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Morphological and physiological characterization of individual olfactory interneurons connecting the brain and eyestalk ganglia of the crayfish.

1. In order to understand the functional organization of the crustacean olfactory system, we are using intracellular recording and staining techniques to correlate the structure and function of single, odorant-sensitive interneurons in the brain of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii. We describe here the anatomy and physiology of interneurons that connect the brain with the medullae terminales or other eyestalk ganglia. 2. All of the interneurons in our study are at least third-order olfactory neurons (second-order olfactory interneurons) because they respond to chemostimulation of the olfactory organ (the antennules) but do not branch in the olfactory lobe (the neuropil to which primary olfactory receptor cells of the antennules project). 3. Much of the central nervous system, including the three main divisions of the brain (protocerebrum, deuterocerebrum, tritocerebrum) and the medullae terminales, are involved in integrating olfactory or multimodal (including olfactory) information, since these areas contain neurites of olfactory interneurons. Previous studies have indicated that regions involved in such processing include the olfactory lobes and accessory lobes of the deuterocerebrum, and regions I, II, IV, and VII (in some species) of the medullae terminales. Our results show that also prominent among regions involved in olfactory or multimodal (including olfactory) integration are the anterior and posterior optic neuropils of the protocerebrum, the lateral and medial antennular neuropils of the deuterocerebrum, the tegumentary neuropils and the antennal neuropils of the tritocerebrum, and neuropils III, VI, XII of the medullae terminales. 4. These olfactory interneurons were sensitive to chemostimulation (unimodal), chemo- and mechanostimulation (bimodal), or chemo-, mechano-, and photostimulation (trimodal). Responses could be excitatory or inhibitory, even for a given neuron. Morphologically complex interneurons (those having bilateral branching) were more likely to have complex response characteristics (trimodal sensitivity) than were morphologically simpler interneurons (those having unilateral branching). Olfactory interneurons with a soma in the medulla terminalis showed the most complex response profiles: they were trimodal, and were exicted by odorants but were inhibited by touch and/or light. This finding suggests that these are complex, high order interneurons. 5. Our studies reveal that olfactory and other sensory information is transmitted between the brain and the medullae terminales (and possibly other eyestalk ganglia) by a coactivated, parallel array of structurally and functionally diverse neurons.

Action Potentials↗

Physiology of lateral line mechanoreceptive regions in the elasmobranch brain.

The physiology of mechanoreceptive lateral line areas was investigated in the thornback guitarfish, Platyrhinoidis triseriata, from medulla to telecephalon, using averaged evoked potentials (AEPs) and unit responses as windows to brain functions. Responses were analysed with respect to frequency sensitivity, intensity functions, influence of stimulus repetition rate, response latency, receptive field (RF) organization and multimodal interaction. 1. Following a quasi-natural vibrating sphere stimulus, neural responses were recorded in the medullary medial octavolateralis nucleus (MON), the dorsal (DMN) and anterior (AN) nucleus of the mesencephalic nuclear complex, the diencephalic lateral tuberal nucleus (LTN), and a telencephalic area which may correspond to the medial pallium (Figs. 2, 3, 13, 14, 15, 16). 2. Within the test range of 6.5-200 Hz all lateral line areas investigated responded to minute water vibrations. Best frequencies (in terms of displacement) were between 75 and 200 Hz with threshold values for AEPs as low as 0.005 microns peak-to-peak (p-p) water displacement calculated at the skin surface (Fig. 6). 3. AEP-responses to a vibrating sphere stimulus recorded in the MON are tonic or phasic-tonic, i.e., responses are strongest at stimulus onset but last for the whole stimulus duration in form of a frequency following response (Fig. 3). DMN and AN responses are phasic or phasic-tonic. Units recorded in the MON are phase coupled to the stimulus, those recorded in the DMN, AN or LTN are usually not (Figs. 5, 8, 9). Diencephalic LTN and telencephalic lateral line responses (AEPs) often are purely phasic. However, in the diencephalic LTN tonic and/or off-responses can be recorded (Fig. 11). 4. For the frequencies 25, 50, and 100 Hz, the dynamic intensity range of lateral line areas varies from 12.8 to at least 91.6 dB (AEP) respectively 8.9 and 92 dB (few unit and single unit recordings) (Fig. 7). 5. Mesencephalic, diencephalic, and telecephalic RFs, based on the evaluation of AEPs or multiunit activity (MUA), are usually contralateral (AN and LTN) or ipsi- and contralateral (telencephalon) and often complex (Figs. 10, 12, 16). 6. In many cases no obvious interactions between different modalities (vibrating sphere, electric field stimulus, and/or a light flash) were seen. However, some recording sites in the mesencephalic AN and the diencephalic LTN showed bimodal interactions in that an electric field stimulus decreased or increased the amplitude of a lateral line response and vice versa (Fig. 13 B).

Action Potentials↗

[Development of an apparatus for measuring attention in patients with cerebral damage and functional disorders].

58 patients with various underlying neurological diseases, who had an impairment of attention, were examined. 12 patients without clinically evident disorders of attention were examined as a control group. The aim of the study was the development of a standardized procedure for the assessment of impaired attention. An additive, 4 step scale of the "susceptibility to stimulation" (Guttman scale) was constructed out of several, heterogeneous stimuli. In addition, an additive 4 step scale of "reactivity" was constructed out of a catalogue of defined reactions. The two scales permitted the assessment of reactivity and susceptibility to stimulation, the degree of which could be demonstrated as being proportional to one another. The transformation of susceptibility to stimulation into reactivity is thought to be performed by an internal system which is attributed to attention.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Functional imaging of brain responses to repetitive sensory stimulation: sources estimated from EEG and SPECT.

This study examined the effect of modality of stimulation on two measures of cerebral function: (a) the scalp distribution of sensory evoked potentials and (b) the cerebral distribution of radiolabelled HMPAO. Steady-state stimulation in the auditory, somatosensory or visual modality was presented to six subjects. Scalp potentials were measured from a distribution of electrodes, and the radiopharmaceutical was injected through an indwelling intravenous catheter midway through the stimulation/recording session. Equivalent dipole sources estimated from the spatial distribution of the scalp potentials were found to be consistent with regions of high HMPAO uptake as imaged by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Temperature topography of the brain cortex: thermoencephaloscopy.

Thermoencephaloscopy (TES) - a new method of functional imaging of the cerebral cortex by its infrared radiation was advanced and developed since 1984. Improved thermovision and image processing techniques allow 2D, contact-free, dynamic and non-invasive recording of background and evoked cortical activity through an unopened skull. Activated (heated) and deactivated (cooled) zones of the cerebral cortex are revealed. The temporal resolution of TES is 40 msec (25 maps/sec), the spatial resolution is up to 70 x 70 microns/pixel. The diameter of the smallest recordable active region of the cortex is 200-300 microns. The minimal time needed for a session used for averaging of 4-9 responses varied from 40 sec up to 18 min. TES allows to detect the position, size and sequence of operation of precisely located specific cortical zones, and to measure their dynamics before, during and after sensory and direct cortical stimulation, motor acts and conditioning (associative learning). TES-effects were recorded in rats, rabbits, cats, monkeys and humans. Waves were found spreading over the cortex with a speed of up to 30 mm/sec along trajectories specific for the sensory modality and the site of stimulation. Some pathological processes in the brain are detectable by TES: experimental tumours and epileptic foci. There are many sources for local heating: neural activity, local metabolism of units, local cerebral blood flow and thermoconductivity in the activated zones of the cortex. Thermoencephaloscopy is a dynamic, non-invasive, contact-free method with a relatively high temporal and spatial resolution and sensitivity. It can be a useful tool in basic neuroscience and medicine.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Cyclical processes in neuronal populations of the cat somatosensory cortex during extero- and interoceptive activation and in the course of its extinction.

The EEG reactions were recorded in chronic experiments in awake cats and the slow periodic changes in the frequency of the multicellular impulse activity were observed at points (standard localization) of the somatosensory (1) zone of the cortex. Results of the analysis of both processes were combined in graphs in a single time scale. The correlation of the expressivity of the activation reaction and degree of modulation of the cyclical fluctuations of the frequency of the impulse activity were followed both during the action of exteroceptive (conditional, light; unconditional, sound) and the interoceptive (mechanical and chemical) stimuli. A particular characteristic of the interoceptive stimulation as compared with the exteroceptive consisted in the inertia of the respondent reaction and the lesser contrast in relation to the background. During the extinction of the responses the decrease in the activation reaction correlated with a decrease in the initial (after the switching on of the stimulus) fluctuation of the frequency of the multicellular impulse activity. The data obtained serves as proof of the unity of the two processes: the regulation of the activation of the brain and the regulation of the periodicity of the neuronal impulse activity.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Influence of glucose on polysensory properties of neurons of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus.

Using the method of intracellular pickup of neuronal activity, a high degree of convergence of impulses of various modalities onto the cells of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus was established in cats immobilized by means of diplacin dichloride. Great similarity was identified in the patterns of responses to somatic, visceral, light, and sound stimuli. With intravenous administration of glucose, 32% of the neurons studied increased their convergent capacity, 19% of the cells increased the frequency of spikes, and 23% changed the phase of the reaction. The excitatory type of reaction predominated in the responses of the cells investigated.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

The molding of personality: a newborn's innate characteristics in interaction with parents' personalities.

This report describes a girl who was studied by means of the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale from her 1st until her 28th day of life, observed at the age of 1 year, and, at the age of 1 1/2 years, was seen in a psychiatric family interview. The examinational data and history (obtained from the parents) present a picture of deviant development with exceptionally low orientation responsiveness and high excitability from the first hours of life. Carmel showed little ability to quiet herself and little response to soothing attempts. Motor development was normal throughout, physical health and growth were satisfactory, and intellectual development (assessed on the Vineland scale) was average. Carmel's continuous, inconsolable crying and lack of responsiveness led to a family adjustment with the passive, somewhat disorganized mother moving into the background and the anxious father taking over. He developed a way of keeping activity. This physical stimulation, coupled with overprotection (the father's tendency to interpose himself between the girl and other people) as well as controlling all frustration, resulted in a precarious balance at the price of Carmel's reduced autonomy, delay in adaptive ego functions, and severe stranger anxiety. The case illustrates the interaction between innate characteristics and parental attitudes, and the need for preventive counseling based on understanding a child's idiosyncratic behavior patterns.

Anesthesia, Obstetrical↗

Visual, auditory and somatosensory convergence in output neurons of the cat superior colliculus: multisensory properties of the tecto-reticulo-spinal projection.

A select population of superior colliculus (SC) neurons receives and integrates information from the visual, auditory and somatosensory systems. Determining which SC neurons comprise this population and where they send their multisensory messages is important in understanding the functional impact of the SC on attentive and orientation behavior. One of the major routes by which the SC influences these behaviors is the tecto-reticulo-spinal tract, a descending pathway that plays an integral role in the orientation of the eyes, ears and head. Of the 182 tecto-reticulo-spinal neurons (TRSNs) encountered in the present study, almost all (94%) responded to sensory stimuli and the overwhelming majority (84%) were multisensory. The present results demonstrate that the TRSN serves as an important link among the different sensory systems and provides a substrate through which they may gain access to the circuitry mediating orientation behavior.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Premedication modifies the quality of sedation with propofol during regional anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of diazepam or clonidine on the quality of sedation with propofol during regional anesthesia. METHODS: In a prospective randomised, controlled, double-blinded study, 60 patients undergoing elective gynecological surgery were studied. They were given premedication with 0.15-mg clonidine (Group-CL, n=20), 5-mg diazepam (Group-DZ, n = 20), or placebo (Group-P, n = 20) po. After spinal anesthesia was established, sedation was provided with propofol and controlled using a five-point sedation score at 3, "eyes closed but rousable to command", and 4, "eyes closed but rousable to mild physical stimulation". During sedation, blinded anesthesiologist recorded occurrence of complications. At two hours after end of sedation, patients were asked if they had intraoperative dream and memory. RESULTS: The loading dose, steady-state infusion rate, and overall mean infusion rate in Group-CL were 0.80 mg x kg(-1), 2.35 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1) and 2.89 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1), compared with 0.97 mg x kg(-1), 3.13 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1) and 3.59 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1) in Group-DZ, and 1.38 mg x kg(-1), 4.10 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1) and 4.36 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1) in Group-P, respectively. Indices of both Group-CL (P < 0.001) and Group-DZ (P < 0.05) were smaller than those of Group-P Moreover, clonidine reduced the incidence of uncontrolled movement (P < 0.01), while diazepam reduced the incidence of intraoperative memory and increased the incidence of dream (P < 0.05). Premedication did not affect the incidence of other complications. CONCLUSION: Both premedicants reduced propofol requirements and exerted beneficial effects on the incidence of some complications during sedation with propofol as an adjunct to regional anesthesia.

Adult↗

Midazolam premedication reduces propofol requirements for sedation during regional anesthesia.

PURPOSE: Propofol is often used for sedation during spinal anesthesia. We investigated the effects of midazolam premedication on the propofol requirements and incidence of complications during sedation. METHODS: In a prospective randomized, controlled, and single-blinded study, 50 patients undergoing elective gynecological surgery were randomly divided into control and midazolam groups. Patients in the midazolam group received 2 mg midazolam im 30 min before arrival at the operation room. After spinal anesthesia was instituted with intrathecal injection of hyperbaric tetracaine, we provided sedation using continuous infusion of propofol. The level of sedation was controlled at a level between "eyes closed but rousable to command" and "eyes closed but rousable to mild physical stimulation" by adjusting the infusion rate. During sedation, the propofol requirements and complications were recorded and patients were asked, two hours after the end of operation, whether they remembered intraoperative events. RESULTS: In the midazolam group, the loading dose, steady state infusion rate, and overall infusion rate of propofol were 0.74 mg x kg(-1), 2.86 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1), and 3.32 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1), respectively, which were about 17% lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, midazolam premedication reduced the incidence of intraoperative memory (P < 0.05), but had no effects on other complications. CONCLUSION: Midazolam premedication reduced propofol requirements and the incidence of intraoperative memory during sedation. These effects on sedation using propofol during spinal anesthesia are considered beneficial for patients.

Adult↗

The perception of body orientation after neck-proprioceptive stimulation. Effects of time and of visual cueing.

Different sensory systems (e.g. proprioception and vision) have a combined influence on the perception of body orientation, but the timescale over which they can be integrated remains unknown. Here we examined how visual information and neck proprioception interact in perception of the "subjective straight ahead" (SSA), as a function of time since initial stimulation. In complete darkness, healthy subjects directed a laser spot to the point felt subjectively to be exactly straight ahead of the trunk. As previously observed, left neck muscle vibration led to a disparity between subjective perception and objective position of the body midline, with SSA misplaced to the left. We found that this displacement was sustained throughout 28 min of continuous proprioceptive stimulation, provided there was no visual input. Moreover, prolonged vibration of neck muscles leads to a continuing disparity between subjective and objective body orientation even after offset of the vibration; the longer the preceding vibration, the more persistent the illusory deviation of body orientation. To examine the role of vision, one group of subjects fixated a central visual target at the start of each block of continuous neck vibration, with SSA then measured at successive intervals in darkness. The illusory deviation of SSA was eliminated whenever visual input was provided, but returned as a linear function of time when visual information was eliminated. These results reveal: the persistent effects of neck proprioception on the SSA, both during and after vibration; the influence of vision; and integration between incoming proprioceptive information and working memory traces of visual information.

Adult↗

Redundant target effect and intersensory facilitation from visual-tactile interactions in simple reaction time.

In a simple reaction time (RT) task, normal observers responded faster to simultaneous visual and tactile stimuli than to single visual or tactile stimuli. RT to simultaneous visual and tactile stimuli was also faster than RT to simultaneous dual visual or tactile stimuli. The advantage for RT to combined visual-tactile stimuli over RT to the other types of stimulation could be accounted for by intersensory neural facilitation rather than by probability summation. The direction of gaze (and presumably of visual attention) to space regions near to or far from the site of tactile stimulation had no effect on tactile RT. However, RT to single or dual tactile stimuli was fastest when observers could see the sites of tactile stimulation on their hands both directly and through a mirror at the same time. All these effects can be ascribed to the convergence of tactile and visual inputs onto neural centers which contain flexible multimodal representations of body parts.

Adult↗