1
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Deiringer N, Schneeweiß U, Kaufmann LV, Eigen L, Speissegger C, Gerhardt B, Holtze S, Fritsch G, Göritz F, Becker R, Ochs A, Hildebrandt T, Brecht M. The functional anatomy of elephant trunk whiskers. Commun Biol 2023; 6:591. [PMID: 37291455 PMCID: PMC10250425 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04945-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavior and innervation suggest a high tactile sensitivity of elephant trunks. To clarify the tactile trunk periphery we studied whiskers with the following findings. Whisker density is high at the trunk tip and African savanna elephants have more trunk tip whiskers than Asian elephants. Adult elephants show striking lateralized whisker abrasion caused by lateralized trunk behavior. Elephant whiskers are thick and show little tapering. Whisker follicles are large, lack a ring sinus and their organization varies across the trunk. Follicles are innervated by ~90 axons from multiple nerves. Because elephants don't whisk, trunk movements determine whisker contacts. Whisker-arrays on the ventral trunk-ridge contact objects balanced on the ventral trunk. Trunk whiskers differ from the mobile, thin and tapered facial whiskers that sample peri-rostrum space symmetrically in many mammals. We suggest their distinctive features-being thick, non-tapered, lateralized and arranged in specific high-density arrays-evolved along with the manipulative capacities of the trunk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Deiringer
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 6, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Undine Schneeweiß
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 6, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena V Kaufmann
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 6, 10115, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lennart Eigen
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 6, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Celina Speissegger
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 6, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ben Gerhardt
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 6, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Holtze
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, D-10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Guido Fritsch
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, D-10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Göritz
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, D-10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rolf Becker
- Berlin Zoological Garden, Hardenbergplatz 9, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Ochs
- Berlin Zoological Garden, Hardenbergplatz 9, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Hildebrandt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, D-10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Brecht
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 6, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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2
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Bauer GB, Reep RL. Manatee cognition in the wild: an exploration of the manatee mind and behavior through neuroanatomy, psychophysics, and field observations. Anim Cogn 2022; 25:1161-1182. [PMID: 36071307 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01686-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cognition refers to the mechanisms for acquiring, processing, storing, and acting on information, all of which are critical to understanding the behavior of animals. These mechanisms are poorly known in manatees, especially how they are expressed in the wild. To expand our understanding of manatee cognition, we gathered information from behavioral experimentation in the laboratory, neuroanatomical research, controlled field studies, integrated laboratory and field measurement, and natural history observations (published reports, written surveys, and interviews with knowledgeable observers). Laboratory research, both neuroanatomical and behavioral, provided the most empirical data, primarily on sensory/perceptual capacities. Inferences from these data and narratives from surveys and interviews illuminated possibilities for higher order cognition. Evidence from field measurements was sparse, although substantial amounts of information have been collected from tracking data and to a lesser extent vessel impact studies, which can be used to infer cognitive attributes. Manatees are tactile-auditory specialists with complementary visual and chemosensory abilities. They demonstrate learning characteristics typical of vertebrates. Movement tracking data plus direct observations suggest that they have good spatial cognition, indicated by their ability to traverse complicated water networks and memory for foraging and warm water sites. They engage in a wide range of play-like, object manipulation, and mimetic behaviors, which suggests cognitive capacities beyond basic associative learning. Understanding manatee cognition beyond the laboratory will be necessary for conservation of manatees as they face challenges such as habitat degradation and threats from water-borne vessel traffic. There is a clear need for more direct research in natural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon B Bauer
- Division of Social Sciences, New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA.
| | - Roger L Reep
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32603, USA
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3
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Sarko DK, Reep RL. Parcellation in the dorsal column nuclei of Florida manatees (
Trichechus manatus latirostris
) and rock hyraxes (
Procavia capensis
) indicates the presence of body barrelettes. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:2113-2131. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.25323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana K. Sarko
- Department of Anatomy Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Carbondale Illinois USA
| | - Roger L. Reep
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
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4
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Eldridge SA, Mortazavi F, Rice FL, Ketten DR, Wiley DN, Lyman E, Reidenberg JS, Hanke FD, DeVreese S, Strobel SM, Rosene DL. Specializations of somatosensory innervation in the skin of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 305:514-534. [PMID: 35023618 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Cetacean behavior and life history imply a role for somatosensory detection of critical signals unique to their marine environment. As the sensory anatomy of cetacean glabrous skin has not been fully explored, skin biopsy samples of the flank skin of humpback whales were prepared for general histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses of innervation in this study. Histology revealed an exceptionally thick epidermis interdigitated by numerous, closely spaced long, thin diameter penicillate dermal papillae (PDP). The dermis had a stratified organization including a deep neural plexus (DNP) stratum intermingled with small arteries that was the source of intermingled nerves and arterioles forming a more superficial subepidermal neural plexus (SNP) stratum. The patterns of nerves branching through the DNP and SNP that distribute extensive innervation to arteries and arterioles and to the upper dermis and PDP provide a dense innervation associated through the whole epidermis. Some NF-H+ fibers terminated at the base of the epidermis and as encapsulated endings in dermal papillae similar to Merkel innervation and encapsulated endings seen in terrestrial mammals. However, unlike in all mammalian species assessed to date, an unusual acellular gap was present between the perineural sheaths and the central core of axons in all the cutaneous nerves perhaps as mechanism to prevent high hydrostatic pressure from compressing and interfering with axonal conductance. Altogether the whale skin has an exceptionally dense low-threshold mechanosensory system innervation most likely adapted for sensing hydrodynamic stimuli, as well as nerves that can likely withstand high pressure experienced during deep dives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherri A Eldridge
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Farzad Mortazavi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frank L Rice
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Darlene R Ketten
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David N Wiley
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/ National Ocean Service/Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Scituate, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ed Lyman
- Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Kihei, Hawaii, USA
| | - Joy S Reidenberg
- Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Frederike D Hanke
- University of Rostock, Institute for Biosciences, Neuroethology, Rostock, Germany
| | - Steffen DeVreese
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Applied Bioacoustics, Technical University of Catalonia, BarcelonaTech, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah McKay Strobel
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Douglas L Rosene
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Boublil BL, Diebold CA, Moss CF. Mechanosensory Hairs and Hair-like Structures in the Animal Kingdom: Specializations and Shared Functions Serve to Inspire Technology Applications. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:6375. [PMID: 34640694 PMCID: PMC8512044 DOI: 10.3390/s21196375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Biological mechanosensation has been a source of inspiration for advancements in artificial sensory systems. Animals rely on sensory feedback to guide and adapt their behaviors and are equipped with a wide variety of sensors that carry stimulus information from the environment. Hair and hair-like sensors have evolved to support survival behaviors in different ecological niches. Here, we review the diversity of biological hair and hair-like sensors across the animal kingdom and their roles in behaviors, such as locomotion, exploration, navigation, and feeding, which point to shared functional properties of hair and hair-like structures among invertebrates and vertebrates. By reviewing research on the role of biological hair and hair-like sensors in diverse species, we aim to highlight biological sensors that could inspire the engineering community and contribute to the advancement of mechanosensing in artificial systems, such as robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cynthia F. Moss
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (B.L.B.); (C.A.D.)
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6
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Moore AM, Hartstone-Rose A, Gonzalez-Socoloske D. Review of sensory modalities of sirenians and the other extant Paenungulata clade. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:715-735. [PMID: 34424615 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Extant members of Paenungulata (sirenians, proboscideans, and hyracoideans) form a monophyletic clade which originated in Africa. While paenungulates are all herbivorous, they differ greatly in size, life history, and habitat. Therefore, we would expect both phylogenetically related similarities and ecologically driven differences in their use and specializations of sensory systems, especially in adaptations in sirenians related to their fully aquatic habitat. Here we review what is known about the sensory modalities of this clade in an attempt to better elucidate their sensory adaptations. Manatees have a higher frequency range for hearing than elephants, who have the best low-frequency hearing range known to mammals, while the hearing range of hyraxes is unknown. All paenungulates have vibrissae assisting in tactile abilities such as feeding and navigating the environment and share relatively small eyes and dichromatic vision. Taste buds are present in varying quantities in all three orders. While the olfactory abilities of manatees and hyraxes are unknown, elephants have an excellent sense of smell which is reflected by having the relatively largest cranial nerve related to olfaction among the three lineages. Manatees have the relatively largest trigeminal nerve-the nerve responsible for, among other things, mystacial vibrissae-while hyraxes have the relatively largest optic nerve (and therefore, presumably, the best vision) among the Paenungulata. All three orders have diverged significantly; however, they still retain some anatomical and physiological adaptations in common with regard to sensory abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Marie Moore
- Department of Biology, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA
| | - Adam Hartstone-Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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7
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Endocranial Morphology of a Middle Miocene South American Dugongid and the Neurosensorial Evolution of Sirenians. J MAMM EVOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10914-021-09555-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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8
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Luo Y, Bresee CS, Rudnicki JW, Hartmann MJZ. Constraints on the deformation of the vibrissa within the follicle. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1007887. [PMID: 33793548 PMCID: PMC8016108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly all mammals have a vibrissal system specialized for tactile sensation, composed of whiskers growing from sensor-rich follicles in the skin. When a whisker deflects against an object, it deforms within the follicle and exerts forces on the mechanoreceptors inside. In addition, during active whisking behavior, muscle contractions around the follicle and increases in blood pressure in the ring sinus will affect the whisker deformation profile. To date, however, it is not yet possible to experimentally measure how the whisker deforms in an intact follicle or its effects on different groups of mechanoreceptors. The present study develops a novel model to predict vibrissal deformation within the follicle sinus complex. The model is based on experimental results from a previous ex vivo study on whisker deformation within the follicle, and on a new histological analysis of follicle tissue. It is then used to simulate whisker deformation within the follicle during passive touch and active whisking. Results suggest that the most likely whisker deformation profile is “S-shaped,” crossing the midline of the follicle right below the ring sinus. Simulations of active whisking indicate that an increase in overall muscle stiffness, an increase in the ratio between deep and superficial intrinsic muscle stiffness, and an increase in sinus blood pressure will all enhance tactile sensitivity. Finally, we discuss how the deformation profiles might map to the responses of primary afferents of each mechanoreceptor type. The mechanical model presented in this study is an important first step in simulating mechanical interactions within whisker follicles. Many mammals rely on whiskers as a mode of tactile sensation, especially when exploring in darkness. Active, rhythmic protraction and retraction of the whiskers, commonly referred to as “whisking,” is observed among many whisker specialist animals. During whisker-based sensing, forces and moments generated by external stimuli are transmitted to the base of the whisker shaft inside the follicle. Within the follicle, the interaction between the whisker’s deformation and the surrounding tissue determines how different groups of mechanoreceptors will deform, thereby transducing the mechanical signals into electrical signals. However, it is not yet possible to experimentally measure this interaction in vivo. We therefore created a mechanical model of the follicle sinus complex to simulate whisker deformation within the follicle resulting from external whisker deflection. Our results provide the first estimate of whisker shape as it deforms in the follicle, during both passive touch and active whisking. In turn, these shape estimates allow us to predict how the whisker will deform against different types of mechanoreceptors at different locations within the follicle. In addition, we find that both intrinsic muscle contraction and an increase in blood pressure will improve the tactile sensitivity of the whisker system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifu Luo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Chris S. Bresee
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - John W. Rudnicki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Mitra J. Z. Hartmann
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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9
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Gerussi T, Graïc J, De Vreese S, Grandis A, Tagliavia C, De Silva M, Huggenberger S, Cozzi B. The follicle-sinus complex of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Functional anatomy and possible evolutional significance of its somato-sensory innervation. J Anat 2021; 238:942-955. [PMID: 33099774 PMCID: PMC7930762 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrissae are tactile hairs found mainly on the rostrum of most mammals. The follicle, which is surrounded by a large venous sinus, is called "follicle-sinus complex" (FSC). This complex is highly innervated by somatosensitive fibers and reached by visceromotor fibers that innervate the surrounding vessels. The surrounding striated muscles receive somatomotor fibers from the facial nerve. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), a frequently described member of the delphinid family, possesses this organ only in the postnatal period. However, information on the function of the vibrissal complex in this latter species is scarce. Recently, psychophysical experiments on the river-living Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) revealed that the FSC could work as an electroreceptor in murky waters. In the present study, we analyzed the morphology and innervation of the FSC of newborn (n = 8) and adult (n = 3) bottlenose dolphins. We used Masson's trichrome stain and antibodies against neurofilament 200 kDa (NF 200), protein gene product (PGP 9.5), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) to characterize the FSC of the two age classes. Masson's trichrome staining revealed a structure almost identical to that of terrestrial mammals except for the fact that the FSC was occupied only by a venous sinus and that the vibrissal shaft lied within the follicle. Immunostaining for PGP 9.5 and NF 200 showed somatosensory fibers finishing high along the follicle with Merkel nerve endings and free nerve endings. We also found SP-positive fibers mostly in the surrounding blood vessels and TH both in the vessels and in the mesenchymal sheath. The FSC of the bottlenose dolphin, therefore, possesses a rich somatomotor innervation and a set of peptidergic visceromotor fibers. This anatomical disposition suggests a mechanoreceptor function in the newborns, possibly finalized to search for the opening of the mother's nipples. In the adult, however, this structure could change into a proprioceptive function in which the vibrissal shaft could provide information on the degree of rotation of the head. In the absence of psychophysical experiments in this species, the hypothesis of electroreception cannot be rejected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Gerussi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA)University of PaduaLegnaroItaly
| | - Jean‐Marie Graïc
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA)University of PaduaLegnaroItaly
| | - Steffen De Vreese
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA)University of PaduaLegnaroItaly
- Laboratory of Applied Bioacoustics (LAB)Technical University of Catalonia, BarcelonaTech (UPC)Vilanova i la GeltruSpain
| | - Annamaria Grandis
- Department of Veterinary Medical SciencesUniversity of BolognaOzzano dell'EmiliaItaly
| | - Claudio Tagliavia
- Department of Veterinary Medical SciencesUniversity of BolognaOzzano dell'EmiliaItaly
| | - Margherita De Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medical SciencesUniversity of BolognaOzzano dell'EmiliaItaly
| | - Stefan Huggenberger
- Institute of Anatomy and Clinical MorphologyFaculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke UniversityWittenGermany
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA)University of PaduaLegnaroItaly
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10
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Lucchini K, Umeed R, Guimarães L, Santos P, Sommer I, Bezerra B. The role of touch in captive and semi-captive Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus). BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Tactile signals have been neglected in aquatic animal studies despite being a major communication modality. We investigated Antillean manatees’ tactile behavioural repertoire and budget in captivity (7-females and 4-males) and semi-captivity (4-males) in Brazil. We detected 17 tactile behaviours (14.03% of the activity budget) with social, self-maintenance, or environmental exploration functions. The observation method influenced the detection of self-maintenance behaviours — focal animal and ad libitum detected more of these behaviours than scan sampling. Age, sex, housing, and centre routines influenced the tactile repertoire. The captive females and semi-captive males tactile patterns differed, suggesting that sex and animal-pool density play a role in tactile patterns. We recommend carefully choosing the observation method when investigating functional categories of manatee tactile behaviours. The monitoring and stimulation of manatee tactile behaviours should integrate rehabilitation and reintroduction practices. Environmental enrichment may stimulate tactile behaviours related to habitat exploration, key behaviours in aiding manatee navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Lucchini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Zoologia, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Brasil
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Comportamento e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Rebecca Umeed
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Zoologia, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Brasil
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Comportamento e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Luana Guimarães
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Comportamento e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Paulo Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Zoologia, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Brasil
| | - Iara Sommer
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade Marinha do Nordeste — CEPENE, PE, Brasil
| | - Bruna Bezerra
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Zoologia, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Brasil
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Comportamento e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brasil
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11
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Betting JHLF, Romano V, Al-Ars Z, Bosman LWJ, Strydis C, De Zeeuw CI. WhiskEras: A New Algorithm for Accurate Whisker Tracking. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:588445. [PMID: 33281560 PMCID: PMC7705537 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.588445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents engage in active touch using their facial whiskers: they explore their environment by making rapid back-and-forth movements. The fast nature of whisker movements, during which whiskers often cross each other, makes it notoriously difficult to track individual whiskers of the intact whisker field. We present here a novel algorithm, WhiskEras, for tracking of whisker movements in high-speed videos of untrimmed mice, without requiring labeled data. WhiskEras consists of a pipeline of image-processing steps: first, the points that form the whisker centerlines are detected with sub-pixel accuracy. Then, these points are clustered in order to distinguish individual whiskers. Subsequently, the whiskers are parameterized so that a single whisker can be described by four parameters. The last step consists of tracking individual whiskers over time. We describe that WhiskEras performs better than other whisker-tracking algorithms on several metrics. On our four video segments, WhiskEras detected more whiskers per frame than the Biotact Whisker Tracking Tool. The signal-to-noise ratio of the output of WhiskEras was higher than that of Janelia Whisk. As a result, the correlation between reflexive whisker movements and cerebellar Purkinje cell activity appeared to be stronger than previously found using other tracking algorithms. We conclude that WhiskEras facilitates the study of sensorimotor integration by markedly improving the accuracy of whisker tracking in untrimmed mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo Romano
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Zaid Al-Ars
- Department of Quantum & Computer Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | | | - Christos Strydis
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Quantum & Computer Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Chris I. De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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12
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Innervation patterns of mystacial vibrissae support active touch behaviors in California sea lions (
Zalophus californianus
). J Morphol 2019; 280:1617-1627. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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13
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Jones A, Marshall CD. Does Vibrissal Innervation Patterns and Investment Predict Hydrodynamic Trail Following Behavior of Harbor Seals (
Phoca vitulina
)? Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 302:1837-1845. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.24134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aubree Jones
- Department of Marine BiologyTexas A&M University Galveston Campus Galveston, Texas
| | - Christopher D. Marshall
- Department of Marine BiologyTexas A&M University Galveston Campus Galveston, Texas
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries SciencesTexas A&M University College Station Texas
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SHIWA N, NAKAJIMA C, KIMITSUKI K, MANALO DL, NOGUCHI A, INOUE S, PARK CH. Follicle sinus complexes (FSCs) in muzzle skin as postmortem diagnostic material of rabid dogs. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:1818-1821. [PMID: 30333382 PMCID: PMC6305517 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we reported that follicle-sinus complexes (FSCs) in the muzzle skin are useful for postmortem diagnosis of rabid dogs. Here, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of detecting the viral antigen in the brain and FSCs of 226 suspected rabid dogs, and assessed whether the FSC harbored the virus genome and particles. The viral antigen was detected in 211 of 226 samples with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Viral RNA and particles were observed in the cytoplasm of Merkel cells (MCs). These results suggest that MCs are targets of virus infection and FSCs are useful material for diagnosing rabies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi SHIWA
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary
Medicine, Kitasato University, 23-35-1, Higashi, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Chikage NAKAJIMA
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary
Medicine, Kitasato University, 23-35-1, Higashi, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Kazunori KIMITSUKI
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary
Medicine, Kitasato University, 23-35-1, Higashi, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Daria Llenaresas MANALO
- Veterinary Research Department, Research Institute for
Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, 9002 Research Drive, Filinvest Corporate City,
Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1781, Philippines
| | - Akira NOGUCHI
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of
Infectious Diseases, Toyama 1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Satoshi INOUE
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of
Infectious Diseases, Toyama 1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Chun-Ho PARK
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary
Medicine, Kitasato University, 23-35-1, Higashi, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
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15
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Bernth JE, Ho VA, Liu H. Morphological computation in haptic sensation and interaction: from nature to robotics. Adv Robot 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/01691864.2018.1447393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Van Anh Ho
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Nomi, Japan
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Department of Informatics, King’s College London, London, UK
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16
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Gaspard JC, Bauer GB, Mann DA, Boerner K, Denum L, Frances C, Reep RL. Detection of hydrodynamic stimuli by the postcranial body of Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2017; 203:111-120. [PMID: 28194485 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-016-1142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Manatees live in shallow, frequently turbid waters. The sensory means by which they navigate in these conditions are unknown. Poor visual acuity, lack of echolocation, and modest chemosensation suggest that other modalities play an important role. Rich innervation of sensory hairs that cover the entire body and enlarged somatosensory areas of the brain suggest that tactile senses are good candidates. Previous tests of detection of underwater vibratory stimuli indicated that they use passive movement of the hairs to detect particle displacements in the vicinity of a micron or less for frequencies from 10 to 150 Hz. In the current study, hydrodynamic stimuli were created by a sinusoidally oscillating sphere that generated a dipole field at frequencies from 5 to 150 Hz. Go/no-go tests of manatee postcranial mechanoreception of hydrodynamic stimuli indicated excellent sensitivity but about an order of magnitude less than the facial region. When the vibrissae were trimmed, detection thresholds were elevated, suggesting that the vibrissae were an important means by which detection occurred. Manatees were also highly accurate in two-choice directional discrimination: greater than 90% correct at all frequencies tested. We hypothesize that manatees utilize vibrissae as a three-dimensional array to detect and localize low-frequency hydrodynamic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Gaspard
- Science and Conservation, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, 1 Wild Place, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, USA
| | - Gordon B Bauer
- Division of Social Sciences, New College of Florida, 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA. .,Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA.
| | - David A Mann
- Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA.,Loggerhead Instruments, 6576 Palmer Park Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34238, USA
| | - Katharine Boerner
- Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Laura Denum
- Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Candice Frances
- Division of Social Sciences, New College of Florida, 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA
| | - Roger L Reep
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Aquatic Animal Health Program, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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17
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Localization of the rabies virus antigen in Merkel cells in the follicle-sinus complexes of muzzle skins of rabid dogs. J Virol Methods 2016; 237:40-46. [PMID: 27587291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2016.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT) on fresh brain tissues is the gold standard for rabies virus antigen detection in dogs. However, this method is laborious and holds a high risk of virus exposure for the experimenter. Skin biopsies are useful for the diagnosis of humans and animals. In mammals, the tactile hair, known as the follicle-sinus complex (FSC), is a specialized touch organ that is abundant in the muzzle skin. Each tactile hair is equipped with more than 2,000 sensory nerve endings. Therefore, this organ is expected to serve as an alternative postmortem diagnostic material. However, the target cells and localization of rabies virus antigen in the FSCs remain to be defined. In the present study, muzzle skins were obtained from 60 rabid dogs diagnosed with rabies by dFAT at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine in the Philippines. In all dogs, virus antigen was clearly detected in a part of the outer root sheath at the level of the ring sinus of the FSCs, and the majority of cells were positive for the Merkel cell (MC) markers cytokeratin 20 and CAM5.2. Our results suggest that MCs in the FSCs of the muzzle skin are a target for virus replication and could serve as a useful alternative specimen source for diagnosis of rabies.
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18
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Reyes LD, Harland T, Reep RL, Sherwood CC, Jacobs B. Golgi Analysis of Neuron Morphology in the Presumptive Somatosensory Cortex and Visual Cortex of the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2016; 87:105-16. [PMID: 27166161 DOI: 10.1159/000445495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The current study investigates neuron morphology in presumptive primary somatosensory (S1) and primary visual (V1) cortices of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) as revealed by Golgi impregnation. Sirenians, including manatees, have an aquatic lifestyle, a large body size, and a relatively large lissencephalic brain. The present study examines neuron morphology in 3 cortical areas: in S1, dorsolateral cortex area 1 (DL1) and cluster cortex area 2 (CL2) and in V1, dorsolateral cortex area 4 (DL4). Neurons exhibited a variety of morphological types, with pyramidal neurons being the most common. The large variety of neuron types present in the manatee cortex was comparable to that seen in other eutherian mammals, except for rodents and primates, where pyramid-shaped neurons predominate. A comparison between pyramidal neurons in S1 and V1 indicated relatively greater dendritic branching in S1. Across all 3 areas, the dendritic arborization pattern of pyramidal neurons was also similar to that observed previously in the afrotherian rock hyrax, cetartiodactyls, opossums, and echidnas but did not resemble the widely bifurcated dendrites seen in the large-brained African elephant. Despite adaptations for an aquatic environment, manatees did not share specific neuron types such as tritufted and star-like neurons that have been found in cetaceans. Manatees exhibit an evolutionarily primitive pattern of cortical neuron morphology shared with most other mammals and do not appear to have neuronal specializations for an aquatic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Reyes
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
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19
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Reyes LD, Stimpson CD, Gupta K, Raghanti MA, Hof PR, Reep RL, Sherwood CC. Neuron Types in the Presumptive Primary Somatosensory Cortex of the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2015; 86:210-31. [PMID: 26613530 DOI: 10.1159/000441964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Within afrotherians, sirenians are unusual due to their aquatic lifestyle, large body size and relatively large lissencephalic brain. However, little is known about the neuron type distributions of the cerebral cortex in sirenians within the context of other afrotherians and aquatic mammals. The present study investigated two cortical regions, dorsolateral cortex area 1 (DL1) and cluster cortex area 2 (CL2), in the presumptive primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) to characterize cyto- and chemoarchitecture. The mean neuron density for both cortical regions was 35,617 neurons/mm(3) and fell within the 95% prediction intervals relative to brain mass based on a reference group of afrotherians and xenarthrans. Densities of inhibitory interneuron subtypes labeled against calcium-binding proteins and neuropeptide Y were relatively low compared to afrotherians and xenarthrans and also formed a small percentage of the overall population of inhibitory interneurons as revealed by GAD67 immunoreactivity. Nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein-immunoreactive (NPNFP-ir) neurons comprised a mean of 60% of neurons in layer V across DL1 and CL2. DL1 contained a higher percentage of NPNFP-ir neurons than CL2, although CL2 had a higher variety of morphological types. The mean percentage of NPNFP-ir neurons in the two regions of the presumptive S1 were low compared to other afrotherians and xenarthrans but were within the 95% prediction intervals relative to brain mass, and their morphologies were comparable to those found in other afrotherians and xenarthrans. Although this specific pattern of neuron types and densities sets the manatee apart from other afrotherians and xenarthrans, the manatee isocortex does not appear to be explicitly adapted for an aquatic habitat. Many of the features that are shared between manatees and cetaceans are also shared with a diverse array of terrestrial mammals and likely represent highly conserved neural features. A comparative study across manatees and dugongs is necessary to determine whether these traits are specific to one or more of the manatee species, or can be generalized to all sirenians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Reyes
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
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20
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Sarko DK, Rice FL, Reep RL. Elaboration and Innervation of the Vibrissal System in the Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis). BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2015; 85:170-88. [PMID: 26022696 PMCID: PMC4490970 DOI: 10.1159/000381415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian tactile hairs are commonly found on specific, restricted regions of the body, but Florida manatees represent a unique exception, exhibiting follicle-sinus complexes (FSCs, also known as vibrissae or tactile hairs) on their entire body. The orders Sirenia (including manatees and dugongs) and Hyracoidea (hyraxes) are thought to have diverged approximately 60 million years ago, yet hyraxes are among the closest relatives to sirenians. We investigated the possibility that hyraxes, like manatees, are tactile specialists with vibrissae that cover the entire postfacial body. Previous studies suggested that rock hyraxes possess postfacial vibrissae in addition to pelage hair, but this observation was not verified through histological examination. Using a detailed immunohistochemical analysis, we characterized the gross morphology, innervation and mechanoreceptors present in FSCs sampled from facial and postfacial vibrissae body regions to determine that the long postfacial hairs on the hyrax body are in fact true vibrissae. The types and relative densities of mechanoreceptors associated with each FSC also appeared to be relatively consistent between facial and postfacial FSCs. The presence of vibrissae covering the hyrax body presumably facilitates navigation in the dark caves and rocky crevices of the hyrax's environment where visual cues are limited, and may alert the animal to predatory or conspecific threats approaching the body. Furthermore, the presence of vibrissae on the postfacial body in both manatees and hyraxes indicates that this distribution may represent the ancestral condition for the supraorder Paenungulata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana K. Sarko
- Dept of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 350 Howard Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303
| | - Frank L. Rice
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics, 7 University Place, Suite B236, Rensselaer, NY 12144
| | - Roger L. Reep
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
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21
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Mcgovern KA, Marshall CD, Davis RW. Are vibrissae viable sensory structures for prey capture in northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris? Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 298:750-60. [PMID: 25331439 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the tactics northern elephant seals (NES) use to capture prey due to the difficulties in observing these animals underwater. NES forage on vertically migrating prey at depths >500 m during day and at night where light levels are negligible. Although NES have increased visual sensitivity in deep water, vision is likely a limited sensory modality. Still images of NES foraging show that the mystacial vibrissae are protracted before prey capture. As a representative phocid, harbor seals can follow hydrodynamic trails using their vibrissae, and are highly sensitive to water velocity changes. In lieu of performance data, vibrissal innervation can be used as a proxy for sensitivity. Although comparative data are few, seals average 1,000 to 1,600 axons per vibrissa (five to eight times more than terrestrial mammals). To test the hypothesis that NES have increased innervation as other pinnipeds, vibrissae from the ventral-caudal mystacial field from nine individuals were sectioned and stained for microstructure (trichrome) and innervation (Bodian silver stain). Follicles were tripartite and consisted of lower and upper cavernous sinuses separated by a ring sinus containing an asymmetrical ringwulst. The deep vibrissal nerve penetrated the follicular capsule at the base, branched into several bundles, and coursed through the lower cavernous sinus to the ring sinus. Axons in the ring sinus terminated in the ringwulst and along the inner conical body. NES averaged 1,584 axons per vibrissa. The results add to the growing body of evidence that phocids, and perhaps all pinnipeds, possess highly sensitive mystacial vibrissae that detect prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A Mcgovern
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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22
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Marshall CD, Rozas K, Kot B, Gill VA. Innervation patterns of sea otter (Enhydra lutris) mystacial follicle-sinus complexes. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:121. [PMID: 25400554 PMCID: PMC4212681 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are the most recent group of mammals to return to the sea, and may exemplify divergent somatosensory tactile systems among mammals. Therefore, we quantified the mystacial vibrissal array of sea otters and histologically processed follicle-sinus complexes (F - SCs) to test the hypotheses that the number of myelinated axons per F - SC is greater than that found for terrestrial mammalian vibrissae and that their organization and microstructure converge with those of pinniped vibrissae. A mean of 120.5 vibrissae were arranged rostrally on a broad, blunt muzzle in 7-8 rows and 9-13 columns. The F-SCs of sea otters are tripartite in their organization and similar in microstructure to pinnipeds rather than terrestrial species. Each F-SC was innervated by a mean 1339 ± 408.3 axons. Innervation to the entire mystacial vibrissal array was estimated at 161,313 axons. Our data support the hypothesis that the disproportionate expansion of the coronal gyrus in somatosensory cortex of sea otters is related to the high innervation investment of the mystacial vibrissal array, and that quantifying innervation investment is a good proxy for tactile sensitivity. We predict that the tactile performance of sea otter mystacial vibrissae is comparable to that of harbor seals, sea lions and walruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Marshall
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M UniversityGalveston, TX, USA
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M UniversityTX, USA
| | - Kelly Rozas
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M UniversityGalveston, TX, USA
| | - Brian Kot
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M UniversityGalveston, TX, USA
| | - Verena A. Gill
- Marine Mammals Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceAnchorage, Alaska, USA
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23
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Binelli EA, Luna AN, LeClair EE. Anatomy and ontogeny of a novel hemodynamic organ in zebrafish. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 297:2299-317. [PMID: 25125342 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish maxillary barbel can protract and retract in response to stimuli, and appears connected to a prominent blood sinus on the lateral aspect of the maxillary bone. However, the mechanism of barbel movement is not described. Using whole-mount phalloidin staining of the sinus region, we observed long filamentous actin cables, suggesting highly organized vascular smooth muscle cells, surrounding an endothelial chamber. Although the chamber is variably filled by erythrocytes in vivo, cardiac injection of fluorescent dextrans shows that it consistently contains plasma. Full-thickness confocal imaging of dextran-injected adults containing EGFP(+) endothelial cells revealed a vascular complex with three compartments, here named the distal bulb, central chamber, and accessory chamber. The early ontogeny of all three compartments was confirmed in a whole-mount series of Tg(fli1a:EGFP) juveniles. In wild type adults, the fine structure of each chamber was studied using paraffin- and plastic-section histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The distal bulb and central chamber have smooth muscle coats with luminally-elongated septa, forming semi-detached blood-filled lacunae. The central chamber walls and septa are extensively innervated by small, unmyelinated axons, as confirmed by immunohistochemical detection of acetylated tubulin, a component of axonal cytoplasm. The accessory chamber appears neither innervated nor muscularized, but is an endothelial cul-de-sac with a thickened elastic adventitia, suggesting an extensible fluid reservoir. We propose that we have identified a new organ in zebrafish, the maxillary barbel blood sinus, whose neurovascular specializations may contribute to zebrafish sensory biology and appendage control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Binelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
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24
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Gaspard JC, Bauer GB, Reep RL, Dziuk K, Read L, Mann DA. Detection of hydrodynamic stimuli by the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2013; 199:441-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s00359-013-0822-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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25
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Bosman LWJ, Houweling AR, Owens CB, Tanke N, Shevchouk OT, Rahmati N, Teunissen WHT, Ju C, Gong W, Koekkoek SKE, De Zeeuw CI. Anatomical pathways involved in generating and sensing rhythmic whisker movements. Front Integr Neurosci 2011; 5:53. [PMID: 22065951 PMCID: PMC3207327 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2011.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rodent whisker system is widely used as a model system for investigating sensorimotor integration, neural mechanisms of complex cognitive tasks, neural development, and robotics. The whisker pathways to the barrel cortex have received considerable attention. However, many subcortical structures are paramount to the whisker system. They contribute to important processes, like filtering out salient features, integration with other senses, and adaptation of the whisker system to the general behavioral state of the animal. We present here an overview of the brain regions and their connections involved in the whisker system. We do not only describe the anatomy and functional roles of the cerebral cortex, but also those of subcortical structures like the striatum, superior colliculus, cerebellum, pontomedullary reticular formation, zona incerta, and anterior pretectal nucleus as well as those of level setting systems like the cholinergic, histaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic pathways. We conclude by discussing how these brain regions may affect each other and how they together may control the precise timing of whisker movements and coordinate whisker perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens W. J. Bosman
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MCRotterdam, Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Cullen B. Owens
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MCRotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nouk Tanke
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MCRotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Negah Rahmati
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MCRotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Chiheng Ju
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MCRotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wei Gong
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MCRotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Chris I. De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MCRotterdam, Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdam, Netherlands
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26
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Reep RL, Gaspard JC, Sarko D, Rice FL, Mann DA, Bauer GB. Manatee vibrissae: evidence for a "lateral line" function. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2011; 1225:101-9. [PMID: 21534997 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.05992.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aquatic mammals use vibrissae to detect hydrodynamic stimuli over a range from 5 to 150 Hz, similar to the range detected by lateral line systems in fishes and amphibians. Manatees possess ∼5,300 vibrissae distributed over the body, innervated by ∼209,000 axons. This extensive innervation devoted to vibrissae follicles is reflected in enlarged, elaborate somatosensory regions of the gracile, cuneate, and Bischoff's brain-stem nuclei, ventrobasal thalamus, and presumptive somatosensory cortex. Our preliminary psychophysical testing indicates that in Florida and Antillean manatees the Weber fraction for detection thresholds for grating textures ranges from 0.025 to 0.14. At the lower end of this range, sensitivity is comparable to human index finger thresholds. For hydrodynamic stimuli of 5-150 Hz, detection threshold levels for manatees using facial or postfacial vibrissae were substantially lower than those reported for harbor seals and similar to reports of sensitivity for the lateral line systems of some fish. Our findings suggest that the facial and postfacial vibrissae are used to detect hydrodynamic stimuli, whereas only the facial vibrissae are used for direct contact investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L Reep
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
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27
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Sarko DK, Rice FL, Reep RL. Mammalian tactile hair: divergence from a limited distribution. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2011; 1225:90-100. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.05979.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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28
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Kim JN, Koh KS, Lee E, Park SC, Song WC. The morphology of the rat vibrissal follicle-sinus complex revealed by three-dimensional computer-aided reconstruction. Cells Tissues Organs 2010; 193:207-14. [PMID: 21311188 DOI: 10.1159/000319394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The vibrissal follicle-sinus complex (FSC) is a sensory receptor of the mammalian integumentary system that is located around the mouth. The purpose of the present study was to identify the actual 3-dimensional structure of the rat vibrissal FSC. Rat skin tissue was serially sectioned at a thickness of 10 μm and then stained with Masson's trichrome. The serial sections were reconstructed 3-dimensionally using Reconstruct software. The rat vibrissal follicle is a spindle-shaped structure that is embedded within a blood sinus and enveloped within a thick collagenous capsule. The vibrissal FSC is innervated by the deep vibrissal and superficial vibrissal nerves. The deep vibrissal nerve, travelling in the basal-to-apical direction, penetrates the thick collagenous capsule of the vibrissal FSC. The sinus system can be divided into a superior portion, known as the ring sinus, and an inferior portion, known as the cavernous sinus. The ring sinus contains a C-shaped structure, the ringwulst, which is suspended from the mesenchymal sheath of the follicle. Collagenous trabeculae can be seen in the cavernous sinus but not in the ring sinus. The ring sinus encircles the follicle obliquely and asymmetrically. The ringwulst encircles the follicle incompletely, in a C-shaped fashion. This study has demonstrated the previously underappreciated 3-dimensional structure of the vibrissal FSC, which differs from previously reported descriptions, and provides data that will enhance the understanding of vibrissal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Nam Kim
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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29
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Solomon J, Hartmann M. Artificial Whiskers Suitable for Array Implementation: Accounting for Lateral Slip and Surface Friction. IEEE T ROBOT 2008. [DOI: 10.1109/tro.2008.2002562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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