibitory actions of ethanol on 45Ca2+ influx induced by NMDA. In another set of experiments, we noted that NMDA-induced stimulation of [3H]PDBu binding to monolayers of intact cerebellar granule cells was inhibited by ethanol (50 mM). Finally, we report that ethanol caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of NMDA-induced necrotic cell death, assessed by measuring the ability of cerebellar granule cells to transform 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) into formazan. In none of the four assays used to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of ethanol on NMDA receptor activity, the ethanol-induced inhibition was reversed by glycine (up to 100 μM). Thus, in contrast to earlier reports, our data suggest that ethanol and glycine produce their effects by acting at different regulatory sites within the NMDA receptor system in brain neurons.
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  • 22
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology 354 (1996), S. 765-772 
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Key words Albino rabbit ; Pigmented rabbit ; Human ; Iris dilator ; α-Adrenoceptor subtype ; Imidazolines
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The relative potency of α-adrenoceptor agonists and the dissociation constants of competitive antagonists were studied to characterize the post-junctional α-adrenoceptor of the human iris dilator muscle. The data obtained from human iris dilator tissue was compared to that from rabbit. The iris dilator muscle was mounted in an organ bath and tension changes were recorded. (–)-Norepinephrine, (–)-phenylephrine (PE), oxymetazoline and p-aminoclonidine caused contractile responses in albino rabbit, pigmented rabbit and human iris dilator muscle in a concentration-dependent manner. The imidazoline molecules were partial agonists. In rabbit iris dilator, desensitization occurred to repeated oxymetazoline application at an interval of 1 h but recovery to the agonist activity was complete in about 3 h. Exposure to cocaine (10 μmol/l), hydrocortisone (100 μmol/l) and U-0521, a catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor (100 μmol/l), significantly potentiated the response to norepinephrine by 92-, 32- and 7 fold in iris dilator tissue of albino rabbit, pigmented rabbit and human, respectively. After block of „uptake1” and „uptake2”, the EC50 values of norepinephrine in the albino rabbit, pigmented rabbit and human iris dilator did not differ and ranged from 99 to 195 nmol/l. Small but significant potentiation by uptake blockers was also observed in the responses to PE in the albino rabbit or pigmented rabbit iris dilator. The average maximum tension induced by 100 μmol/l PE was 96 ± 11 mg (n =10), 197 ± 11 mg (n = 11), 45 ± 5 mg (n = 27) in albino rabbit, pigmented rabbit and human iris dilator, respectively. In human iris dilator, the responses to PE were competitively antagonized by prazosin, 5-methylurapidil and phentolamine with apparent pK B values of 7.3, 6.6 and 7.5, respectively. The pK B values of the prazosin-PE interaction in iris dilator of albino and pigmented rabbit were 8.6 and 6.4, respectively. These results suggest that the post-junctional α-adrenoceptors in iris dilator may be similar to that in pigmented rabbit iris. The α-adrenoceptor of the human or pigmented rabbit iris dilator may be characterized as α1L-adrenoceptor subtype. The α-adrenoceptor of albino rabbit iris dilator appears to be a high affinity subtype. Furthermore, albino rabbit may not be the best strain for the drug research which is relevant to human ocular therapeutics.
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  • 23
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Basal ganglia ; Neuropeptides ; Monoamines ; Amino acids ; Microdialysis ; Chromogranin C ; Secretogranin ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In vivo microdialysis was used to study the effect of secretogranin II-derived peptides on dynorphin B (Dyn B), dopamine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate and aspartate release in the substantia nigra and neostriatum of halothane-anaesthesized rats. In the substantia nigra, local infusion of secretoneurin (secretogranin II 154–186) (1–50 μM) increased, in a concentration-dependent manner, extracellular aspartate, glutamate, Dyn B, dopamine and GABA levels. The effect was particularly prominent on aspartate and glutamate levels which, following 50 μM of secretoneurin, were increased by 〉20 and 〉10 fold, respectively. However, the effect of secretoneurin on Dyn B release appeared to be more specific, since a significant increase (〉2 fold) was already observed following 1 μM of secretoneurin. In the neostriatum, Dyn B, glutamate, aspartate and GABA levels were also increased by local secretoneurin infusion, but the effect was less prominent than in the substantia nigra. In the substantia nigra, only Dyn B levels were significantly increased following infusion of 10 μM of the secretoneurin-C terminal (secretoneurin-15C), whereas Dyn B and GABA levels were increased by the same concentration of the secretogranin II C terminus (YM). Only glutamate and aspartate levels were increased by local infusion of 10 μM of secretogranin II 133-151 (LF), a peptide adjacent to secretoneurin in the primary amino acid sequence. In the neostriatum, Dyn B and GABA levels were increased by 10 μM of secretoneurin-15C. Dyn B levels were also increased by 10 μM of YM, and glutamate and aspartate levels were increased by 10 μM of both YM and LF. Thus, secretogranin 11-derived peptides affect extracellular levels of several putative neurotransmitter systems monitored in the basal ganglia of the rat with in vivo microdialysis. The effect of Dyn B appears to be specific and related to a physiological role of secretoneurin, since (i) it occurs in an area where secretoneurin-immunocytochemistry has been observed, (ii) is exerted at comparatively low concentrations, and (iii) is mimicked by secretoneurin-15C. The increases in excitatory amino acid levels produced by high concentrations of secretoneurin and other secretogranin II-derived peptides reflect, perhaps, a potential neurotoxicity produced by abnormal accumulation of these peptides.
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  • 24
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Clozapine ; Haloperidol ; Chronic treatment ; Nucleus accumbens ; Caudate putamen ; Dopamine ; In vivo fast cyclic voltammetry ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Fast cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fibre microelectrodes was used to investigate the effects of chronic clozapine or haloperidol administration on electrically evoked dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens and caudate putamen of the anaesthetized rat. Stimulation trains were delivered to the median forebrain bundle (60 pulses, 350 μs duration) every 5 min, and the evoked dopamine efflux measured as a function of a) the applied stimulus intensity (range 0.2 mA-1.0 mA), and b) the applied stimulus frequency (range 10 Hz-250 Hz). Chronic administration of either clozapine (20 mg/kg × 21 days, p.o.) or haloperidol (1 mg/kg × 21 days, p.o.) significantly reduced electrically evoked dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens over the range of stimulus intensities and frequencies tested. The reduction in evoked dopamine efflux observed in the nucleus accumbens of clozapine- and haloperidol-treated rats showed no statistically significant difference. In contrast, only chronic haloperidol treatment significantly reduced evoked dopamine efflux in the caudate putamen. These findings demonstrate that chronic treatment with either the atypical neuroleptic, clozapine, or the typical neuroleptic, haloperidol, produce long-term changes in mesolimbic dopamine function; actions which may underlie their antipsychotic efficacy. They also provide further evidence that the sparing action of clozapine on nigrostriatal dopamine activity may underlie the lower incidence of extrapyramidal side effects associated with its long-term administration.
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  • 25
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology 354 (1996), S. 736-745 
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: NMDA ; Ethanol ; Glycine ; Ca2+ fluxes ; Neurotoxicity ; Cerebellar granue cells ; Cortical cells ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effects of ethanol and/or glycine on NMDA-induced enhancement of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i), 45Ca2+ influx, 4-b-[3H]phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]PDBu) binding, and neuronal necrosis in cultured rat cortical and cerebellar granule neurons were examined. Using microfluorimetric techniques in combination with rapid perfusion of single brain neurons, we found that glycine (10 μM) was a necessary co-agonist for NMDA-induced depolarization in cerebellar granule cells. In contrast, depolarization with NMDA in cortical cells was observed even without the addition of exogenous glycine as well as in the absence or presence of 1 mM MgCl2. Ethanol (50 mM) inhibited the effects of NMDA in some, but not all, neurons indicative of the existence of ethanol-sensitive and ethanol-insensitive cortical and cerebellar granule neurons. In studies performed in monolayers of cortical and cerebellar granule cells, we observed that the presence of glycine (10 μM) was a necessary prerequisite to unmask inhibitory actions of ethanol on 45Ca2+ influx induced by NMDA. In another set of experiments, we noted that NMDA-induced stimulation of [3H]PDBu binding to monolayers of intact cerebellar granule cells was inhibited by ethanol (50 mM). Finally, we report that ethanol caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of NMDA-induced necrotic cell death, assessed by measuring the ability of cerebellar granule cells to transform 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MIT) into formazan. In none of the four assays used to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of ethanol on NMDA receptor activity, the ethanol-induced inhibition was reversed by glycine (up to 100 μM). Thus, in contrast to earlier reports, our data suggest that ethanol and glycine produce their effects by acting at different regulatory sites within the NMDA receptor system in brain neurons.
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  • 26
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology 353 (1996), S. 161-167 
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Key words Ageing ; Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid ; Homovanillic acid ; Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus ; In vivo microdialysis ; Noradrenaline ; Phenylephrine ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The effect of age on basal and stimulated noradrenaline release in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the rat was examined by in vivo microdialysis. Microdialysis probes were inserted into the PVN of 3 and 18 month old anaesthetised Sprague Dawley rats and perfused with a modified Ringer solution. Following four basal 30-min collections, transmitter release was stimulated by perfusion with 100 mM potassium for one collection. After re-equilibration, blood pressure was raised 60 mmHg for 30 min by phenylephrine infusion (1–1.3 mg/kg) then a 2-h recovery period followed. Dialysate collections were injected directly onto a reverse phase HPLC-ECD (HPLC with electrochemical detection). Basal extracellular noradrenaline concentrations were found to be similar in adult and old animals. Basal dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) concentrations were significantly greater in old compared to adult rats (P〈0.05). Potassium depolarisation induced a significant increase in noradrenaline concentrations in both age groups (P〈0.001), however the noradrenaline response to potassium stimulation was significantly reduced in the aged rats (P〈0.05). Potassium-induced decreases in DOPAC and homovanillic acid (HVA) concentrations were seen in both age groups. Following phenylephrine infusion, a modest delayed reduction in noradrenaline levels, which failed to reach statistical significance, was seen. Phenylephrine-induced hypertension was associated with decreased DOPAC and HVA concentrations in adult (P〈0.05) and old (P〈0.05) rats, respectively. These results indicate that ageing is associated with changes in dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity in the PVN of the rat. A reduction in noradrenaline response to maximal stimulation induced by potassium depolarisation was observed with ageing. The alteration in the activity of the catecholaminergic pathways to the PVN induced by phenylephrine infusion appears to be age dependent.
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  • 27
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology 353 (1996), S. 168-174 
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Nucleus basalis magnocellularis ; Nicotine ; Physostigmine ; Cortical EEG ; FFT power spectra ; Unrestrained behaviour ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The basal magnocellular nucleus is assumed to play a crucial role in cholinergic activation of the cortical EEG. The aim of this study was to establish whether intraperitoneally applied nicotine may counteract the power asymmetry of the slow waves in the cortical EEG of both hemispheres after an unilateral lesion in the basal nucleus. In 17 rats the basal nucleus (substantia innominata/ventral pallidum) was unilaterally lesioned by ibotenic acid. The lesion produced unilateral power increases of all frequencies up to 20 Hz in the frontal EEG that increased with higher arousal level. Additionally, synchronized spike and wave discharges appeared in the frontal EEG. The results indicate that the basal nucleus suppresses especially the delta EEG waves in the frontal motor cortex during motor active behaviour. Nicotine (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) partially counteracts the power asymmetry of frontal slow waves (2–6 Hz) only during exploratory sniffing but not during grooming and waking immobility. Physostigmine (1 mg/kg) was also effective during exploratory sniffing. The results may indicate a role of nicotinic mechanisms in the information input component of exploratory behaviour.
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  • 28
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Key words Bradykinin ; Kininases ; Carrageenan ; Angiotensin converting enzyme ; Aminopeptidase P ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The influence of some peptidase inhibitors on oedema and plasma extravasation induced by bradykinin and carrageenan in rat paw was evaluated. Bradykinin-induced oedema in normal rats was increased by o-phenanthroline (3.10–2 M), by captopril (10–6 M to 10–4 M), by lisinopril (10–6 M to 10–4 M), or by lisinopril (10–5 M) in combination with apstatin (8.10–5 M or 1.4 10–4 M). It was not modified by phosphoramidon (10–6 M to 10–5 M) and by diprotin A (10–3 M). It was increased by mergepta at high concentrations (2.10–4 M). Mergepta did not increase the potentiating effect of captopril. Carrageenan-oedema in normal rats was increased by captopril (10–5 M), lisinopril (10–5 M) and apstatin (1.4 10–4 M). It was not modified by mergepta (10–4 M), phosphoramidon (10–5 M) and diprotin A (10–3 M). Des-Arg1-bradykinin and Des-Arg9-bradykinin have low oedema-promoting effects. Captopril (10–5 M) increased the effects of bradykinin but not those of carrageenan in kininogen-deficient Brown Norway rats. Angiotensin-converting enzyme and aminopeptidase P appear to be main kinin-inactivating enzymes in rat paws. Carboxypeptidase N, neutral endopeptidase 24.11 and dipeptidyl(amino)peptidase IV do not play a significant role in this inactivation.
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  • 29
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: ALEPH-2 Serotonin receptor binding ; Anxiolytics ; Serotonin syndrome ; Phenylisopropylamines ; Rat ; Hypothermia ; Psychedelics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Serotonergic behavioral responses, effects on motor activity and core temperature, and binding properties of the novel putative anxiolytic amphetamine derivative (±)1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylthiophenyl)-2-aminopropane (ALEPH-2), were examined in rodents in order to elucidate the mechanism underlying its anxiolytic-like effect. After peripheral administration in rats, ALEPH-2 induced some symptoms of the serotonergic syndrome, e.g. forepaw treading and flat body posture. Additionally, a decrease in motor activity was observed. No significant effects on the number of head shakes were observed after injection, although high inter-subject variability was noted. Higher doses of ALEPH-2, in the range exhibiting anxiolytic properties (4mg/kg), elicited significant hypothermia in mice. The affinity of the drug for 5-HT2A/2C receptors ([3H]ketanserin sites) was in the nanomolar range (Ki = 173 nM), whereas for 5-HT1A, benzodiazepine sites, and GABAA receptors, the affinity was micromolar or lower. Based on these results the mechanism of action and the anxiolytic-like properties of ALEPH-2 are discussed.
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  • 30
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology 353 (1996), S. 161-167 
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Ageing ; Dihydroxyphenylaceticacid ; Homovanillic acid ; Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus ; in vivo microdialysis ; Noradrenaline ; Phenylephrine ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effect of age on basal and stimulated noradrenaline release in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the rat was examined by in vivo microdialysis. Microdialysis probes were inserted into the PVN of 3 and 18 month old anaesthetised Sprague Dawley rats and perfused with a modified Ringer solution. Following four basal 30-min collections, transmitter release was stimulated by perfusion with 100 mM potassium for one collection. After re-equilibration, blood pressure was raised 60 mmHg for 30 min by phenylephrine infusion (1–1.3 mg/kg) then a 2-h recovery period followed. Dialysate collections were injected directly onto a reverse phase HPLC-ECD (HPLC with electrochemical detection). Basal extracellular noradrenaline concentrations were found to be similar in adult and old animals. Basal dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) concentrations were significantly greater in old compared to adult rats (P 〈 0.05). Potassium depolarisation induced a significant increase in noradrenaline concentrations in both age groups (P 〈 0.001), however the noradrenaline response to potassium stimulation was significantly reduced in the aged rats (P 〈 0.05). Potassium-induced decreases in DOPAC and homovanillic acid (HVA) concentrations were seen in both age groups. Following phenylephrine infusion, a modest delayed reduction in noradrenaline levels, which failed to reach statistical significance, was seen. Phenylephrine-induced hypertension was associated with decreased DOPAC and HVA concentrations in adult (P 〈 0.05) and old (P 〈 0.05) rats, respectively. These results indicate that ageing is associated with changes in dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity in the PVN of the rat. A reduction in noradrenaline response to maximal stimulation induced by potassium depolarisation was observed with ageing. The alteration in the activity of the catecholaminergic pathways to the PVN induced by phenylephrine infusion appears to be age dependent.
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  • 31
    ISSN: 1432-0843
    Keywords: Key words S-1 ; Biochemical modulation ; Rat ; Metabolism ; Intestinal toxicity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  S-1, a new oral antitumor agent, is composed of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (Tegafur, FT), 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine (CDHP) and potassium oxonate (Oxo) in a molar ratio of 1 : 0.4 : 1. FT which is a masked compound of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) acts as an effector, while both CDHP and Oxo which do not have antitumor activity themselves act as modulators. In this study, the antitumor activity and intestinal toxicity of S-1 were investigated using experimental tumor models in rats, and compared with those of other oral fluoropyrimidines, namely 5-FU, FT, FCD (1 M FT/0.4 M CDHP) and UFT (combination of FT and uracil). In rats bearing subcutaneous Yoshida sarcoma, S-1 inhibited tumor growth at the lowest dose (ED50 value: S-1 5, UFT 22, FT 82, FCD 5, and 5-FU 19 mg/kg per day), and induced the least host body weight suppression, leading to the highest therapeutic index (TI) (S-1 4.5, UFT 1.4, FT 1.8, FCD 2.0, and 5-FU 1.4). S-1 also showed a higher therapeutic effect than UFT against AH-130 and Sato lung carcinoma. After administration of S-1 and UFT at equitoxic doses, S-1 showed a higher and more prolonged concentration of 5-FU than UFT both in plasma (AUC0-∞: S-1 28 nmol h/ml, UFT 15 nmol⋅h/ml) and in tumor tissue (AUC0-∞: S-1 95 nmol h/g tissue, UFT 52 nmol h/g tissue), leading to a higher 5-FU level incorporated into the RNA fraction (F-RNA level) in tumor tissue (AUC0-24: S-1 7.0 nmol h/mg RNA, UFT 4.3 nmol h/mg RNA) and 5–8% higher thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibition in tumor tissue at every time-point through 24 h. Compared with other oral fluoropyrimidines after administration of the maximal tolerable dose (MTD), S-1 caused the lowest rates of intestinal toxicities, such as diarrhea and occult blood in feces. S-1 also showed a higher antitumor effect on Yoshida sarcoma implanted intracolonically than UFT at an equitoxic dose (tumor weight: S-1 64±30 mg, UFT 133±52 mg; P〈0.05). These results suggest that CDHP, which is a potent inhibitor of 5-FU degradation, increases the antitumor activity of FT, and that Oxo, which is an inhibitor of 5-FU phosphorylation, locally protects the gastrointestinal tract from 5-FU-induced toxicity without decreasing the antitumor activity.
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  • 32
    ISSN: 1432-0843
    Keywords: Key words Hydroxyurea ; Pharmacokinetics ; Toxicity ; Human ; Drug therapy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  A group of 18 patients with advanced cancer were entered on a phase I study of a 120-h continuous intravenous infusion of hydroxyurea. The dose of hydroxyurea was escalated in cohorts of patients from 1 to 2 to 3.2 g/m2 per day. The primary dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenia, often accompanied by leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and generalized skin rash. Prophylactic treatment of patients with dexamethasone and diphenhydramine hydrochloride prevented the skin rash, but not the hematopoietic toxicities. The pharmacokinetics of hydroxyurea were studied in all patients. The steady-state concentrations of hydroxyurea were linearly correlated with the dose (R 2 = 0.71, n = 18, P〈0.0001). The mean±SE concentrations were 93±16, 230±6 and 302±27 μM at 1, 2 and 3.2 g/m2 per day, respectively. The mean±SE renal and nonrenal clearances of hydroxyurea were 2.14±0.18 and 3.39±0.28 l/h per m2 (n = 16), neither of which correlated with the dose. The concentration of hydroxyurea in plasma decayed monoexponentially with a mean±SE half-life of 3.25±0.18 h (n = 17). The steady-state concentration of hydroxyurea was 〉200 μM in all nine patients treated at 2 g/m2 per day, a dose which was well tolerated for 5 days. We recommend this dose for phase II trials in combination with other antineoplastic agents.
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  • 33
    ISSN: 1432-0843
    Keywords: Key words 7-Hydroxymethotrexate ; Toxicity ; Lethal dose ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  To elucidate mechanisms for methotrexate (MTX)-induced renal and hepatic toxicity, we investigated the acute effects of bolus plus continuous infusion of up to 0.4 g/kg 7-hydroxymethotrexate (7-OH-MTX) in the rat. We demonstrate for the first time in any species the occurrence of acute lethal toxicity within a few hours after 7-OH-MTX administration. Serum concentrations of 7-OH-MTX measured at the time of death were 1.4 mM (mean), about one-half of those achieved in some patients after infusion of high-dose MTX (HD-MTX) in the clinic. The data suggest an approximate LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the study population) of 0.3 g/kg and a steep dose/lethality curve for 7-OH-MTX. Moreover, acute renal and hepatic toxicity occurred as evidenced by severe morphological findings and increased serum levels of creatinine and liver transaminases. In all rats subjected to continuous infusion of 7-OH-MTX, yellow microscopic precipitations were apparent in the kidney tubules. Crystallization was also seen in bile ducts of the liver in some of the rats. These results further support that the formation of 7-OH-MTX is disadvantageous and that reported attempts to prevent its formation during MTX treatment are warranted.
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  • 34
    ISSN: 1432-0843
    Keywords: Key words Microdialysis ; Methotrexate ; Tissue ; Recovery ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  We used a microdialysis technique to determine tissue methotrexate (MTX) levels during steady state in a rodent model. Two different approaches were employed to measure the actual extracellular MTX concentrations in muscle, liver, and kidney tissues of anesthetized Wistar rats. With the reduced-perfusion-rate technique, the flow in the microdialysis perfusate was gradually decreased toward zero to permit calculation of zero-flow intercepts. Using the net change technique, microdialysis probes were perfused with different MTX concentrations to allow an assessment of equilibrium drug levels. For these two methods to be used, drug concentrations in the matrix to be analyzed must remain unchanged during the experimental procedure. In the animal model, steady state was attained after 1.5 h and maintained throughout the rest of the experiments by the administration of MTX as continuous infusions through a venous catheter. In vitro and in vivo, both the reduced-perfusion-rate and net change techniques gave reproducible data that permitted the estimation of extracellular drug concentrations in the dialyzed tissue compartments. The data suggest that the level of unbound MTX in the circulation is fairly similar to the extracellular concentrations in the muscle and liver. In the kidney, MTX levels were measured to be 3–8 times higher than those of unbound, circulating MTX, and a considerable discrepancy between the two methods used for estimations was apparent. These results demonstrate that both the net change and reduced-flow microdialysis techniques can produce reproducible and precise data. The results may constitute a basis for determining recoveries and, thus, true extracellular drug levels during in vivo microdialysis of MTX. This may be of importance in delineation of the relationship between tissue MTX levels and outcome in a variety of normally inaccessible compartments during cancer pharmacotherapy.
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  • 35
    ISSN: 1432-0843
    Keywords: Key words 6-Mercaptopurine ; Pharmacokinetics ; Methotrexate ; Lymphoblastic leukemia ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Clinical and experimental pharmacokinetic interaction between 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and methotrexate (MTX) was investigated in patients as well as in rats and in HL-60 human leukemic cells. Ten children affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in remission received daily doses of 6-MP given at 25 mg/m2 and i.v. infusion of high-dose MTX at 2 or 5 g/m2 once every other week. When 6-MP was given alone, the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) of 6-MP were 72.5 ng/ml and 225.3 h ng ml-1. Concurrent treatment with MTX at 2 or 5 g/m2 resulted in a mean increase of 108% and 121% in the Cmax and of 69% and 93% in the AUC, respectively. In rats treated with an oral dose of 6-MP at 75 mg/m2, MTX given i.p. at 5 g/m2 produced mean increases of 110% and 230% in the Cmax and AUC of 6-MP, respectively. In HL-60 human leukemic cells incubated with 6-MP at 250 ng/ml, the cumulative intracellular concentration of 6-thioguanine and 6-MP nucleotides was not significantly modified by treatment with 20 μg/ml of MTX. The present findings indicate that high-dose MTX enhances the bioavailability of 6-MP as evidenced by the observed increases in the plasma Cmax and AUC of 6-MP in humans and animals.
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  • 36
    ISSN: 1433-2965
    Keywords: Bisphosphonates ; Bone resorption ; Calcium balance ; Calcium metabolism ; Ibandronate ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The new bisphosphonate ibandronate was given at various doses and regimens to normal growing rats, and its effect on calcium metabolism investigated by means of45Ca kinetics. The bisphosphonate began to inhibit bone resorption at a dose of 0.1 µg P/kg, given daily. At higher doses intestinal calcium absorption, calciuria and calcium balance were also increased, calcemia being decreased. There was no difference in effect when the same amount of compound was given either daily for 10 days or all at once. Furthermore, the effect of a high dose of 100 µg P/kg was present 1 month after a single administration, whereas a dose 10 times lower was no longer effective. These results suggest that ibandronate may be effective in humans for decreasing bone resorption and increasing calcium balance in osteoporosis, when given either daily or discontinuously.
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  • 37
    ISSN: 1433-2981
    Keywords: Rat ; Blood-brain barrier ; Development ; Immunohistochemistry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A mouse monoclonal antibody which specifically reacts with putative blood-brain barrier (BBB) competent endothelial cells of rat cerebral capillaries was used to identify barrier competent cells in the central nervous system (CNS). The development of the cerebral capillaries and the BBB was examined and quantified, from day 6 to day 40 postpartum, using immunocytochemical and unbiased stereological techniques. There was a progressive increase in capillary formation postnatally, with collateral branching observed with progressive age. BBB development was confined to individual endothelial cells located at the periphery of the cortex until day 10 postpartum. Antibody binding progressively increased postnatally, contributing 30% of the total capillary surface area by day 20. There was a rapid elevation of reactivity from day 20 to day 40, with a mean of 83% by day 40. The BBB constitutes minimal amounts of brain vascular capillaries before day 10 of life in the rat. There is a slower increase in BBB than in total capillaries between days 10 and 20. There is a reversal of this trend between days 20 and 40.
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  • 38
    ISSN: 1433-2981
    Keywords: Control survey ; Haematology ; Inter laboratory variation ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A survey was conducted to determine the accuracy and quality control of automated haematology analysers used in non-clinical toxicity studies. Pooled blood samples from male Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed to 98 laboratory facilities throughout Japan, the samples being delivered under refrigeration to each facility within 18 h of sample preparation. At each facility, the samples were analysed within 4 h of receipt. Commercially available normal human blood samples from a single lot were also analysed at the same time. Most haematological results were within the mean ±3SD (standard deviation), but some facilities gave either high or low values consistently for both human and rat samples. No facility gave high or low values to certain parameters sporadically, which suggests no problem with the accuracy of the equipment. However, it was suspected that there would be some problem in comparing analytical values determined in a unique way by specific equipment design. The use of certain equipment resulted, in rat haematocrit values in particular, being either too high or too low. In these cases, it was deemed necessary to make some adjustments or calibration changes. There were also platelet values with a ‘plus drift’ which was apparently due to contamination with, or failure to identify small red blood cells (RBC). There was no deviation in values which could be attributed solely to the mechanical operation of any of the analytical equipment. Non-standard, initial setting up of the equipment (originally intended for human use, but now used for a variety of animal species) has been recognised as the main cause for a wider range of the analytical values seen. The results of this survey suggest that it may be necessary to review equipment calibration at each facility, and to re-establish the historical background data.
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  • 39
    ISSN: 1433-2981
    Keywords: Clinical chemistry ; Haematology ; Rat ; Sampling technique(s)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Blood samples from male and female rats were collected from four different sampling sites by the same technicians and analysed by the same procedures. The sampling sites were the abdominal aorta, orbital venous plexus, dorsal anastomotic orbital vein and sublingual vein. Values obtained in blood samples collected from peripheral sites were compared to those from the abdominal aorta, a sampling site which is normally unaffected by the sampling technique. There were significant differences in haematological parameters, particularly in leucocyte counts which were higher in samples collected from the peripheral sites than in those withdrawn from the central one. No significant changes were observed in coagulation parameters. A significant increase in clinical chemistry parameters related to soft tissue damage, namely creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase, was seen in samples collected from both orbital sites. From this study it can be concluded that haematological and biochemical values obtained from rats in toxicological studies using different sampling sites are reliable both in males and females, provided that they are compared to values obtained from the same site in untreated controls. Sampling from the orbital plexus proved to be the least invasive method.
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  • 40
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    Pediatric surgery international 11 (1996), S. 33-40 
    ISSN: 1437-9813
    Keywords: Immunohistochemistry ; Human ; Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide ; Somatostatin ; Neuropeptide
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The pathophysiology of the impaired sphincter function in Hirschsprung's disease is still unclear. The peptidergic innervation of the aganglionic large intestine is known to be disturbed. The present study analyzes the peptidergic innervation of the aganglionic internal anal sphincter (IAS) in comparison with that of the circular layer of ganglionic and aganglionic large intestine. Immunoreactivity for the following substances was analyzed: vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), met-enkephalin (ENK), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), somatostatin (SOM), and neuropeptide Y (NPY). All patients were operated upon with Soave's endorectal pull-through technique and a posterior partial myectomy of the IAS. For comparison, specimens of resected IAS from adult patients operated upon for rectal cancer as well as autopsy specimens from a 2-year-old child were analyzed. Differences in the density of nerve fibers between the ganglionic and aganglionic large intestine were in accordance with previous studies. In sections of normoganglionic IAS moderately dense networks of nerve fibers immunoreactive for NPY, SOM, and VIP were observed. The occurrence of NPY and SOM was somewhat more frequent here compared to the colonic circular muscle coat, whereas the opposite was seen for VIP. In aganglionic IAS abundant nerve fibers immunoreactive for NPY, SOM, and VIP were observed. Only a few SP-, CGRP-, and ENK-immunoreactive fibers were found in normal and aganglionic IAS. It is concluded that there were moderate differences in the peptidergic innervation of the aganglionic IAS as compared to the normal ganglionic IAS and the circular muscle coat of the ganglionic and aganglionic large intestine.
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  • 41
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    Skeletal radiology 25 (1996), S. 563-567 
    ISSN: 1432-2161
    Keywords: Key words Radiography ; Human ; Hand ; Fracture
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Objective. A commercially available positioning device was evaluated to assess whether standardized positioning of hand radiographs for the pronated oblique view was facilitated. Design and subjects. One hundred hands of volunteers were radiographed in postero-anterior, antero-posterior and pronated oblique projections, with and without use of the positioning device, and with and without application of a plaster cast. Results. The variation in pronation angle in the uncovered hand was 6° with, and 24° without the positioning device. Use of the device diminished intra- and inter-positioning variation by 14° and 18° respectively. A plaster cast led to a variation of up to 26°, despite use of the device. Conclusions. Use of the positioning device improved consistency for the pronated oblique radiograph. There was no improvement with a cast on the forearm.
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  • 42
    ISSN: 1432-2307
    Keywords: Bax ; Bcl-2 ; Apoptosis ; Central nervous system ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Bax and Bcl-2 proteins are identified as regulating molecules for programmed cell death. In the central nervous system, programmed cell death or apoptosis is considered to be an important phenomenon that is related to neuron vulnerability to a variety of toxic effects, including ischaemic insult. In this study, localization of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins was investigated in the human central nervous system using autopsy cases without any neurological disorder. Results were compared with findings in the rat. Most neurons in human cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and brain stem were positive for both Bax and Bcl-2 proteins, whereas Purkinje cells in cerebellum and neurons in hippocampal CA1, CA2 and CA3 regions were positive for Bax but negative or weakly positive for Bcl-2. Glial cells examined in all sections were negative for both proteins. Choroid plexus, ependymal cells and arachnoid villi showed positive reactivity for both proteins. A possible relationship between the localization of Bax or Bcl-2 proteins and the cell vulnerability in central nervous system is discussed.
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  • 43
    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Enolase ; Isozymes ; Rat ; Renal neoplasms
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Concentrations of enolase isozymes in normal kidney and renal cell tumors in rats were determined using a highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay, and the isozymes were immunohistochemically localized in tissue sections. Levels of α-enolase in renal cell turnors were significantly lower than in normal kidney, whereas those of γ-enolase were significantly elevated (mean ±SD:211±129 ng/mg protein, n=15, as compared to 27.1±2.9 ng/mg protein, n=7). The proportion of γ-enolase in the total enolases in the tumor tissues (1.6±0.5%) was significantly higher than in normal kidney (0.15±0.005). Immunohistochemistry revealed epithelial cells of all nephron segments to be positive for the α-isozyme, whereas γ-enolase staining was strongly positive only in the loops of Henle, being faint in the distal tubules and absent in the proximal tubules. Both α- and γ-enolases demonstrated positive immunostaining in all of the seven renal cell tumors studied. These findings indicate that an isozyme switch from α- to γ-enolase occurs during rat kidney carcinogenesis, taking into account the derivation from proximal tubules, consistent with the findings for renal cell carcinomas in man.
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  • 44
    ISSN: 1573-0603
    Keywords: Brain ; Histology ; Organotypic culture ; Patch clamp recording ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The goal of the current research was to define an in vitro system that can replace in vivo experimentation but reflects as far as possible aspects of the intact situation of the developing nervous system of mammals. Tissue slices of postnatal rat hippocampi were continuously moved between the medium and gas phase. Under these conditions the complex cytoarchitecture was preserved for many weeks. Lactate dehydrogenase assay, cell size analysis and neuron- and glial cell specific immunocytochemical markers were employed to illuminate explant development in vitro. By scanning electron microscopy the explant surface was analysed in order to determine the conditions suitable for patch clamp recording. Electrophysiological analysis revealed a pronounced spontaneous activity showing the neurons to be functionally active. These data indicate that organotypic roller cultures reflect to a large extent the in vivo situation of the mammalian nervous system. The culture system provides a promising model system for developmental physiology, neurotoxicology and pharmacology.
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  • 45
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Growth-associated protein 43 ; Immunohistochemistry ; Rat ; Spinal cord ; Trauma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) is one compound used to indicate growth of axonal endings during development and regeneration, particularly of peripheral neurons. Using immunohistochemistry, we have studied the expression of GAP43 in the spinal cord of rats subjected to mild, moderate or severe compression injury and used neurofilament immunostaining to demonstrate axonal injuries. Samples removed from the compressed T8–9, the cranial T7 and the caudal T10 segments were studied at 4 h, 24 h, 4 days and 9 days after injury. Control rats showed a moderate immunostaining of neurons in dorsal root ganglia, weak staining of ventral motor neurons and, with the exception of the corticospinal tracts, a weak staining in some axons of the longitudinal tracts of the cord. Injury in the compressed region led to increased GAP43 immunoreactivity in axons of normal and expanded size. This occurred particularly 1–4 days after injury and normalized 9 days thereafter. More marked immunostaining was present in the cranial and caudal segments. The corticospinal tracts never showed such staining. The increase of GAP43 immunostaining is presumably caused by disturbed axonal transport from neurons with the capacity to synthesize and transport the GAP43 antigen. Transported material may thus be available for regeneration of axons, but this source of material may vary between different classes of axons within the cord.
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  • 46
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key wordsβ-Amyloid precursor protein ; Ubiquitin ; Human ; Spinal cord ; Trauma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We evaluated by immunohistochemistry the presence of β-amyloid precursor protein (ßAPP) and ubiquitin-like material which may accumulate in axons of the human spinal cord subjected to injury. Autopsy material was obtained from nine cases with different types of trauma: breech delivery with neonatal spinal injury, compression of the cord induced by fractures of the vertebral column, haematomas or intradural meningioma. The post-trauma period ranged from 10 days to several years. The spinal cord of six control cases without evidence of injury presented βAPP immunoreactivity in nerve cell bodies and in a few axonal profiles but not in dendrites. Seven of the nine cases with spinal cord trauma showed an accumulation of βAPP-immunoreactive material in axons of the longitudinal tracts at the site of the injury. Five cases presented similar axonal immunoreactivity in the grey matter of the cord. Ubiquitin-like immunoreactivity was present in expanded axons in cases with spinal cord injury. Cases with spinal cord trauma thus present βAPP-immunoreactive axons particularly of the longitudinal tracts in the same way as in trauma to rat spinal cord and in various brain injuries. The aggregation of βAPP-immunoreactive material indicates disturbed axonal transport of βAPP. Accumulation of ubiquitin-like immunoreactive material in expanded axons at the site of trauma may be one prerequisite for degradation of abnormal proteins by the ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic pathway.
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  • 47
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    Acta neuropathologica 91 (1996), S. 616-623 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Insulinoma ; Peripheral neuropathy ; Morphometry ; Pathology ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Peripheral nerve structure was systematically examined in rats with insulinoma induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Normal Wistar rats, aged 3 months (n = 10), were treated with intravenous injections of STZ (20 mg/ kg) and housed in plastic cages with free access to water and chow until 24 months of age. Three rats with insulinoma survived and were examined pathologically. Age-matched normal Wistar rats (n = 6) were used for comparison. The insulinoma-bearing rats showed a marked increase in body weight and decrease in blood glucose. In a teased nerve fiber study of the sciatic nerve, the percentage of abnormal fibers undergoing axonal degeneration and de- and remyelination in age-matched normal control rats was 3.9 ± 2.5% (means ± SD), whereas in the three insulinoma-bearing rats 49%, 50%, and 24%, respectively, of the fibers showed such changes. Regenerating fibers were also numerous in each insulinoma-bearing rat (36%, 42% and 27%, respectively). Morphometric analysis revealed smaller mean myelinated fiber and axonal areas in all the nerves examined (sciatic, tibial and sural) in insulinoma-bearing rats as compared to those in age-matched normal rats. Fiber area frequency histograms showed a decrease in large myelinated fibers and an increase in small regenerated fibers in insulinoma-bearing rats. Ultrastructurally, endoneurial microvessels exhibited a narrowed vascular lumen with swollen endothelial cells and vacuolar degeneration of pericytes, suggesting an involvement of vascular changes in the neuropathic development. The present study demonstrated marked structural changes in both motor and sensory peripheral nerves of rats bearing experimentally induced insulinoma. We consider that axonal degeneration, regeneration and demyelination constitute the main pathology in the peripheral nerves of insulinoma-bearing rats, although no particular difference in severity of the lesions between sensory and motor and between proximal and distal nerves was apparent.
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  • 48
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Testis ; Myoid cells ; Fetus ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Testicular peritubular cells are located in the lamina propria of seminiferous tubules. These cells, significantly contributing to the basal membrane of seminiferous epithelium, have been studied in a number of species. However, there is a lack of data on the development of the lamina propria in the human testis. The aim of our survey was to investigate the characteristics of the lamina propria and, in particular, peritubular cells in the fetal human testes by immunohistological and stereological methods. Therefore, testes (14–39 weeks of gestation, n=45) were dissected and fixed in a 4% buffered paraformaldehyde solution. Several pieces of each testis were embedded in paraffin and processed for immunohistochemical and stereological analysis. All investigated testes have shown sex cords in the process of development and differentiation. Morphologically, peritubular cells in the lamina propria can be divided into two types: fibroblast-like (FL) and myoid-like (ML) type (cells which much resemble mature myoid cells). By immunohistochemistry, both FL and ML cells are found to be strongly positive for the intermediate filament desmin, but negative for α-smooth actin. While FL cells intensively express Ki-67 demonstrating proliferative activity, ML cells are found to be negative. The basement membrane of sex cords as well as the blood vessels of the interstitium show strong positivity to collagen IV and laminin. Concerning the correlation between the appearance of the investigated antigens with the gestational age, all antigens have been expressed (in the manner described above) already in the 14th week of gestation. The stereological analysis of the number (Nv) and volume (Vv) of peritubular cells indicates a pulsatile development of these cells in the lamina propria of the human fetal testis. While the stereological variables determined for FL cells show a gradual decrease, the same variables determined for ML cells demonstrate a successive increase. It appears that the lamina propria of the fetal human testes shares many of the properties previously discovered in rodents.
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  • 49
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    Acta neuropathologica 91 (1996), S. 409-415 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Nerve growth factor ; Low-affinity nerve ; growth factor receptor ; Phosphoprotein B-50/ ; neuromodulin ; Immunohistochemistry ; Human ; skeletal muscle
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Phosphoprotein B-50, also termed neuromodulin or growth-associated protein GAP43, is a membrane-bound molecule expressed in neurons. It is particularly abundant during periods of axonal outgrowth in development and regeneration of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recently it was reported that B-50 plays a role in the growth morphology of regenerating muscle fibers. Moreover, in vitro studies have demonstrated that the expression of B-50 in the pheochromocytoma PC12 cells can be stimulated by the nerve growth factor (NGF). Expression of the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR) during muscle regeneration has also been reported. Here, we studied the expression of NGF, LNGFR and B-50 in myopathy. To investigate the state of regeneration, we examined serial sections stained to demonstrate neural cell adhesion molecule and desmin. Light microscopy showed that muscle fiber regeneration in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy corresponds closely to NGF, LNGFR and B-50 immunoreactivity. The coexpression of phosphoprotein B-50, NGF and LNGFR in regenerating muscle fiber corroborates the assumption that in muscle there is a trophic pathway concerning phosphorylation or de novo synthesis of B-50 by the NGF via the LNGFR. In conclusion, a simultaneous expression of NGF, LNGFR and B-50 in muscles plays a role in the growth morphology of regenerating muscle fibers.
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  • 50
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    Acta neuropathologica 91 (1996), S. 155-160 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Ubiquitin ; Immunohistochemistry ; Rat ; Spinal cord ; Trauma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic pathway is an important mode of protein degradation in various tissues. Since breakdown of proteins may occur in axons after injury we evaluated the presence of ubiquitin-like immunoreactive material in rat spinal cord following compression injury of mild, moderate and severe degrees at T8–9 level, resulting in no neurological deficit, reversible paraparesis and paraplegia of the hind limbs, respectively. Rats with mild to severe compression injury surviving 1–4 days showed numerous, intensely immunoreactive expanded axons at the site of compression. The labelled axons were randomly distributed in the longitudinal tracts but they were never found in the corticospinal tracts. No labelling was detected by 9 days after injury. In addition, the presence of labelled axons was investigated in the T7 and the T10 segments from rats with moderate compression. No labelling was seen in T7, but in T10 segments many immunoreactive axons were present. Control rats did not show immunoreactive axons in the spinal cord. Neurons of dorsal root ganglia, trigeminal ganglia and of the grey matter of the spinal cord were immunoreactive. Cerebral cortical neurons did not show ubiquitin expression. Thus, compression of the rat spinal cord causes a transient accumulation of ubiquitin-like immunoreactive material in axonal swellings. Even though the dynamics of ubiquitin conjugates are not fully understood, the observed axonal accumulation presumably reflects arrested anterograde axonal transport of protein chiefly derived from neurons of dorsal root ganglia and the local neurons of the spinal cord. The presence of ubiquitin in damaged axons is one prerequisite for degradation of abnormal proteins by the ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic pathway, which may be activated in reactive axonal swellings.
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  • 51
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Asymptomatic ; Cytokines ; Human ; immunodeficiency virus ; Major histocompatibility ; complex class II ; Polymerase chain reaction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Among the various mechanisms proposed to explain the pathogenesis of cerebral lesions in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced encephalitis, a cytokine-mediated action has found most favour. Indeed, elevated expression of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), thought to be neurotoxic, has been found in AIDS patients. As a previous study had demonstrated the presence of HIV proviral DNA in brain tissue of a number of HIV-positive non-AIDS patients, we undertook this present investigation using morphological, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods to detect the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, the presence of HIV-1 proviral DNA and of the cytokines TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-4 and IL-6 in brains of the same group of individuals. The study included brains of 36 asymptomatic HIV-1 positive patients and the results were compared with those of AIDS patients either affected by HIV encephalitis (n = 8) or exempt from any neuropathological changes (n = 10) as well as of normal controls (n = 5). Results show that: HIV proviral DNA could be detected by PCR in 17 out of the 36 brains from HIV-positive pre-AIDS cases; most (15 of 17) of PCR-positive brains showed minimal to severe expression of MHC class II antigen; and cytokines could be detected predominantly within white matter even at this early stage. The data demonstrated that the state of immune activation described in AIDS is already present at the pre-AIDS stage and suggest that the presence of cytokines may already trigger the cascade of events leading to brain damage.
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  • 52
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    Acta neuropathologica 92 (1996), S. 525-527 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Mercury ; Human ; Neurotoxicity ; Cortical ; motor neuron ; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A 24-year-old man injected himself intravenously with metallic mercury in a suicide attempt, and died 5 months later after cutting his wrists. The brain was removed at postmortem and 7-μm paraffin sections were cut from representative blocks. Dense deposits of mercury were found on autometallography in large cortical motor neurons, but in no other cerebral neurons. Smaller mercury deposits were found in the brain stem (in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, noradrenergic neurons, and in neurons for extraocular muscles), the cerebellum (in the dentate nucleus) and in lateral motor neurons in the C2/3 spinal cord. Mercury deposits were found in glial cells in all regions. The finding that elemental mercury enters human cortical motor neurons in preference to other cerebral neurons raises the possibility that this neurotoxin may play a part in the pathogenesis of some human motor neuron diseases.
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  • 53
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Aromatase ; Estrogen receptor ; Immunohistochemistry ; Brain ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We elucidated the anatomical relationship between estrogen receptors and aromatase, the enzyme converting androgens to estrogens, in the fetal and neonatal rat brain by means of double immunohistochemical labeling, using antibodies against rat estrogen receptors and human placental aromatase cytochrome P450. Numerous aromatase-immunoreactive neurons were found in the medial preoptic area, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the medial amygdaloid nucleus and the ventromedial nucleus. Estrogen receptors were also abundant in these areas. Most of the aromatase-immunoreactive neurons showed immunoreactivity for estrogen receptors in the medial subdivision of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and in the posterodorsal division of the medial amygdaloid nucleus. There were also many double-labeled cells in the ventromedial nucleus. However, in the medial preoptic area the localization of aromatase-immunoreactive neurons was distinct from that of neurons containing estrogen receptors. These results suggested that estrogens, which are converted from androgens in aromatase-containing neurons, are involved in the sexual differentiation of the brain through estrogen receptors within aromatase-immunoreactive neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the medial amygdaloid nucleus and the ventromedial nucleus, but through estrogen receptors in aromatase-immunonegative neurons in the medial preoptic area.
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  • 54
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: trk neurotrophin-receptor proteins ; p75 protein ; Paravertebral-sympathetic ganglia ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We investigated the expression of immunoreactivity (IR) for low- (p75) and high-affinity (trk proteins) neurotrophin-receptor proteins in adult human paravertebral-sympathetic ganglion neurons. Mouse monoclonal antibodies against the pan-neurotrophin-receptor p75, and rabbit polyclonal antibodies against specific epitopes of the intracytoplasmic domain on trk neurotrophin-receptor proteins were used in fresh unfixed and formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded sympathetic ganglia. All adult human paravertebral-sympathetic neurons displayed trkA neurotrophin-receptor-like protein IR, 10% express trkC neurotrophin-receptor-like protein IR, 37–44% show p75 IR, and no IR was obtained for trkB neurotrophin-receptor-like protein. The intensity of immunostaining was independent of the neuron size. Labelling of non-neuronal tissues, especially blood-vessel walls, was observed for p75, trkA and trkC neurotrophin-receptor proteins. These results indicate that overlapping exists in the expression of p75 and trk neurotrophin-receptor proteins in adult human paravertebral-sympathetic neurons, and suggest that neurotrophins might act on these neurons.
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  • 55
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    Anatomy and embryology 194 (1996), S. 439-444 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Human ; Embryogenesis ; Three-dimensional reconstruction ; Computer-assisted design
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Three-dimensional computer graphic reconstructions of four human embryos at Carnegie stages 11 to 23 portray the relationships and dimensions of individual organ systems. This paper illustrates the cranial, neural, pharyngeal, gut, vascular and nephric architecture in these developing embryos. This technology can be applied to in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to map zones and times of developmental gene activity.
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  • 56
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    Anatomy and embryology 194 (1996), S. 595-605 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Neuropeptides ; Hybridization histochemistry ; Chemical anatomy ; Ontogeny ; Rat ; Brain
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) expression was studied during rat brain development using in situ hybridization histochemistry with a 48mer, S35-ATP-labeled probe. First expression of VIP was found in the lateral thalamus at E17, in a region later recognized as the reticular nucleus. At E19, VIP mRNA was also found in the hypothalamus, especially the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The only other prenatal localizations were the cortex and the brainstem. VIP expression continously matured during the first three postnatal weeks, and adultlike patterns were found at P22, when cerebral cortex, ventrolateral and reticular thalamic nuclei, suprachiasmatic nucleus were the regions with most prominent VIP expression. These results demonstrate the relatively late appearance of VIP gene expression in the rat forebrain as compared with peptides like SRIF and CCK, suggesting it does not have a major role in early brain maturation.
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  • 57
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words AIDS ; Apoptosis ; Human ; immunodeficiency virus ; Rabies ; Neuropathology
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A 46-year-old man was bitten by a dog in Mali; anti-rabies vaccination was incomplete. Three months later he was admitted to hospital with fever and diarrhea. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology was positive and CD4 count was 70/mm3. His status worsened rapidly with confusion hydrophobia and hypersialorrhea. Despite anti-rabies serotherapy and vaccination, he died suddenly 12 days after admission. Immunofluorescence on cerebral tissue samples established rabies encephalitis. Neuropathology showed mild encephalitis with occasional Babès nodules and rare perivascular mononuclear cuffs. Intraneuronal Negri inclusion bodies were remarkably diffuse and abundant. They were clearly demonstrated by immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. Apoptotic neurons were identified in the brain stem and hippocampus in the vicinity of inflammatory foci. In contrast, apoptosis could not be demonstrated in non-inflammatory areas, even where Negri bodies were numerous. There was no associated HIV encephalitis or opportunistic infection. The occurrence of rabies encephalitis in AIDS represents a random association, but is probably not exceptional as rabies is endemic in many countries and the AIDS epidemic is spreading worldwide. In this case, although the incubation duration and clinical presentation were comparable to those in classical rabies, the T-cell-mediated immunosuppression may account for the weak inflammatory reaction and unusually abundant viral multiplication. This observation confirms that all those at risk for rabies, particularly immunocompromised patients, should receive complete anti-rabies treatment including vaccines and specific immunoglobulins, as soon as possible after infection.
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  • 58
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    Anatomy and embryology 195 (1996), S. 65-70 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole proprionic acid receptor ; Glutamate receptor development ; Immunohistochemistry ; Synaptogenesis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  We studied the immunohistochemial localization of the glutamate receptors (GluR-1, -2, and -3,) in the developing rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus using antibodies to GluR1 and to an epitope common to GluR2 and GluR3 (GluR2/3) subunits. In the cerebral cortex, GluR1 immunoreactivity appeared in the neurons from postnatal day (PND) 0, increased with maturation, was highest at PND 10, decreased until PND 30, and thereafter remained at the same level as on PND 0. GluR2/3 immunoreactivity appeared earlier in scattered neurons on embryonal day (ED) 18, increased with maturation and reached a peak between PND 10 and PND 15, after which the immunoreactivity gradually decreased and reached a plateau at PND 30. For both GluR1 and GluR2/3, some of the pyramidal neurons showed intense staining. In the pyramidal layers of the hippocampus, GluR1 and GluR2/3 immunoreactivity was found in all the pyramidal neurons of the CA1–4 area from ED 20. In the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, GluR1 and GluR2/3 immunoreactivity was found in the neurons of the granule cells after PND 0. Immunoreactivity in the neurons of the subiculum was found after PND 5 and that of the polymorphic cell layers was found after PND 15–20. Our results indicate that the development of glutamate receptor subunits in the rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus is expressed in different spatial patterns and distinct temporal patterns throughout development and is scheduled during the early postnatal period, when synaptic plasticity or synaptic connection occurs in these regions.
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  • 59
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    Anatomy and embryology 194 (1996), S. 373-378 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Paravertebral sympathetic ganglia ; Calretinin ; Aging ; Immunoblotting ; Immunohistochemistry ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Calretinin is an “EF-hand” calcium-binding protein involved in the maintenance of intracellular calcium ion homeostasis. This study was understaken to investigate the presence of calretinin in human lumbar paravertebral sympathetic ganglia from subjects of different ages (26–85 years) using immunohistochemical and immunoblotting methods. Calretinin-like immunoreactivity was found in a subpopulation of postganglionic sympathetic neurons, whose percentage decreased progressively with aging by about 50% (63% of immunoreactive neurons at ≤40 years; 29% at ≥81 years) whereas the neuronal density remained basically unchanged. Calretinin-like immunoreactivity showed a granular pattern of cytoplasmic distribution suggesting preferential localization of this protein associated with intracellular membranes. Occasionally diffuse cytosolic labelling was also observed. The immunoblotting demonstrated a protein band with an estimated molecular weight of 30 kDa, approximately. Present results provide, for the first time, evidence for the presence of calretinin in human paravertebral sympathetic ganglia. Since the number of calretinin-like immunoreactive neurons decreased significantly with aging our findings suggest an involvement of this protein in the age-dependent impairment of sympathetic function.
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  • 60
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Varicella-zoster virus ; AIDS ; Human ; immunodeficiency virus ; Vasculitis ; Spinal cord ; infarction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection is usually benign and self-limited. However, particularly in the immunosuppressed host, serious central nervous system complications may occur, including encephalitis, myelitis, and cerebral vascular occlusion. We report the case of a 57-year-old male with AIDS, who rapidly developed a sixth cranial nerve palsy and progressive myelopathy. There was no antecedent zoster rash. Autopsy revealed VZV ventriculo-encephalitis and vasculitis, as well as a transverse infarction of the spinal cord without evidence of direct infection of the cord parenchyma. Spinal cord infarction secondary to VZV vasculitis is an unusual cause of myelopathy in immunosuppressed patients.
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  • 61
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Neuropeptides ; Limbic cortex ; Allocortex ; Mesocortex ; Parcellation ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The expression of somatostatin mRNA within the allocortex of the rat was examined by in situ hybridization with an alkaline phosphatase labeled probe. We sought to determine whether parcellation of the allocortex could be based upon the number and laminar location of the hybridized cells and to contrast the allocortical features with those of the isocortical areas. The cingulate region was characterized by intense, moderate, and faint cells, small to medium in size throughout the laminae. The retrosplenial region demonstrated a somewhat stratified appearance with an abundance of cells expressing somatostatin mRNA in the upper portion of the composite layer II–IV and also in the upper portion of layer VI. The insular region displayed more heterogeneity. The distribution of the cells hybridized for somatostatin mRNA formed distinctive configurations within the insular region (dorsal and ventral agranular insular areas) with no obvious generality. The perirhinal area resembled the ventral agranular insular area, and the cell distribution of the entorhinal and prepiriform areas displayed a common characteristic in that the primary axis of the perikarya of somatostatin mRNA expressing cells within the lower layers were oriented at almost every possible angle. The conclusion of the investigation is that in situ hybridization for somatostatin mRNA provides a means by which the areal boundaries within the allocortex may be drawn.
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  • 62
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Epidermal growth factor receptor ; Dorsal root ganglia ; Immunoblotting ; Immunohistochemistry ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) enhances neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth in cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons. It binds a membrane protein, denominated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr). EGFr has been localized in developing and adult human DRG. However, it remains to be elucidated whether all DRG neurons express EGFr or whether differences exist among neuronal subtypes. This study was undertaken to investigate these topics in adult human DRG using immunoblotting, and combined immunohistochemistry and image analysis techniques. A mouse monoclonal antibody (clone F4) mapping within the intracytoplasmic domain of EGFr was used. Immunoblotting revealed two main proteins with estimated molecular masses of ∼- 65 kDa and 170 kDa, and thus consistent with the full-length EGFr. Additional protein bands were also encountered. Light immunohistochemistry revealed specific immunoreactivity (IR) for EGFr-like proteins in most (86%) primary sensory neurons, the intensity of immunostaining being stronger in the small- and intermediate-sized ones. Furthermore, EGFr-like IR was also observed in the satellite glial cells of the ganglia as well as in the intraganglionic and dorsal root Schwann cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that EGFr, and other related proteins containing the epitope labeled with the antibody F4, are responsible for the EGFr IR reported in DRG. Furthermore, we demonstrated heterogeneity in the expression of EGFr-like IR in adult human primary sensory neurons, which suggests different responsiveness to their ligands.
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  • 63
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Embryology ; Temporomandibular joint ; PGP 9.5 ; Innervation ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The development of nerve fibres in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in relation to the development of bone, muscle and fibre components was investigated in human fetuses ranging from 9 weeks of gestation to birth. Immunohistochemistry for the glia-associated protein S-100 and for the neuro-specific marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) were used; specimens were compared to specimens of adult TMJ capsule and disc. At 9–10 weeks, a small number of neural elements are already present in the connective tissue around the joint and in the mesenchyme between the two articular blastemas from which the disc will differentiate. By 19 weeks many nerve fibres are clearly visible. Immunohistochemical results suggest diffuse disc innervation extending along the entire disc but not in the thin central area. More complex structures, i.e. encapsulated corpuscles, were also seen. The fetal disc appears highly innervated compared to adult tissue; already at this developmental stage morphology and distribution of nerves and corpuscles in the joint capsule are comparable to those in the adult joint. It may be concluded that the innervation of the TMJ is detectable from the end of the second month and that it develops fully between the third and the fifth month of gestation. Nerve endings in the disc are most numerous at 20 weeks, after which a progressive reduction, possibly secondary to the growth of articular tissues, is observed throughout the last trimester of fetal life and into adult life. The innervation of the lateral pterygoid muscle, on the contrary, is much less than that seen in adult muscles, even at full-term.
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  • 64
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Apoptosis ; Programmed cell death ; Olfactory system ; Embryogenesis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract It has been previously shown that the embryonic olfactory nerve contains, in addition to glial ensheathing cells, a large population of differentiated neurons that migrate from the developing olfactory epithelium, in close association with the olfactory axon fascicles. The purpose of our study was to verify the hypothesis according to which a process of physiological cell death might be involved in the progressive disappearance of these migrating neurons that has been reported during late embryonic stages in several immunocytochemical studies. To do so, we have investigated the development of the olfactory nerve layer in rat embryos by using light and electron microscopy, with special reference to the presence of cell death processes within this structure. We have also applied the histochemical TUNEL method allowing in situ visualization of cells degenerating by apoptosis. In order to determine if neurons were present among dying cells, a procedure of double-labeling was performed by combining the DNA-specific bisbenzimide with two neuronal markers, the protein B-50/GAP-43 and the lectin Ulex europaeus I. Results brought out the precise temporal and spatial patterns of programmed cell death accompanying the morphogenesis of the olfactory nerve layer. A cell death process was observed within the olfactory nerve layer from its onset at embryonic day 13 (E13). While only few pycnotic cells were observed in E13 and E14 embryos, their number increased from E15 to reach a maximum at E16 and then diminished. Few dying cells were also observed along the olfactory axon fascicles when they penetrated the olfactory nerve layer. Degenerating cells appeared strongly TUNEL-labeled and exhibited morphological features of cell death by apoptosis. Double-labeling experiments revealed that some of the apoptotic cells were neurons. These observations indicate that apoptosis may account for the progressive decrease in the number of migrating neurons present within the embryonic olfactory nerve layer. Otherwise, a zone of massive cell death by apoptosis was observed at E14 within the nasal mesenchyme located ventrally and caudally to the olfactory nerve layer. Double-labeling experiments showed that apoptotic cells present within this zone were not neurons. Our findings strongly suggest that apoptotic cell death of migrating neurons may allow the elimination of non-functional cells whereas that of mesenchymal cells may facilitate outgrowth of the newly formed olfactory axon fascicles by pathway formation.
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  • 65
    ISSN: 1432-069X
    Keywords: Key words Photodynamic therapy ; Cisplatin ; Human ; squamous cell carcinoma cell line ; Apoptosis ; Nuclear ; matrix protein
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
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  • 66
    ISSN: 1432-0851
    Keywords: Key words Medullary thyroid carcinoma ; Rat ; Immunotherapy ; Interleukin-2
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The existence of inherited aggressive forms of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), and their resistance to all classical therapies, make it a prime candidate for adoptive immunotherapy. As a prelude to a vaccine for the protection of family members at risk of developing the disease, we investigated the immunological antitumour response provoked by the 6/23 rMTC cell line, compared to that of the same cells engineered to secrete interleukin-2 (rMTC-IL2), in an animal model of familial human MTC, the inbred strain of Wag/Rij rats. The rMTC cells developed a tumour that invaded the whole neck 15 days after orthotopic injection (into the thyroid), while the rMTC-IL2 cells were progressively rejected. Co-injection of rMTC-IL2 with the parental cells induced the rejection of the rMTC transplants. When injected, both tumoral cell types showed a similar positive immunoreaction with anti-MHC class I (major histocompatibility complex class I) antibodies. They both recruited natural killer cells and eosinophils at the site of injection. In addition, CD8+ T lymphocytes infiltrated the rMTC-IL2 cells, and eosinophil recruitment was amplified. Neutrophils, macrophages and CD4+ T lymphocytes were scarce. Our results suggest that the CD8+ T lymphocytes are implicated in the antitumour reaction elicited by the Il-2-transfected cells. As these effectors are known to induce a specific immunological response, including memory, such a protocol should be tested as a vaccine on the young population genetically at risk of developing a MTC.
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  • 67
    ISSN: 1432-0851
    Keywords: Key words NK cell ; NKR-P1 ; Rat ; Colon tumor ; Tumor regression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  NKR-P1 has been identified as a triggering structure selectively expressed on rat natural killer (NK) cells and adherent lymphokine-activated killer (A-LAK) cells. In vivo treatment with anti-NKR-P1 monoclonal antibody (mAb 3.2.3) was shown to induce complete inhibition of NK cytotoxicity and elimination of LAK cell precursors in Lewis and Fisher rat strains. We investigated the effects of mAb 3.2.3 in a colon tumor model in BDIX rats. Inoculation of animals with mAb 3.2.3 even at very high doses induced a strong but incomplete inhibition of NK cytotoxicity in nylon-wool-non-adherent spleen and peripheral blood cells. Generation of adherent A-LAK cells from their spleen precursors was also strongly but not fully inhibited. We also investigated the effect of treatment with mAb 3.2.3 on the tumorigenicity of the NK-sensitive REGb cell line. When subcutaneously inoculated in syngeneic animals, REGb cells induce tumors that first grow for 2 weeks, then spontaneously regress and disappear. In contrast with previous results using anti-asialoGM1, no significant difference in tumor growth was observed between rats treated with mAb 3.2.3 and control animals, even with a long-term treatment. In vitro, mAb 3.2.3 exhibited the same incomplete efficiency. Nylon-wool-non-adherent spleen cells treated with mAb 3.2.3 plus complement were completely free of 3.2.3bright cells, but retained a substantial NK activity and generated LAK cells after culture with IL-2. After an overnight incubation in standard medium of 3.2.3-depleted spleen cells, 3.2.3bright cells were partially recovered and the NK cytotoxic activity, as well as the generation of LAK cells, was significantly enhanced. These results suggest that a strong expression of NKR-P1 is not required for BDIX mononuclear cells to exhibit NK function and generate LAK cells under IL-2 activation.
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  • 68
    ISSN: 1432-1238
    Keywords: Key words Acute pancreatitis ; Therapy ; Dextran ; Hypertonic ; Colloid ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective: Ultrahigh-molecular dextran (500000 Da) has been shown to prevent pancreatic necrosis when given 30 min after induction of pancreatitis. This study should clarify the following: (a) are dextrans still effective after prolongation of the therapy-free interval? (b) what is the impact of the molecular weight of the dextrans? and (c) is their effect influenced by the dextran concentration or by the addition of hypertonic saline? Animals and interventions: Acute pancreatitis was induced in 70 male dextran-tolerant Wistar rats using intraductal bile-salt infusion and intravenous hyperstimulation. After 3 h, animals were assigned to one of seven groups (n=10 per group) receiving either Ringer solution or different dextrans (10%) including 70000 Da (DEX-70), 160000 Da (DEX-160), 300000 Da (DEX-300) or 500000 Da (DEX-500). Additional groups included DEX-70 (6%) and DEX-70 (10%) in combination with hypertonic NaCl (7.5%) (HHS-70). Ringer solution was given at 24 ml/kg and all dextrans at 8 ml/kg. Measurements and results: Trypsinogen activation peptides (TAP) were quantified in ascites and acinar necrosis after death or sacrifice at 9 h. As an index of less pathological trypsinogen activation, the mean TAP levels in ascites were significantly lower in DEX-70 and DEX-160 compared to Ringer controls (p〈0.05, t-test). Furthermore, the amount of acinar necrosis was significantly lower in all dextran groups except the HHS-70 in comparison with Ringer controls (p〈0.01, t-test). Finally, mortality was significantly reduced from 60% in Ringer controls to 10 and 0%, respectively, in the groups treated with DEX-70 and DEX-160 (p〈0.03, Fisher‘s Exact test). There was a similar trend in all other groups except the HHS-70. Conclusions: Despite a therapy-free interval of 3 h, dextrans reduce trypsinogen activation, prevent acinar necrosis, and improve survival in necrotizing rodent pancreatitis. The molecular weight and concentration of dextran are of secondary importance for these beneficial effects.
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  • 69
    ISSN: 1432-1238
    Keywords: Acute pancreatitis ; Therapy ; Dextran ; Hypertonic ; Colloid ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective Ultrahigh-molecular dextran (500 000 DA) has been shown to prevent pancreatic necrosis when given 30 min after induction of pancreatitis. This study should clarify the following: (a) are dextrans still effective after prolongation of the therapy-free interval? (b) what is the impact of the molecular weight of the dextrans? and (c) is their effect influenced by the dextran concentration or by the addition of hypertonic saline? Animals and interventions Acute pancreatitis was induced in 70 male dextran-tolerant Wistar rats using intraductal bile-salt infusion and intravenous hyperstimulation. After 3 h, animals were assigned to one of seven groups (n=10 per group) receiving either Ringer solution or different dextrans (10%) including 70 000 Da (DEX-70), 160 000 Da (DEX-160), 300 000 Da (DEX-300) or 500 000 Da (DEX-500). Additional groups included DEX-70 (6%) and DEX-70 (10%) in combination with hypertonic NaCl (7.5%) (HHS-70). Ringer solution was given at 24 ml/kg and all dextrans at 8 ml/kg. Measurements and results Trypsinogen activation peptides (TAP) were quantified in ascites and acinar necrosis after death or sacrifice at 9 h. As an index of less pathological trypsinogen activation, the mean TAP levels in ascites were significatly lower in DEX-70 and DEX-160 compared to Ringer controls (p〈0.05,t-test). Furthermore, the amount of acinar necrosis was significantly lower in all dextran groups except the HHS-70 in comparison with Ringer controls (p〈0.01,t-test). Finally, mortality was significantly reduced from 60% in Ringer controls to 10 and 0%, respectively, in the groups treated with DEX-70 and DEX-160 (p〈0.03, Fisher's Exact test). There was a similar trend in all other groups except the HHS-70. Conclusions Despite a therapy-free interval of 3 h, dextrans reduce trypsinogen activation, prevent acinar necrosis, and improve survival in necrotizing rodent pancreatitis. The molecular weight and concentration of dextran are of secondary importance for these beneficial effects.
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  • 70
    ISSN: 1432-1238
    Keywords: Closed-loop controlled ventilation ; Human ; Initial settings ; Computer ; Mechanical ventilation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective To test a method that allows automatic set-up of the ventilator controls at the onset of ventilation. Design Prospective randomized crossover study. Setting ICUs in one adult and one children's hospital in Switzerland. Patients Thirty intubated stable, critically ill patients (20 adults and 10 children). Interventions The patients were ventilated during two 20-min periods using a modified Hamilton AMADEUS ventilator. During the control period the ventilator settings were chosen immediately prior to the study. During the other period individual settings were automatically determined by the ventilator (AutoInit). Measurements and results Pressure, flow, and instantaneous CO2 concentration were measured at the airway opening. From these measurements, series dead space (V DS), expiratory time constant (RC), tidal volume (V T), total respiratory frequency (f tot), minute ventilation (MV), and maximal and mean airway pressure (P aw, max andP aw, mean) were calculated. Arterial blood gases were analyzed at the end of each period.P aw, max was significantly less with the AutoInit ventilator settings whilef tot was significantly greater (P〈0.05). The other values were not statistically significant. Conclusions The AutoInit ventilator settings, which were automatically derived, were acceptable for all patients for a period of 20 min and were not found to be inferior to the control ventilator settings. This makes the AutoInit method potentially useful as an automatic startup procedure for mechanical ventilation.
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  • 71
    ISSN: 1432-1238
    Keywords: Key words Atrial natriuretic peptide ; Infusion ; Human ; Cardiac surgery ; Renal function ; Acute renal failure ; Inotropic agents
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of IV infusion of atrial natriuretic peptide (human ANP 1–28) on renal function in patients with acute heart failure and renal impairment after cardiac surgery. Design: Pharmocodynamic dose-effect investigation. Setting: Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit of a university hospital. Patients: Twelve patients (mean age 68 years, range 44–78 years) treated with inotropic drugs and an intra-aortic balloon pump (n=8) were studied 1–3 days after cardiac surgery. Patients had acute renal impairment, defined as a rise in serum creatinine of more than 50% compared to preoperative values. Patients were receiving dopamine and furosemide infusion to increase urine flow. Interventions: Baseline measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (51Cr-EDTA and PAH clearance) were first performed during two 30-min periods. ANP was then administered for two consecutive 30-min periods (25 and 50 ng/kg per min), followed by two control periods. Measurements and main results: Mean arterial pressure decreased by 6% at the highest ANP dose. Urine flow, GFR and RBF increased 62%, 43% and 38%, respectively, while renal vascular resistance decreased 30%. At this dose level, circulating ANP concentrations were on the average eight fold higher than preinfusion levels. Conclusions: ANP improved renal function and decreased elevated renal vascular resistance in patients with renal dysfunction after cardiac surgery. The improvement in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate may be of potential therapeutic value to prevent or treat exaggerated renal vasoconstriction in patients with acute renal impairment following cardiac surgery.
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  • 72
    ISSN: 1432-1238
    Keywords: Atrial natriuretic peptide ; Infusion ; Human ; Cardiac surgery ; Renal function ; Acute renal failure ; Inotropic, agents
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of IV infusion of atrial natriuretic peptide (human ANP 1–28) on renal function in patients with acute heart failure and renal impairment after cardiac surgery. Design Pharmocodynamic, dose-effect investigation. Setting Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit of a university hospital. Patients Twelve patients (mean age 68 years, range 44–78 years) treated with inotropic drugs and an intra-aortic balloon pump (n=8) were studied 1–3 days after cardiac surgery. Patients had acute renal impairment, defined as a rise in serum creatinine of more than 50% compared to preoperative values. Patients were receiving dopamine and furosemide infusion to increase urine flow. Interventions Baseline measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (51Cr-EDTA and PAH clearance) were first performed during two 30-min periods. ANP was then administered for two consecutive 30-min periods (25 and 50 ng/kg per min), followed by two control periods. Measurements and main results Mean arterial pressure decreased by 6% at the highest ANP dose. Urine flow, GFR and RBF increased 62%, 43% and 38%, respectively, while renal vascular resistance decreased 30%. At this dose level, circulating ANP concentrations were on the average eight fold higher than preinfusion levels. Conclusions ANP improved renal function and decreased elevated renal vascular resistance in patients with renal dysfunction after cardiac surgery. The improvement in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate may be of potential therapeutic value to prevent or treat exaggerated renal vasoconstriction in patients with acute renal impairment following cardiac surgery.
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  • 73
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    Experimental brain research 108 (1996), S. 119-128 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Intracortical microstimulation ; Electromyographic activity ; Potentiation ; Ketamine ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine whether changes in electromyographic (EMG) responses observed during prolonged intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) were due to local plasticity of the motor system or to global changes in the preparation. Local effects would be expressed as changes only along the activated motor pathway, whereas global effects would be expressed as changes also appearing at distant cortical efferent microzones. The results of ICMS in the ketamine-anesthetized rat showed that the size of consecutive EMG responses increased gradually to a relatively stable magnitude over a period of four to six trains of stimuli. This early enhancement of EMG responses was maintained while continuously providing trains of stimuli at 1 Hz. However, it disappeared after a 5-min period of muscle inactivity. This response enhancement in the presence of ketamine (an NMDA, N-methyl-d-aspartate, receptor blocker) suggests that a neuronal mechanism involving non-NMDA-mediated homosynaptic short-term potentiation (STP) was responsible for the early enhancement of EMG responses. To compare ICMS effects at several time intervals it was necessary to average several evoked EMG responses because there was normal biological variability between single EMG responses. To determine the optimal number of EMG responses that would provide a reliable average EMG response, averages of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 EMG responses evoked from a single cortical site were collected at 5-min intervals. The results revealed that averages of 10 responses would provide reliable average EMG responses for all subsequent analyses. There were wide fluctuations in the average EMG responses when periodic injections of ketamine were used to maintain a low reflexive state in the animal. Switching to continuous infusion of ketamine abolished these fluctuations but there remained a small drift in the magnitudes of consecutive EMG responses. To test whether this drift reflected local plastic changes in the motor system induced by stimulation or some global changes, EMG responses evoked from another ICMS site were used as control. The rationale was that global effects would affect all motor output sites equally. The sizes of control EMG responses followed a similar time course to those evoked from the test site. Furthermore, standardizing the test EMG responses with respect to the control responses eliminated the drift in response magnitudes. Thus the drift was due to slow global changes in neuronal excitability possibly produced by the anesthesia. In conclusion, late changes occurring after hours of ICMS were not due to plasticity of the motor system but rather to global changes in the preparation, possibly resulting from the inability to set an ideal anesthetic infusion rate that could maintain a constant level of neuronal excitability over long periods of time. However, there was early enhancement of the EMG responses evoked by ICMS due to neuronal plasticity possibly mediated by a non-NMDA mechanism of homosynaptic STP such as post-tetanic potentiation (PTP). This early enhancement would favor recruitment of the previously activated motor pathway and lead to greater consistency in movement execution.
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  • 74
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    Experimental brain research 108 (1996), S. 382-388 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Nitric oxide ; Iontophoresis ; 3 morpholino sydnonimin hydrochloride ; S-nitroso glutathione ; Periaqueductal grey matter ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Experiments were carried out in urethane-anaesthetized rats to examine the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on neuronal activity within the dorsolateral sector of the midbrain periaqueductal grey matter (PAG), an area which is rich in NO synthesizing neurones. NADPH dependent diaphorase histochemistry revealed small NO synthase containing perikarya, 15.4±3.1 μm (mean±SEM) in diameter, in a longitudinal column in the dorsolateral sector of the PAG. The labelled cell bodies were surrounded by a dense meshwork of stained fibres and processes in which unlabelled neurones were embedded. In order to establish whether NO was generated when NO donors were ejected iontophoretically from micropipettes, a chemiluminescence method was used to estimate the output of NO in vitro after iontophoresis of two chemically different classes of NO donor: the sydnonimine 3 morpholino sydnonimin hydrochloride (SIN 1) and the nitrosothiol S nitroso glutathione (SNOG). Iontophoresis of both NO donors into 200 μl aliquots of 165 mM NaCl using ejection currents between 6000 and 18000 nA·min produced a current related increase in the concentration of NO. Iontophoresis of SIN 1 in vivo produced a reproducible, current related inhibition of firing in 40 of 59 neurones in the dorsolateral PAG. In 8 of 10 neurones the effect of SIN 1 was significantly reduced after iontophoresis of methylene blue (10–30 nA for 2.7–5 min). The inhibition took up to 7 min to develop and lasted for up to 13 min. Inhibitory responses to GABA were not affected by methylene blue. Iontophoresis of SNOG also inhibited ongoing activity of 18 of 24 neurones tested in the PAG. The experiments demonstrate firstly that NO donors can be used in vivo to deliver NO in the vicinity of neurones by iontophoresis from micropipettes. Secondly, NO appears to inhibit neuronal activity within the PAG.
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  • 75
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    Experimental brain research 108 (1996), S. 450-462 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Spinal cord ; H-reflexes ; Ia afferents ; Reflex pathways ; Homosynaptic depression ; Human ; Cat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract It was demonstrated that the soleus H-reflex was depressed for more than 10 s following a preceding passive dorsiflexion of the ankle joint. This depression was caused by activation of large-diameter afferents with receptors located in the leg muscles, as an ischaemic block of large-diameter fibres just below the knee joint abolished the depression, whereas a similar block just proximal to the ankle joint was ineffective. The depression of the H-reflex was not caused by changes in motoneuronal excitability, as motor-evoked potentials by magnetic brain stimulation were not depressed by the same passive dorsiflexion. Therefore it was concluded that the long-lasting depression is due to mechanisms acting at presynaptic level. The transmission of the monosynaptic Ia excitation from the femoral nerve to soleus motoneurones was not depressed by the ankle dorsiflexion. The depression thus seems to be confined to those afferents that were activated by the conditioning dorsiflexion. In parallel experiments on decerebrate cats, more invasive methods have complemented the indirect techniques used in the experiments on human subjects. A similar long-lasting depression of triceps surae monosynaptic reflexes was evoked by a preceding conditioning stimulation of the triceps surae Ia afferents. This depression was accompanied by a reduction of the monosynaptic Ia excitatory postsynaptic potential recorded intracellularly in triceps surae motoneurones, but not by changes in the input resistance or membrane potential in the motoneurones. Stimulation of separate branches within the triceps surae nerve demonstrated that the depression is confined to those afferents that were activated by the conditioning stimulus. This long-lasting depression was not accompanied by a dorsal root potential. It is concluded that the long-lasting depression is probably caused by a presynaptic effect, but different from the “classical” GABAergic presynaptic inhibition which is widely distributed among afferent fibres and accompanied by dorsal root potentials. It is more probably related to the phenomenon of a reduced transmitter release from previously activated fibres, i.e. a homosynaptic post-activation depression. The consequences of this post-activation depression for the interpretation of results on spinal mechanisms during voluntary movements in man are discussed.
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  • 76
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Posture ; Spindle group II afferents ; Crossed pathways ; EMG ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract During upright stance, foot dorsiflexion induced by the movement of a supporting platform elicits a short-(SLR) and a medium-latency response (MLR) in both the soleus and the flexor digitorum brevis muscles; foot plantarflexion elicits a MLR in the tibialis anterior. The SLR is the counterpart of the stretch reflex, but no general agreement exists about the origin of the MLR, though recent results suggest that it is transmitted through group II afferent fibres. Animal studies have shown that group II fibres impinge on interneurones projecting contralaterally as well as ipsilaterally, whereas group I fibres impinge on interneurones which project mainly ipsilaterally. Therefore, we compared the changes in amplitude and latency of the SLRs and MLRs in the right and left limb during postural perturbations induced while subjects maintained both feet on the platform (both-on condition) or while they maintained only one foot on the platform and the other on firm ground (one-on condition). Under the both-on condition, the pattern of EMG responses described above occurred bilaterally. Under the one-on condition, both SLRs and MLRs occurred in the displaced leg. However, whereas the SLRs did not change in amplitude compared with the both-on condition, the MLRs decreased in amplitude to about 50%. MLRs were also present in the non-displaced leg. They were not preceded by any SLR but showed a further decrease in size with respect to the corresponding responses in the perturbed leg. Latency of the MLRs of the perturbed leg increased by about 5 ms passing from the both-on to the one-on condition. In the latter condition, a further increase of 5 ms was observed in the nonperturbed leg with respect to the displaced one. The occurrence of the MLRs but not of the SLRs in the contralateral non-displaced leg is in keeping with the notion that crossed neural pathways fed by spindle group II afferent fibres subserve the MLRs. The changes in latency of the MLRs under the one-on condition compared with both-on give a cue about the synaptic delays along the neural circuit and the time taken by the afferent impulses to cross the spinal cord.
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  • 77
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    Experimental brain research 109 (1996), S. 127-135 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Transcranial magnetic brain stimulation ; Motor cortex excitability ; Lorazepam ; Benzodiazepine ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effect of the short-acting benzodiazepine lorazepam on motor cortex excitability was investigated in 11 healthy volunteers using the technique of focal transcranial magnetic stimulation. The threshold intensity for evoking an electromyographic response in the resting and active abductor digiti minimi muscle, the size of the motor evoked potential, the duration of the cortical and peripheral silent periods, the corticocortical inhibition and facilitation after paired magnetic stimuli, and the transcallosal inhibition were used as parameters to assess various aspects of motor system excitability. Baseline values were compared with data obtained 2, 5 and 24 h after a single oral dose of 2.5 mg lorazepam. Resting and active motor thresholds and the size of the motor evoked potential remained unchanged. The duration of the cortical silent period was prolonged with a maximum effect 5 h after drug intake, while the peripheral silent period did not show any lengthening at that time. The corticocortical inhibition showed a tendency toward more inhibition, while the corticocortical facilitation was almost completely suppressed. The transcallosal inhibition showed an inconsistent trend to less inhibition. In parallel to the pharmacokinetics of lorazepam, all effects peaked at 2 h and 5 h, and were (partially) reversible after 24 h. It is hypothesized that most of these findings are due to the reinforcement of GABA action by lorazepam at the level of the motor cortex. The lack of effect on motor threshold and on the size of the motor evoked potential may indicate that these parameters are physiologically distinct from corticocortical excitability and the cortical silent period. The relevance of the present data in clinical epileptology is discussed.
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  • 78
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Deafferentation ; Proprioception ; Reaching ; Target localization ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This experiment investigated the relative extent to which different signals from the visuo-oculomotor system are used to improve accuracy of arm movements. Different visuo-oculomotor conditions were used to produce various retinal and extraretinal signals leading to a similar target amplitude: (a) fixating a central target while pointing to a peripheral visual target, (b) tracking a target through smooth pursuit movement and then pointing to the target when its excursion ceased, and (c) pointing to a target reached previously by a saccadic eye movement. The experiment was performed with a deafferented subject and control subjects. For the deafferented patient, the absence of proprioception prevented any comparison between internal representations of target and limb (through proprioception) positions during the arm movement. The deafferented patient's endpoint therefore provided a good estimate of the accuracy of the target coordinates used by the arm motor system. The deafferented subject showed relatively good accuracy by producing a saccade prior to the pointing, but large overshooting in the fixation condition and undershooting in the pursuit condition. The results suggest that the deafferented subject does use oculomotor signals to program arm movement and that signals associated with fast movements of the eyes are better for pointing accuracy than slow ramp movements. The inaccuracy of the deafferented subject when no eye movement is allowed (the condition in which the controls were the most accurate) suggests that, in this condition, a proprioceptive map is involved in which both the target and the arm are represented.
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  • 79
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Basal forebrain ; Sleep ; Glutamate antagonist ; Cholinergic system ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The aim of this paper was to study the effects of microinjections of carbachol, a mixed cholinergic agonist, into the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) of rats on the wake-sleep cycle. Carbachol (2.74 nmol) was able to increase wakefulness (W) and decrease desynchronized sleep (DS). To verify the hypothesis that the effects of carbachol are at least partially mediated by the glutamatergic system, the NMDA antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid and the non-NMDA antagonist d-γ-glutamylaminomethanesulfonic acid were injected into the NBM before carbachol. Pretreatment with these glutamate receptor antagonists counteracted the effect of carbachol on DS. The effect of carbachol on W was not modified by the pretreatment with the glutamate receptor antagonists. This is the first study showing that carbachol injected into the NBM increases W and decreases spontaneous DS in the rat. Moreover, our results tend to indicate that the decrease in DS following the injection of carbachol into the NBM is related to the release of endogenous glutamate.
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  • 80
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    Experimental brain research 109 (1996), S. 457-466 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Eye-head coordination ; Reaction time ; Gaze ; Ocular ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Gaze shifts vary in the extent of eye and head contribution; a large amplitude and/or an eccentric ocular orbital starting position alter the participation of head movement in the shift. The interval between eye onset and head onset determines compensatory counterrolling before and after the shift and the extent of vestibular ocular reflex reduction during the shift. The latency of eye saccades in the head-fixed condition was measured with respect to target amplitude and orbital position in order to establish base-line operations of these two variables as they apply to the headfree condition. Eye movements were measured during single-step saccades in nine young adult humans. The target step, hereafter called a jump, started from three possible fixation lights; e.g., rightward saccades started from the midline (0°) or from -20 or -40° left of the midline, with a maximum amplitude of 80°. The latency of saccades starting from the primary position increased with jump amplitude (amplitude-latency relation). When the eye started eccentrically, the latency was decreased (orbital position-latency relation), with the largest jump amplitudes most affected. These changes can be related to active eye-head coordination. Thus, with a leftward maximal orbital eccentricity, compensatory eye rotation would be impossible with a rightward head movement; however, incorporating the orbital position-latency relation, the forward ocular saccade is expedited by 90 ms. Conversely, with a primary starting position, the ocular component of an 80° gaze saccade could be slowed 125 ms by incorporating the amplitude-latency relation, thus facilitating a head contribution to the gaze shift. The orbital position and amplitude-latency relations were prominent in those subjects with habitually large head contributions to the gaze shift and minimal in individuals with typically small head contributions.
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  • 81
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    Experimental brain research 109 (1996), S. 483-494 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Movement organisation ; Movement control ; Spring perturbation ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The discrepancy between traditional (force scaling models) and the more recently conceived dynamic explanations of load compensation (λ model) was the departure point for the present study. By using the complex “open” motor skill of catching a ball rather than the traditional “closed” skills under “normal” (baseline) conditions and under conditions where a spring load was applied to the catching hand (thereby changing the dynamics of the skeleto-muscular system) it was hoped to provide further clarification of this issue. Traditional force scaling models, in this respect, would predict that maximal closing velocity of the grasp action, and movement time would not be significantly different between a control and a spring-load condition. In contrast, a dynamic system perspective would maintain that spring loading would be compensated for by a change in the rate of shift of the reciprocal command (R-command). The obtained results showed a significant difference for conditions with regard to the maximal closing velocity of the grasp action, the baseline condition being higher than the two spring-load conditions. Furthermore, a significant difference was found for the aperture at moment of catch, the aperture at moment of catch being smaller in the baseline condition than that under the two springload conditions. With regard to the temporal variables, no significant differences were obtained. A comprehensive overall explanation of the obtained data in terms of the force scaling models was not realisable. It may be that findings supporting such theories are task specific and that for constrained tasks such as catching a ball-different underlying organisational principles apply. The λ model, however, could explain adequately the obtained results. It was concluded that, except for the preparatory phase associated with load compensation before the onset of the movement of the ball, the spatiotemporal structure of the control pattern underlying catching remains the same (invariant) in both baseline and load conditions. Thereby, the spatiotemporal structure of the resulting movement changes under the influence of the load and thus is not the same for load and baseline condition.
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  • 82
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    Experimental brain research 109 (1996), S. 507-512 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Saccade ; Express saccade ; Antisaccade ; Attention ; Fixation ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In a gap paradigm, where the saccadic reaction times are usually short, the number of express saccades can be further increased and their latency decreased when a valid transient peripheral cue is given 100 ms before target occurrence. In the present study we measured the saccadic reaction times of seven human subjects who had been instructed to make antisaccades (saccades to the side opposite to stimulus presentation) in the gap paradigm. In the first experiment, we presented a 100% valid cue with 100 ms cue lead time. To explore whether the cue reduced the reaction times of the antisaccades, the cue was always presented on the opposite side to where the stimulus occurred (stimulus direction was randomized between 4° to the left and right), and it was thus indicated in each trial to which side the antisaccade was required (procue). In the second set of experiments the cue was consistently presented on either the left or the right side in two different blocks; it was thus noninformative with respect to the direction of the antisaccade. In the first experiment, a significant increase in mean reaction times of correct antisaccades and a considerable increase in erratic prosaccades to the stimulus were obtained compared with a control session with no cue. In the two experimental blocks with noninformative cues, the reaction times of correct antisaccades were decreased when cue and stimulus were on at the same side, while large numbers of erratic prosaccades were again obtained when cue and stimulus were presented on opposite sides. These results suggest that the orienting mechanism elicited by a transient peripheral cue relates to the command and to the decision to make a proversus an antisaccade. Since the subjects reported that they could not prevent, or, moreover, in some cases did not even realize that they were making erratic prosaccades, we conclude that this orienting mechanism occurs automatically, being largely beyond voluntary control.
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  • 83
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    Experimental brain research 110 (1996), S. 99-110 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Voluntary movement ; Coordination dynamics ; Stability ; Index finger ; Forearm ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Four right-handed subjects performed rhythmic flexion and extension movements of the index finger in time with an auditory metronome. On each block of trials the forearm of the response hand was placed in a prone, neutral or supine position. In the flex-on-the-beat condition, subjects were instructed to coordinate maximum excursion in the direction of finger flexion with each beat of the metronome. In the extend-on-the-beat condition, subjects were instructed to coordinate maximum excursion in the direction of finger extension with each beat of the metronome. The frequency of the metronome was increased from 1.75 Hz to 3.50 Hz in eight steps (8-s plateaus) of 0.25 Hz. During trials prepared in the extend-on-the-beat pattern, abrupt transitions to either a flex-on-the-beat pattern or to phase wandering often occurred, particularly at higher pacing frequencies. In marked constrast, during trials prepared in the flexon-the-beat pattern such transitions were never present. Both the frequency and the alacrity of these transitions were greater when the forearm was in a prone or neutral position than when the forearm was in a supine position. These results are discussed with reference to the constraints imposed on the coordination dynamics by the intrinsic properties of the neuromuscular-skeletal system.
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  • 84
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Grip force ; Friction ; Motor control ; Gravity ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Humans preserve grasp stability by automatically regulating the grip forces when loads are applied tangentially to the grip surfaces of a manipulandum held in a precision grip. The effects of the direction of the load force in relation to the palm, trunk, and gravity were investigated in blindfolded subjects. Controlled, tangential load-forces were delivered in an unpredictable manner to the grip surface in contact with the index finger either in the distal and proximal directions (away from and toward the palm) or in the ulnar and radial directions (transverse to the palm). The hand was oriented in: (1) a standard position, with the forearm extended horizontally and anteriorly in intermediate pronosupination; (2) an inverted position, reversing the direction of radial and ulnar loads in relation to gravity; and (3) a horizontally rotated position, in which distal loads were directed toward the trunk. The amplitude of the grip-force responses (perpendicular to the grip surface) varied with the direction of load in a manner reflecting frictional anisotropies at the digit-object interface; that is, the subjects automatically scaled the grip responses to provide similar safety margins against frictional slips. For all hand positions, the time from onset of load increase to start of the gripforce increase was shorter for distal loads, which tended to pull the object out of the hand, than for proximal loads. Furthermore, this latency was shorter for loads in the direction of gravity, regardless of hand position. Thus, shorter latencies were observed when frictional forces alone opposed the load, while longer latencies occurred when gravity also opposed the load or when the more proximal parts of the digits and palm were positioned in the path of the load. These latency effects were due to different processing delays in the central nervous system and may reflect the preparation of a default response in certain critical directions. The response to loads in other directions would incur delays required to implement a new frictional scaling and a different muscle activation pattern to counteract the load forces. We conclude that load direction, referenced to gravity and to the hand's geometry, represents intrinsic task variables in the automatic processes that maintain a stable grasp on objects subjected to unpredictable load forces. In contrast, the grip-force safety margin against frictional slips did not vary systematically with respect to these task variables. Instead, the magnitude of the grip-force responses varied across load direction and hand orientation according to frictional differences providing similar safety margins supporting grasp stability.
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  • 85
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Respiration ; Cross-correlation ; Upper cervical inspiratory neurons ; Phrenic and intercostal motoneurons ; Decerebration ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We examined the synaptic connections from upper cervical inspiratory neurons to phrenic and intercostal motoneurons in decerebrate rats using cross-correlation. Upper cervical inspiratory neurons (n=79) were recorded from the C1 and C2 segments of the spinal cord in 38 vagotomized, paralyzed, ventilated, and decerebrate rats. The neurons were identified by their inspiratory firing pattern and antidromic activation from the ipsilateral spinal cord at C7. Whole-nerve recordings were made using bipolar electrodes from the central cut ends of the C5 phrenic nerve and the external and internal intercostal nerves at various thoracic levels. Cross-correlation histograms were computed between these recordings to detect short time-scale synchronizations indicative of synaptic connections. The 55 cross-correlation histograms computed between the upper cervical inspiratory neurons and the ipsilateral phrenic nerve showed seven (13%) narrow peaks (mean half-amplitude width±SD, 1.09±0.15 ms) at short latencies (mean latency±SD, 1.29±0.26 ms) suggestive of monosynaptic excitation, and four (7%) broader peaks (mean half-amplitude width±SD, 1.50±0.17 ms) at short latencies (mean latency±SD, 1.40±0.24 ms) suggestive of oligosynaptic excitation. Another 14 (25%) cross-correlation histograms displayed a central broad peak (mean half-amplitude width±SD, 1.59±0.23 ms) suggestive of common activation. The eight cross-correlation histograms computed between the upper cervical inspiratory neurons and the contralateral phrenic nerve were featureless. The 77 cross-correlation histograms computed between the upper cervical inspiratory neurons and the internal and external intercostal nerves at various thoracic levels (T2–8) showed no peaks suggestive of synaptic connections. We conclude that some upper cervical inspiratory neurons make monosynaptic and paucisynaptic connections to phrenic motoneurons but not to intercostal motoneurons.
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    Experimental brain research 110 (1996), S. 248-264 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Stiffness ; Impedance ; Stability ; Posture ; Motor control ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The stiffness that is measured at the hand of a multijoint arm emerges from the combined effects of the elastic properties of the muscles and joints, the geometry of the linkages and muscle attachments, and the neural control circuits that act on the arm. The effective stiffness of a nonlinear linkage such as a two-joint arm depends on the force acting on the system as well as the intrinsic stiffness of the actuators. This paper presents an analysis of the factors that affect limb stiffness, including the effects of external forces. Three potential strategies for controlling the stability of the limb are proposed and demonstrated by computer simulations. The predictions from the simulations are then compared experimentally with measured stiffness values for human subjects working against an external force. These experiments were directed toward understanding what strategies are used by the CNS to control limb stiffness and stability. The experimental evidence showed that human subjects must increase the stiffness at the joints in order to maintain limb stability in the presence of applied external forces at the hand. In the process we identified a precise role for muscles which span two or more joints in the control of overall limb stiffness. A local strategy may be used to achieve limb stability, in which the muscle stiffness increases with muscle force. Multijoint muscles are shown to provide mechanical couplings which are necessary for the maintenance of stability. By utilizing these muscles, the neuro-musculo-skeletal system can control a global property of the system (stability) with a passive local strategy.
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  • 87
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    Experimental brain research 110 (1996), S. 289-297 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Muscular and cutaneous afferents ; Fall ; Compensatory reactions ; Stepping ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effects of lower limb deafferentation were examined during execution of a balance recovery step following a forward fall induced by release of an initial inclined posture. The subjects were healthy control subjects and patients with a unilateral loss of the Achilles tendon reflex following S1 radiculitis. Deafferentation of healthy subjects was obtained by unilateral leg ischemia (four subjects) and by foot anesthesia (five subjects). The balance recovery step was characterized by the surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of right and left soleus and tibialis anterior muscles and the kinetics of the center of gravity and center of foot pressure. Experimentally induced and pathological deafferentation decreased the EMG activity of the ipsilateral soleus and lowered the vertical ground reaction force. The lower limb motor activity was more affected by loss of muscle proprioceptive afferents than by loss of plantar cutaneous afferents. Patients showed early and bilateral changes in soleus and tibialis activities, whichever side was affected. The step length of patients was also shorter than that of controls, but it remained similar before and after deafferentation in the healthy subjects. The results are discussed in terms of ipsilateral and crossed pathway connections and functional adaptive strategies.
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  • 88
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Ocular torsion ; Vestibulo-ocular reflex ; Linear vestibulo-ocular reflex ; Ocular counterroll ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We measured human ocular torsion (OT) monocularly (using video) and binocularly (using search coils) while sinusoidally accelerating (0.7 g) five human subjects along an earth-horizontal axis at five frequencies (0.35, 0.4, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 Hz). The compensatory nature of OT was investigated by changing the relative orientation of the dynamic (linear acceleration) and static (gravitational) cues. Four subject orientations were investigated: (1) Y-upright — acceleration along the interaural (y) axis while upright; (2) Y-supine — acceleration along the y-axis while supine; (3) Z-RED — acceleration along the dorsoventral (z) axis with right ear down; (4) Z-supine — acceleration along the z-axis while supine. Linear acceleration in the Y-upright, Y-supine and Z-RED orientations elicited conjugate OT. The smaller response in the Z-supine orientation appeared disconjugate. The amplitude of the response decreased and the phase lag increased with increasing frequency for each orientation. This frequency dependence does not match the frequency response of the regular or irregular afferent otolith neurons; therefore the response dynamics cannot be explained by simple peripheral mechanisms. The Y-upright responses were larger than the Y-supine responses (P〈0.05). This difference indicates that OT must be more complicated than a simple low-pass filtered response to interaural shear force, since the dynamic shear force along the interaural axis was identical in these two orientations. The Y-supine responses were, in turn, larger than the Z-RED responses (P〈0.01). Interestingly, the vector sum of the Y-supine responses plus Z-RED responses was not significantly different (P=0.99) from the Y-upright responses. This suggests that, in this frequency range, the conjugate OT response during Y-upright stimulation might be composed of two components: (1) a response to shear force along the y-axis (as in Y-supine stimulation), and (2) a response to roll tilt of gravitoinertial force (as in Z-RED stimulation).
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  • 89
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Proprioception ; Kinesthesia ; Somatosensory evoked potentials ; Muscle afferent ; Generator sources ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Brisk passive flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the middle finger, produced by using a newly devised instrument, elicited evoked potentials on the scalp. The present study carefully excluded the possible contribution of sensory modalities other than proprioception. The initial part of cortical response was a positive deflexion at the contralateral central area (P1 at 34.6 ms after the stimulus). This was followed by a midfrontal negative wave (N1 at 44.8 ms) and a clear positivity at the contralateral centroparietal area (P2 at 48.0 ms). The evoked responses persisted in spite of the abolition of cutaneous and joint afferents of the finger caused by ischemic anesthesia, but they were lost by ischemic anesthesia of the forearm. Thus, the cortical evoked responses obtained in this study most probably reflect muscle afferent inputs. The scalp distribution of P1 suggested that its cortical generator source was different from that of the N20-P20 components of evoked potentials to electrical median nerve stimulation. Brodmann areas 2 and 3a of human brain, which are known to receive deep receptor inputs, are the most plausible generator sites for the early components of the proprioception-related evoked responses. The amplitude of P2 was related to the velocity but not to the magnitude of movement. In conclusion, the present study established a method for recording the evoked responses to the brisk passive movement of the finger joint, which mainly reflect the dynamic aspects of proprioception mediated through muscle afferent.
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  • 90
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    Experimental brain research 111 (1996), S. 271-282 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Balance ; Locomotion ; Motion parallax ; Postural control and sway ; Vision ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Three experiments tested the hypothesis that postural sway during locomotion is visually regulated by motion parallax as well as optical expansion. Oscillating displays of three-dimensional scenes were presented to participants walking on a treadmill, while postural sway was recorded. Displays simulated: (a) a cloud, in which parallax and expansion are congruent, (b) a hallway, (c) the side walls of the hallway, (d) a ground surface, (e) a wall, (f) the wall with a central hole, (g) a hall farther from the observer, and (h) a wall farther from the observer. In contrast to previous results with a hallway, responses with the cloud were isotropic and directionally specific. The other displays demonstrated that motion parallax was more effective than simple horizontal flow in eliciting lateral sway. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that adaptive control of sway during walking is based on congruent expansion and parallax in natural environments.
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  • 91
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Viually-induced gamma-band responses ; Coherency ; Evolutionary spectra ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Visual presentation of an object produces firing patterns in cell assemblies representing the features of the object. Based on theoretical considerations and animal experiments, it has been suggested that the binding of neuronal representations of the various features is achieved through synchronization of the oscillatory firing patterns. The present study demonstrates that stimulus-induced gamma-band responses can be recorded non-invasively from human subjects attending to a single moving bar. This finding indicates the synchronization of oscillatory activity in a large group of cortical neurons. Gamma-band responses were not as apparent in the presence of two independently moving stimuli, suggesting that the neuronal activity patterns of different objects are not synchronized. These results open a new paradigm for investigating the mechanisms of feature binding and association building in relation to subjective perception.
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  • 92
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Pavlovian conditioning ; Slow potentials ; Event-related potentials ; Gamma-band activity ; Skin conductance ; Motor conditioning ; Cholinergic modulation ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We examined slow potentials, transient event-related potentials, and oscillatory-like responses in the electroencephalogram during aversive conditioning in humans, in order to determine what is happening in the neocortex when behavioral adaptations are learned. Pictures of an angry and a happy human face served as rein-forced (CS+) and unreinforced (CS-) conditioned stimu li, respectively, in one group, and either the reversed condition or two discriminably different neutral faces in two other groups (total n=48 subjects). The unconditioned stimulus (US) was intracutaneous shock delivered to the left hand 5 s after CS+ onset. The electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded from Fz, Cz, Pz, C3, and C4, electromyographic (EMG) activity from bilateral forearm and corrugator muscles, and skin conductance from the right hand. During acquisition a negative slow potential developed after CS+ (not CS-), which was more pronounced when a neutral face served as CS+. Early (iCNV, initial contingent negative variation) and late (tCNV, terminal contingent negative variation) components of the slow-potential response were positively related to the magnitude of conditioned EMG responses. Differentiation of tCNV was larger when neutral faces signaled the US; iCNV persisted during extinction when a happy face served as CS+. Late-occurring event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by the US diminished over conditioning, whereas short-latency US components and ERPs elicited by CS events did not. Fourier analysis revealed oscillatory (“gamma-band”) activity between 30 and 40 Hz, which persisted up to 3 s after US delivery and diminished as conditioning progressed. Our findings indicate that learning is expressed in neocortical structures at the earliest stages of conditioning. The functional roles of the three types of EEG response in learning are discussed.
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  • 93
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    Experimental brain research 112 (1996), S. 392-402 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Intracellular free calcium ; Traumatic injury ; Spinal cord ; Intercellular communication ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Intracellular calcium ions are, in addition to free radicals, an important mediator of tissue destruction following traumatic injury to the spinal cord. In vivo measurements of calcium in the interstitial space and in the tissue suggest the occurrence of a posttraumatic shift of calcium from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment at the injury site. No information is, however, available on the posttraumatic changes of calcium in the intracellular compartment, where the ion exerts its crucial messenger function. We developed an in vitro model of local traumatic spinal injury, using a spinal cord slice preparation, allowing us to investigate injury-related changes of intracellular free calcium. The injury consisted of the impact of a small needle, and intracellular free calcium was measured with fura-2. Application of the injury at different places within the gray matter caused a transient and reproducible increase in the fura-2 fluorescence ratio. This injury-induced ratio increase was largely, but not completely, suppressed under zero extracellular calcium conditions. It was also largely depressed in the presence of high extracellular potassium and in the absence of extracellular sodium. It was modestly depressed by the calcium channel blocker nifedipin, by the calcium release channel blocker dantrolene, and by the gap junction blockers halothane and octanol. The calcium channel blocker flunarizine, the N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor-channel blocker MK-801 and the endoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase blocker thapsigargin had no effect. The experiments suggest that injury is associated with an increase in intracellular free calcium that is mediated by calcium influx, in part via L-type calcium channels. They furthermore give evidence that sodium influx and gap junctions are involved in these injury-associated changes of intracellular free calcium.
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  • 94
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    Experimental brain research 112 (1996), S. 485-495 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Proprioception ; Joint position sense ; Signal detection theory ; Models ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This report describes two models of human behavior when detecting displacements of joints that allow one to compare and integrate findings from different proprioception tests in a quantitative way. Results from various tests have led to different and often conflicting conclusions about proprioceptive behaviors and their underlying neural mechanisms. However, it has been impossible to compare data and conclusions in any meaningful way due to lack of a suitable analytical framework to accommodate important differences in procedures used in the various tests. These models can provide one such framework. The models, developed using data from proprioception tests reported in the literature, describe how the amplitude and velocity of joint excursions, and the subject bias expressed as false alarm rate, affect the detectability of displacements of joints. Two models were needed to represent observed behaviors: one based on velocity signals alone (the velocity model) and the other based on both velocity and positional signals (the displacement-velocity model). To simulate the detection-decision process subjects used to determine whether a joint was displaced, we adapted strategies from signal detection theory. The models characterized reported behaviors from disparate proprioception tests remarkably well, requiring only 3 degrees of freedom in the velocity case, and 4 in the displacement-velocity case.
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  • 95
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Immediate plasticity ; Denervation ; Neuronal responses ; Somatosensory cortex ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Recordings were made from neurons in primary somatosensory (SmI) forepaw cortex of rats to study the time course of changes in responses beginning immediately following denervation (ligation) of a single digit. Before denervation, neuronal receptive fields (RFs) defined by tactile stimulation varied in size from small regions of one digit to larger areas covering several digits and palmar pads. With electrical stimulation, most neurons responded best to one (on-focus) digit and less to other (off-focus) digits; on-focus stimulation yielded more spikes per stimulus and shorter spike latencies (L min) than did off-focus stimulation. After ligation of the on-focus digit, most neurons showed increased responsiveness to stimulating one or several off-focus digits and palmar regions of the forepaw: (1) tactile stimulation showed that the RFs of all but one neuron expanded to include previously “ineffective” skin regions, such as digits or palmar pads adjoining the original RF; (2) electrical stimulation usually evoked stronger responses from neighboring off-focus digits and sometimes elicited novel responses from previously ineffective digits — seven of ten neurons showed increases in spikes per stimulus, which tended to approach stable values within 60–90 min after denervation; three of ten neurons showed decreases in L min with time, but most revealed no significant changes. These results suggest that dynamic response properties, as well as RFs, of SmI cortical neurons can be modified rapidly by blocking afferent input from dominant on-focus skin regions. RFs expand and novel responses appear, with concomitant increases in response magnitude and, in some cases, decreases in response latency over time. These findings seem to reflect a rapid increase in synaptic efficacy of weak or previously ineffective inputs from cutaneous afferent nerve fibers.
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  • 96
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    Experimental brain research 107 (1996), S. 486-496 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Periodontal afferent ; Mechanoreceptor ; Biting ; Sensorimotor control ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The force exerted by the central incisors while holding and splitting a food morsel was analyzed to characterize human biting behavior. The force was continuously sampled by a transducer-equipped plate upon which a small piece of dry biscuit or half a peanut rested. Subjects were instructed to position the plate between the incisor teeth and to split the morsel either immediately (“split task”) or after holding it for a brief period (“hold-and-split task”). While holding either food substance between the incisors, subjects automatically exerted light contact forces of less than 1 N (0.36–0.76N range among subjects). Considering that the subjects had no instructions about what force levels to employ, the hold force was remarkably stable during individual trials and highly similar among trials. Even during the split task, subjects opted to “hold” the morsel momentarily on ca. 50% of the trials with a similar, low contact force. For both tasks, subjects split the morsel by exerting a distinct, rapidly executed ramp increase in force. The split occurred at 7.8–10.3 N (range among subjects) bite force for the biscuit and 16.0–19.0 N for the peanut. The magnitude of the forces used during the hold phase were within the range over which most periodontal afferents are optimally sensitive to changes in force, i.e., forces below about 1 N. This observation suggested that the subjects automatically adjusted the force to maximize the availability of information from periodontal afferents and avoided higher forces at which the sensitivity of most afferents was not optimal. We further confirmed that the periodontal receptors serve a role in controlling the hold force by anesthetizing the periodontal tissues: subjects employed considerably higher and more variable hold forces, but there was no effect on the split phase. In addition, the morsel frequently escaped from the incisal edges of the teeth while the subject attempted to maintain it in position. It was concluded that subjects rely on signals from periodontal afferents to regulate the jaw muscles, particularly when they first contact, manipulate, and hold food substances between the teeth.
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  • 97
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Magnetoencephalography (MEG) ; Motor cortex ; Somatosensory cortex ; Human ; Neuromagnetic source localisation ; Somatosensory evoked fields (SEFs) ; Movement-related magnetic fields (MRFs) ; Gating
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Neuromagnetic fields from the left cerebral hemisphere of five healthy, right-handed subjects were investigated under three different experimental conditions: (1) electrical stimulation of the right index finger (task S); (2) voluntary movement of the same finger (M); (3) M+S condition, consisting of voluntary movements of the right index finger triggering the electrical stimulus at the very beginning of the electromyogram. The three conditions were administered in random order every 5–8 s. In addition, the task somatosensory evoked fields (task SEFs) gathered during condition (1) were compared with control SEFs recorded at the beginning of the experiment during rest. In all subjects the overlay of somatosensory stimulation on movement provoked a decrement in brain responsiveness (gating) as determined by the amplitude of gated SEFs. The latter was found as the difference between the neuromagnetic fields during M+S condition (overlaying of movement and sensory stimulation) minus neuromagnetic fields under M condition (M only). The gating effect was found to begin approximately 30 ms after movement onset, and to last for the whole period of the ongoing movement. The theoretical locus of gating was estimated by dipole localisation of the difference between task SEFs and gated SEFS using a moving dipole model. The site of the “early” gating effect (〈40 ms) was found to be more anteriorly located than the “later” (〉40 ms) gating effect. The task SEFs were found to be larger (significant after 30 ms) than the control SEFs elicited under the basal condition. The results are discussed with respect to timing, mechanism (centrifugal and centripetal), locus and selectivity of gating. In addition, the results are discussed with regard to clinical application (measuring attentional deficits in patients with impairments of higher mental functions and measuring gating deficits in patients with disturbed sensorimotor integration).
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  • 98
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    Experimental brain research 111 (1996), S. 215-232 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Cerebral cortex ; Orbital ; Anatomy ; Connections ; Corticocortical ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The cortical and thalamic afferent connections of rat orbital cortex were investigated using fluorescent retrograde axonal tracers. Each of the four orbital areas has a distinct pattern of connections. Corticocortical connections involving the ventral and ventrolateral orbital areas are more extensive than those of the medial and lateral orbital areas. The medial orbital area has cortical connections with the cingulate, medial agranular (Fr2) and posterior parietal (PPC) cortices. The ventral orbital area has connections with the cingulate area, area Fr2, secondary somatic sensory area Par2, PPC, and visual areas Oc2M and Oc2L. The ventrolateral orbital area (VLO) receives cortical input from insular cortex, area Fr2, somatic sensory areas Par1 and Par2, PPC and Oc2L. The lateral orbital area has cortical connections limited to the agranular and granular insular areas, and Par2. Thalamic afferents to the four orbital fields are also topographically organized, and are focused in the submedial and mediodorsal nuclei. The ventrolateral orbital area receives input from the entirety of the submedial nucleus, whereas the other orbital areas receive input from its periphery only. Each orbital area is connected with a particular segment of the mediodorsal nucleus. The medial orbital area receives its principal thalamic afferents from the parataenial nucleus, the dorsocentral portion of the mediodorsal nucleus, and the ventromedial portion of the submedial nucleus. The ventral orbital area receives input from the lateral segment of the mediodorsal nucleus, the rostromedial portion of the submedial nucleus and the central lateral nucleus. Thalamic afferents to the ventrolateral orbital area arise from the entirety of the submedial nucleus and from the lateral segment of the mediodorsal nucleus. The lateral orbital area receives thalamic afferents from the central segment of the mediodorsal nucleus, the ventral portion of the submedial nucleus and the ventromedial nucleus. The paraventricular, ventromedial, rhomboid and reuniens nuclei also provide additional input to the four orbital areas. The connections of the ventrolateral orbital area are interpreted in the context of its role in directed attention and allocentric spatial localization. The present findings provide anatomical support for the view that areas Fr2, PPC and VLO comprise a cortical network mediating such functions.
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  • 99
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    Experimental brain research 111 (1996), S. 385-392 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Estradiol ; Progesterone ; Network ; Gating ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This study demonstrates that gating of responses of the rostral dorsal accessory olive (rDAO) to somatosensory stimulation varies across the estrous hormone cycle of the rat. The rDAO has been suggested as an “error” or event signal generator for the cerebellar cortex. Selective sensory gating of input to this structure may underlie this error signalling function. In the present study, as many as 23 single neurons were recorded simultaneously from either the forepaw or the snout areas of the rDAO. Responses of these neurons to electrical stimulation of peripheral afferents were determined during active movement or non-movement conditions. These results were then compared across the estrous cycle or after administration of the estrous hormones 17 β-estradiol (E2) and/or progesterone (P) to rats on diestrus or following E2 priming. Elevations in circulating estrous hormones produced greater excitatory responses of rDAO neurons to stimulation during non-movement, and, conversely, enhanced inhibition of rDAO activity during active movement of the stimulated peripheral area compared with control diestrous conditions, suggesting that selective gating processes to the rDAO are enhanced by estrous hormones. The results of this study suggest that the night of behavioral estrus is associated with enhanced selective sensory gating processes associated with improved detection and processing of error signals.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 100
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    Springer
    Experimental brain research 111 (1996), S. 424-428 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Neuropeptides ; RP 67580 ; Neurogenic inflammation ; Migraine pain ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The role of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) in the control of dural arterial blood flow was examined in barbiturate-anaesthetised rats. The parietal skull was trephinised and the blood flow in branches of the medial meningeal artery was monitored with a laser Doppler flowmeter. Electrical stimulation of the dura mater encephali at a parasagittal site with pulses of 0.5 ms (10–20 V, 5–10 Hz, 30 s) caused a transient increase in dural blood flow which was reproducible in size with repetitive stimulation. Neither the basal flow nor the stimulus-evoked flow was significantly changed by topical administration of SP, the SP analog septide, or the NK1 antagonist RP 67580. It is concluded that SP released from dural nerve fibres upon local stimulation does not play an important role in the regulation of dural arterial flow.
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