Distribution of conduction system fibers in the developing and adult rabbit heart revealed by an antineurofilament antibody

Using an immunological approach, we demonstrated previously that a neurofilament-like protein is expressed in rabbit heart conduction tissue myocytes, and we proposed that these specialized cardiac muscle cells are of neuroectodermal origin. In the present study, we used the expression of the neurofilament-like protein as a marker for identifying conduction tissue cells and studying their distribution in the developing heart. In 11-day-old rabbit embryos, myocytes expressing the neurofilament-like protein were localized at the atrioventricular and the sinoatrial junctions and had a ring-like distribution. At embryonic day 12, reactive myocytes were found also in the subendocardial layer of the dorsal ventricular wall, in continuity with labeled myocytes at the atrioventricular junction. Examination of older embryos and of neonatal and adult hearts revealed that the expression of the neurofilament-like protein was not restricted to myocytes of conduction tissue regions, but it was also detectable in myocytes of the sinoatrial ring bundle, in scattered myocytes localized in the left sinal horn wall, and in the right atrium in proximity to atrioventricular sulcus tissue. Thus, using an intracellular marker, we show that precursors of adult atrial conduction tissue are distributed at the sinoatrial and atrioventricular junctions; at variance, ventricular conduction tissue precursors do not have a ring-like distribution but are localized in the subendocardial layer, in continuity with the atrioventricular junctional myocytes.

The fascicular structure of the lingual nerve and the chorda tympani: an anatomic study

Damage of the lingual nerve is one of the most common problems in oral surgery, especially during removal of the third molar. After microsurgery of the lingual nerve, there is a lack of regeneration of the gustatory fibers in comparison with the sensory fibers. The histologic investigation of ten human lingual nerve preparations showed that the chorda tympani fibers distribute widely in the fascicles of the lingual nerve. Therefore, after microsurgical reconstruction of the lingual nerve in the third molar region, the chance of the gustatory fibers meeting and regenerating is very low.

Structure, afferent innervation, and transmitter content of ganglia of the guinea pig gallbladder: relationship to the enteric nervous system

Although a well-developed plexus of nerves and ganglia is known to be present in the wall of the gallbladder, little has previously been learned about the function or organization of this innervation. The current study was undertaken in order to evaluate the hypothesis that the ganglionated plexus of the gallbladder is analogous to elements of the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ganglionated plexus of the gallbladder was found to resemble closely the submucosal plexus of the small intestine in its organization into two irregular anastomosing and interwoven networks of ganglia, in the numbers of neurons per ganglion, and in the manifestation of histochemically demonstrable acetylcholinesterase activity in virtually all ganglion cells. In common with enteric ganglia, laminin immunoreactivity was observed to be excluded from the interiors of gallbladder ganglia, which were surrounded by a periganglionic laminin-immunoreactive sheath. As in the submucosal plexus, intrinsic substance P-, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-, and neuropeptide Y (NPY)-immunoreactive neurons were seen in the ganglionated plexus of the gallbladder. Extrinsic nerves in the gallbladder that degenerated following chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), and which contained NPY, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) immunoreactivities, formed a perivascular plexus closely associated with blood vessels. Endogenous catecholamines could also be demonstrated in these perivascular nerves by aldehyde-induced histofluorescence. In addition to perivascular nerves, paravascular nerve bundles were observed that were loosely associated with vessels, did not degenerate following administration of 6-OHDA, and contained NPY immunoreactivity. Other paravascular nerves, probably visceral sensory axons, coexpressed substance P and calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactivities. The ganglionated plexus of the gallbladder resembled enteric ganglia in having intrinsic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-immunoreactive cells and highly varicose nerve fibers. The 5-HT-immunoreactive gallbladder axons were, like those of the gut, resistant to 6-OHDA, and separate from fibers that expressed TH immunoreactivity. Differences between the ganglionated plexus of the gallbladder and enteric ganglia of the small intestine included in the gallbladder are 1) the presence of TH-immunoreactive cells that contain an endogenous catecholamine, but not DBH; 2) DBH-immunoreactive neurons, some of which coexpress substance P immunoreactivity, but which contain neither a catecholamine nor TH immunoreactivity; 3) an apparent absence of CGRP-immunoreactive cell bodies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mechanisms of differential axial blockade in epidural and subarachnoid anesthesia

The mechanisms of persistent differential blocks that accompany subarachnoid and epidural anesthesia are clarified here with the aid of two principles derived from in vitro study of individual myelinated axons: 1) conduction can leap two consecutive blocked nodes but not three, and 2) a fiber length with more than three consecutive nodes bathed by weak anesthetic may block by decremental conduction, the requisite concentration varying inversely with the number of nodes bathed by anesthetic. Principle 1 applies in epidural blockade, where anesthetic bathes only a few millimeters of segmental nerve extradurally in the intervertebral foramen. Here, three-node block will be rare in large, long-internode fibers but likely in small, short internode fibers, thus explaining the differential retention of motor power in the presence of block of pain, which is achieved in epidural anesthesia when relatively weak solutions are used, as in obstetrics. Principle 2 may intervene in subarachnoid blockade where, cephalad to the site of puncture, increasingly concentrated anesthetic bathes increasing lengths of fibers in the craniocaudal succession of spinal nerve roots. This will produce decremental conduction block in increasingly long internode fibers in successive roots, reflected in a corresponding craniocaudal segmental sequence of blocked physiological functions: vasoconstriction, cutaneous temperature discrimination, pinprick pain sensibility, and skeletal motor activity. The segmental spatial differential sequence migrates with time but resembles the temporal differential sequence of loss seen at the onset of peripheral nerve blocks. Several other previously disparate clinical observations follow logically from the new interpretation.

Retrograde tracing of nerve fibers to the rat middle cerebral artery with true blue: colocalization with different peptides

The origin of nerve fibers to the rat middle cerebral artery was studied by retrograde tracing with the fluorescent tracer True Blue (TB) in combination with immunocytochemistry to known perivascular peptides. Application of TB to the middle cerebral artery labeled nerve cell bodies in the ipsilateral superior cervical ganglion, the otic ganglion, the sphenopalatine ganglion, the trigeminal ganglion, and the cervical dorsal root ganglion at level C2. A few labeled nerve cell bodies were seen in contralateral ganglia. Judging from the number and intensity of the labeling, the superior cervical ganglion and the trigeminal ganglion and dorsal root ganglion at level C2 contributed most to the innervation. A moderate number of nerve cell bodies were labeled in the sphenopalatine and otic ganglia. The TB-labeled nerve cell bodies were further examined for the presence of neuropeptides. For that purpose antibodies raised against neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were used. A considerable portion of the TB-labeled nerve cell bodies in the superior cervical ganglion contained NPY. About half of the labeled nerve cell bodies in the sphenopalatine and otic ganglia contained VIP. In the trigeminal ganglion and in the dorsal root ganglion at level C2, one-third of the TB-labeled nerve cell bodies were CGRP-immunoreactive, while only few nerve cell bodies contained SP. The study provides direct evidence for the origin of cerebrovascular peptidergic nerve fibers and demonstrates that not only ipsilateral but also contralateral ganglia contribute to the innervation of the cerebral circulation.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone in the human hypothalamus. Free-floating immunostaining method

We have clearly demonstrated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) immunoreactive cell bodies and nerve fibers in the human hypothalamus by immunocytochemistry using free-floating sections instead of paraffin-embedded sections. Human hypothalami were obtained at autopsy, fixed and cryostat-sectioned at 40 microns. Free-floating sections were immunostained with antibody to CRH using the Vector ABC system. Most of CRH immunoreactive nerve fibers from the paraventricular nucleus pass under the fornix, while some CRH immunoreactive nerve fibers pass beyond the fornix and some through the fornix. Then the CRH immunoreactive nerve fibers run downward, medially to the supraoptic nucleus and toward the pituitary stalk. This method of immunocytochemistry is a very sensitive and suitable means for immunocytochemical studies of neuropeptides in the human brain.

Somatotopy of digital nerve projections to the cuneate nucleus in the monkey

Somatotopic arrangements of cells and fibers within the dorsal columns and the dorsal column nuclei have been mapped most precisely by electrophysiological recording methods. This study uses an anatomical approach to evaluate the precision of individual digital nerve projections to the cuneate nucleus (CN) in young macaque monkeys. Digital nerves supplying about one-half the palmar skin of a digit were surgically exposed, cut, and treated with wheatgerm agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA:HRP) on 3 successive days. After 2 additional days, animals were killed and medullas were recovered for study of serial sections reacted to display axons labeled by transganglionic transport of label. Labeled afferent fibers from each digit were found within a circumscribed columnar zone extending through the caudal CN and rostrally throughout the pars rotunda of CN. At caudal levels, diffuse projections reach the dorsal edge of the CN; more rostrally, they shift into deeper parts of the nucleus and are heaviest along its ventral and medial edges at levels near the obex. Fibers from the thumb (digit 1) project lateral (and ventral) to those from digit 2, and projections from digit 3 are medial to those from 2. Each digital projection field is closely adjacent to that from the adjacent digit. Few fibers extend to the rostral CN. Projection fields of homologous digits are quite symmetrical on the two sides. Although there do seem to be some differences in the somatotopic arrangement of digital input in macaques compared to other nonprimate mammals studied previously, these observations (precisely organized, circumscribed fields for separate digits) define a system well designed for transmission of data encoding spatial relationships.

Topographic organization of the corticonuclear fibers from the tuber vermis and paramedian lobule in the albino rat

The topographic organization of the corticonuclear fibers from the tuber vermis and paramedian lobule in the albino rat was investigated by autoradiographic anterograde tracing method. The medial portion of the tuber vermis projects to the dorsal part of the caudomedial subdivision of the medial cerebellar nucleus (MNcm), whereas the lateral portion of the tuber vermis projects to the dorsal part of the MNcm and the caudal part of the middle subdivision of the medial nucleus. The intermediate cortex of the paramedian lobule can be subdivided mediolaterally into three portions which project to the dorsolateral protuberance of the medial cerebellar nucleus, the rostrodorsal part of the posterior interpositus nucleus, and the caudodorsal part of the lateral anterior interpositus nucleus, respectively. The lateral cortex of the paramedian lobule can also be subdivided mediolaterally into two portions: the medial portion projects to the dorsolateral hump, and the lateral one to the lateral cerebellar nucleus. These results indicate that the cortical efferent fibers from the tuber vermis and paramedian lobule are clearly organized in the mediolateral direction in the albino rat.

Immunocytochemical localization of serotonergic fibers innervating the ocular circadian system of Aplysia

The isolated eye of the mollusc, Aplysia californica, contains a circadian pacemaker whose phase can be regulated by serotonin. The results of previous biochemical and physiological studies indicate that serotonin is used as a transmitter of circadian information in the eye. Although the effects of serotonin on various physiological processes in the Aplysia eye have been studied, very little is known about the anatomy of the serotonergic innervation. We have examined the innervation of the eye using immunocytochemical methods. Serotonin-immunoreactive processes were observed in the optic nerve, in the accessory optic nerves, in the connective tissue capsule surrounding the eye, and within the eye itself. There appeared to be two sources of serotonergic input to the eye of Aplysia. One set of immunoreactive fibers was contained in the optic nerve and entered the eye in the neuropil region before radiating outward towards the peripheral retina in the layer below the photoreceptor cell bodies. A second serotonin-immunoreactive input to the eye entered from the accessory optic nerves and these fibers formed a dense plexus of fibers in the connective tissue capsule surrounding the eye. Serotonin-immunoreactive fibers from the plexus penetrated the eye and appeared to terminate in the peripheral portion of the retina. No serotonin-immunoreactive cell bodies were observed in the eye, nerves, or connective tissue capsule. These results support the hypothesis that serotonergic fibers innervate the retina of Aplysia and that these fibers travel through two distinct anatomical pathways: the optic nerve and the accessory optic nerves.

Effects of limited postnatal ethanol exposure on the development of myelin and nerve fibers in rat optic nerve

This study was designed to morphologically evaluate the effects of limited postnatal alcohol exposure on the development of myelin and axons in the rat optic nerve. Rat pups were artificially reared on Days 5-18 with a supplemented milk diet fed via a chronic gastrostomy tube. Experimental animals received 4% ethanol in their diet on Days 5-9, otherwise the experimental and control animals received identical diets in identical volumes. Optic nerve tissues were prepared for electron microscopy on Days 10, 16, 22, 29, and 90. The cross-sectional areas of optic nerves were smaller, there were fewer myelinated nerve fibers per unit area, and the progress of myelination was slowed on Day 10 in the ethanol-exposed animals. All of these effects were compensated for at later times. The ratio of myelin thickness to axon diameter was similar in experimental and control animals, indicating that the interaction between axon size and myelin formation was not affected by alcohol. The general distribution of axon sizes was unaffected by ethanol except at 10 days when the largest fibers were smaller. There was no evidence of alcohol-induced degeneration of axons, myelin, or glial structures. Thus, alcohol exposure during myelin development causes a delay in myelin acquisition that is later compensated for.

The effect of age on normal human optic nerve fiber number and diameter

In one optic nerve from each of 19 persons, the authors determined the number of axons, the distribution of fiber diameter, and the total neural area. The mean fiber count was 693,316, the mean neural area was 5.17 mm2, and the mean axonal fiber diameter was 0.96 microns. No significant decline in fiber number or neural area with increasing age was found. The authors found a large variability of axonal number among their patients. This variability would have obscured any small effect of aging. Linear regression analysis of the effect of age on mean axonal diameter yielded a slight negative slope (P less than 0.01), suggesting a redistribution of fiber diameter. This could occur from axonal shrinkage, from preferential large fiber loss, or from the technical features of tissue acquisition and analysis. The authors suspect that the explanation is a selective loss of large nerve fibers.

Reptilian somatosensory midbrain: identification based on input from the spinal cord and dorsal column nucleus

A midbrain somatosensory area was identified in reptiles Caiman crocodilus, by orthograde degeneration techniques after midcervical spinal cord transections or after dorsal column lesions. Terminations of these somesthetic inputs were located in a caudal lateral part of the central nucleus of the torus semicircularis and contiguous dorsal mesencephalon. Dorsal column projections were contralateral while spinal connections were mainly ipsilateral. In order to confirm the results of the anterograde degeneration experiments independently, injections of horseradish peroxidase were placed in this midbrain somatosensory recipient area. Retrogradely labeled neurons were identified in the contralateral dorsal column nucleus. These findings indicated that the pattern of degeneration seen after dorsal column lesions originated from the dorsal column nucleus itself. The results of the present experiments when compared with similar studies in other amniotes emphasize the following two points. First, dorsal column and spinal cord projections to the midbrain are features common to reptiles, birds, and mammals. Second, since these pathways and midbrain somatosensory terminations are common to amniotes, dorsal column nucleus and spinal circuits to the midbrain and their mesencephalic projection areas are phylogenetically ancient.

Transformations of the retinal topography along the visual pathway of the chicken

It is still unclear how the retinotectal map of the chick is formed during development. In particular, it is not yet known whether or not the organization of fibres plays a role in the formation of this map. In order to contribute to the solution of this problem, we analysed the representation of the retinal topography at closely spaced intervals along the fibre pathway. We injected HRP into various sites of the tectal surface and traced the labelled fibre bundles back to the retina. The retinal topography was reconstructed at ten different levels, i.e. in the retina, the optic nerve head, the middle of the optic nerve, the chiasm (three levels), the optic tract (three levels), and the optic tectum. We obtained the following results: (1) The labelled fibre bundles as well as the fields of labelled retinal ganglion cells were always well delimited and coherent. (2) The reconstructions show that transformations of the retinal topography occur in the fibre pathway. The first and most important transformation is found in the optic nerve head where the retinal image is mirrored across an axis extending from dorsotemporal to ventronasal retina. In addition, the retinal representation is split in its temporal periphery. Thus, central and centrotemporal fibres are no longer in the centre of the image but close to the dorsal border of the nerve. Peripheral fibres are found along the medial, ventral and lateral circumference of the nerve. In the optic tract a second transformation occurs. The retinal topography is rotated clockwise by about 90 degrees and flattened to a band. The flattening is accompanied by a segregation of fibre bundles so that eventually central and centrotemporal retinal fibres are located centrally, ventral fibres dorsally and dorsal retinal fibres ventrally in the tract. By these two transformations an organization of fibres is produced in the optic tract which can be projected onto the tectal surface without major changes given that dorsal and ventral fibres remain in their relative positions, and that deep lying fibres project to the rostral and central tectum, superficial fibres to the caudal tectum. The transformations which we have observed follow specific rules and thus maintain order in the pathway although retinotopy is lost. In conjunction with our earlier studies on the development of the retinotectal system we conclude that fibres are laid down in a chronotopic order. The transformations take place under particular structural constraints.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Zinc-containing fiber systems in the cochlear nuclei of the rat and mouse

Zinc-containing neurons are cells which sequester zinc in the vesicles of their axonal boutons; such zinc-containing fiber systems have been previously shown to innervate many limbic and cerebrocortical brain regions. The present study of rats and mice shows that zinc-containing axons also innervate the cochlear nuclei, forming two morphologically-distinct projection systems. One zinc-containing pathway innervates the molecular stratum of the dorsal nucleus, supplying a diffuse, even band of neuropil staining throughout the stratum. The other pathway projects sparsely to the various small cell (granule cell) regions of the nuclei where the zinc-positive elements form scattered clusters and threads of bouton-like puncta amidst the granule neuron somata. Preliminary observations indicate that the pattern is the same in the cat as in the rat and mouse.

Origins and pathways of cerebrovascular vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-positive nerves in rat

In order to clarify the origins and pathways of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-containing nerve fibers in cerebral blood vessels of rat, denervation experiments and retrograde axonal tracing methods (true blue) were used. Numerous VIP-positive nerve cells were recognized in the sphenopalatine ganglion and in a mini-ganglion (internal carotid mini-ganglion) located on the internal carotid artery in the carotid canal, where the parasympathetic greater superficial petrosal nerve is joined by the sympathetic fibers from the internal carotid nerve, to form the Vidian nerve. VIP fiber bridges in the greater deep petrosal nerve and the internal carotid nerve reached the wall of the internal carotid artery. Two weeks after bilateral removal of the sphenopalatine ganglion or sectioning of the structures in the ethmoidal foramen, VIP fibers in the anterior part of the circle of Willis completely disappeared. Very few remained in the middle cerebral artery, the posterior cerebral artery, and rostral two-thirds of the basilar artery, whereas they remained in the caudal one-third of the basilar artery, the vertebral artery, and intracranial and carotid canal segments of the internal carotid artery. One week after application of true blue to the middle cerebral artery, dye accumulated in the ganglion cells in the sphenopalatine, otic and internal carotid mini-ganglion; some of the cells were positive for VIP. The results show that the VIP nerves in rat cerebral blood vessels originate: (a) in the sphenopalatine, and otic ganglion to innervate the circle of Willis and its branches from anterior and caudally and (b) from the internal carotid mini-ganglion to innervate the internal carotid artery at the level of the carotid canal and to some extent its intracranial extensions.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of vasopressin nerve fibers in the cerebral artery

Vasopressin-immunoreactive nerve fibers were demonstrated in the cerebral pial arteries by peroxidase immunohistochemistry. In the large pial artery (proximal part of the middle cerebral artery), they ran longitudinally to the long axis of the vessel. They ran in a spiral pattern in the distal part of the middle cerebral artery. Even in small arteries, vasopressin nerve fibers were found arranged in a longitudinal fashion. The present morphological data suggest that vasopressin nerve fibers in the cerebral artery may play a role in cerebral circulation.

Morphometric and electrophysiological evidence for a diameter-based rate of degeneration in the optic nerve of the rat

The diameter-based rate of degeneration in the rat's optic nerve was examined using coordinated morphological and electrophysiological techniques. Long-Evans, male rats were implanted with indwelling stimulating electrodes in the optic chiasm and recording electrodes in the stratum opticum of the superior colliculus. After 1 week, unilateral enucleation was performed with the unoperated side serving as the control. Electrically evoked recordings, obtained on the day of enucleation (D0), displayed three distinct peaks, Pre, N1 and P3, with peak latencies of 1.22, 2.22, and 4.04 ms, respectively. In a parallel set of rats, morphological analysis of the optic nerve over D1-7 was performed. Electron micrographs were taken of cross sections of the entire optic nerve from both the enucleated and unoperated (i.e., control) side. Computer-linked morphometric analysis of the ultrastructurally normal axons from each nerve was assembled in three-dimensional, diameter-based histograms at each time point. The control population consisted of axons with diameters ranging from less than 0.5-5.0 microns with a modal peak of 1.5 micron and a well developed tail in the 3.5-5.0 microns range. By D1,2, a selective loss of large diameter (greater than 3.5 microns) axons occurred in the optic nerve, with medium diameter (2.0-3.5 microns) axons degenerating at D4 and smaller diameter populations (less than 2.0 microns) persisting until later time points (D5-7). A linear regression analysis showed an exponential rate of degeneration which was a direct function of axonal diameter. In summary, this study demonstrates that the fiber population of the optic nerve is separable electrophysiologically and by its rate of degeneration, with larger diameter fibers degenerating faster in response to transection.

The distribution of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons and fibers in the Formosan rock-monkey

The anatomical distribution of neurons and fibers containing Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone-Immunoreactivity (LHRH-IR) in the brain of the Formosan Rock-Monkey was investigated employing immunohistochemical techniques. LHRH-IR neurons were observed in an area demarcated rostrally by the diagonal band of Broca and caudally by the mammillary area. The majority of these neurons were principally localized in the preoptic area, periventricular zone, and the arcuate nucleus. The supraoptic nucleus, septal area, triangular septal nucleus, nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca, suprachiasmatic nucleus, retrochiasmatic area, mammillary area, and the amygdala also exhibited neuronal LHRH immunoreactivity. LHRH-IR fibers appeared to originate in all of the above areas of the hypothalamus, project caudally, and subsequently terminate in the median eminence (ME). In addition to the above, LHRH-IR fibers were also detected in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT). A scattering of LHRH-IR fibers were also observed in several extrahypothalamic regions, notably the subfornical organ, indusium griseum, habenular complex, septohypothalamic nucleus, and amygdala.

[Cortico-cortical connections in the parietal area of the cerebral cortex]

Layer-by-layer arrangement of the commissural and associative fibers has been studied in the cat parietal cortex. The commissural fibers are distributed in all the layers of the parietal cortex in the contralateral hemisphere, except the superficial part of the I layer. These fibers mainly terminate in the III, IV layers of the contralateral parietal cortex, though their termination in other layers is not excluded. The associative fibers of the parietal cortex are distributed in all the layers of the sensomotor area, except the superficial part of the I layer. They mainly terminate in the III, IV, V layers of the primary somatosensory and in the III, V layers of the motor cortex.

Projections from the dorsal column nuclei and the spinal cord to the red nucleus in cat

The projections of the red nucleus (RN) from the dorsal column nuclei (DCN) and the spinal cord have been investigated in cats with the degeneration method. After electrolytic DCN lesions and unilateral cordotomies including the lateral and ventral funiculi, the degeneration was studied in Fink-Heimer stained sections. Contralateral to a DCN lesion terminal degeneration was found along the whole rostrocaudal extent of the red nucleus. In most portions the degeneration was scattered, but dense zones were present, too. Terminal fibers were present in both magnocellular and parvocellular parts. After a gracile lesion the degenerating fibers were restricted to the ventral part of the RN, while the terminal patterns did not differ significantly after cuneate and large DCN lesions. The spinal fibers were found ipsilateral to the cordotomy. Like the DCN fibers, the spinal fibers were present along the whole rostrocaudal extent of the RN and in both magno- and parvocellular zones. Their distribution in the transverse plane was similar, as well. However, the present material was not sufficient to show subtle differences between the DCN and spinal projections, nor to show a possible somatotopical organization of the spinal projection.

Morphology and electrophysiology of the mammalian atrioventricular node

The AV node of those mammalian species in which it has been thoroughly investigated (rabbit, ferret, and humans) consists of various cell types: transitional cells, midnodal (or typical nodal cells), lower nodal cells, and cells of the AV bundle. There are at least two inputs to the AV node, a posterior one via the crista terminalis and an anterior one via the interatrial septum, where atrial fibers gradually merge with transitional cells. The role of a possible third input from the left atrium has not been investigated. Since the transition from atrial fibers to nodal fibers is gradual, it is very difficult to define the "beginning" of the AV node, and gross measurements of AV nodal length may be misleading. Histologically, the "end" of the AV node is equally difficult to define. At the site where macroscopically the AV node ends, at the point where the AV bundle penetrates into the membranous septum, typical nodal cells intermingle with His bundle cells. A conspicuous feature, found in all species studied, is the paucity of junctional complexes, most marked in the midnodal area. The functional counterpart of this is an increased coupling resistance between nodal cells. An electrophysiological classification of the AV nodal area, based on transmembrane action potential characteristics during various imposed atrial rhythms (rapid pacing, trains of premature impulses), into AN (including ANCO and ANL), N, and NH zones has been described by various authors for the rabbit heart. In those studies in which activation patterns, transmembrane potential characteristics, and histology have been compared, a good correlation has been found between AN and transitional cells, N cells and the area where transitional cells and cells of the beginning of the AV bundle merge with midnodal cells, and NH cells and cells of the AV bundle. Dead-end pathways correspond to the posterior extension of the bundle of lower nodal cells and to anterior overlay fibers. During propagation of a normal sinus beat, activation of the AN zone accounts for at least 25% of conduction time from atrium to His bundle, the small N zone being the main source of AV nodal delay. Cycle length-dependent conduction delay is localized in the N zone. Conduction block of premature atrial impulses can occur both in the N zone and in the AN zone, depending on the degree of prematurity. Several factors determining AV nodal conduction delay have been identified.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Immunocytochemical localization of pro-opiomelanocortin neurons in human brain areas subserving stimulation analgesia

The distribution of pro-opiomelanocortin (beta-endorphin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and 16-K) neurons and fiber projections was evaluated immunocytochemically in 50-mu thick cryostat sections of human diencephalon and midbrain. Specific attention was focused upon regions in which deep brain stimulation has been most effective in the relief of selected chronic pain syndromes. This study revealed a remarkable, nearly point-to-point correlation between clinically effective stimulation sites and the distribution of pro-opiomelanocortin fibers in the human brain. Of particular interest was the dense innervation of the periventricular stratum along the third ventricle, the parafascicular centromedian region of the thalamus, and the periaqueductal gray matter of the midbrain. This study provides anatomical support for the hypothesis that beta-endorphin-containing neuronal systems may contribute to stimulation analgesia in the human.

The dentatorubral projection in the rat: an autoradiographic study

The dentatorubral projection has been mapped in rats using autoradiography. Any part of lateral cerebellar nucleus (NL) projects throughout the contralateral parvocellular red nucleus (NRp) rostrocaudally; the projection is topographically organized: (1) a caudorostral shift in the NL corresponds to a dorsoventral displacement through the NRp; matching of this arrangement with the origin of rubrospinal projections is discussed; (2) only ventral parts of the NL, including the parvocellar subnucleus, project to the lateral edge of the NRp.

On internodal length

A study has been made of changes in internodal lengths in rat tibial nerves and human sural nerves with age. Myelinated fibre counts on these nerves showed that maximum numbers were reached at an early stage of development. The slope of regression lines relating internodal length to fibre diameter was relatively flat at this stage, but became steeper with increasing age. Maximum internodal length in rat tibial nerve was closely related to growth of the limb bones. Whilst this study confirms that the largest fibres are subjected to hind limb growth for the greatest period, and therefore have the longest internodes, it does not support the generally accepted view that short internodes are the consequence of the later myelination of small fibres, and hence shorter period of extension due to growth.

An efficient sampling scheme for estimating fibre number from nerve cross sections: the fractionator

Biopsies were made on six rat tibial nerves and 'absolute' numbers of myelinated fibres determined by counting all fibres in all nerve trunks. Subsequently, two unbiased sampling schemes-systematic random quadrat (SRQ) and 'fractionator' sampling-were used to select fibres from the same nerves and to obtain estimates of their numbers. Both schemes captured roughly 200 out of the total of 3000 myelinated fibres found in these nerve trunks, all of which were sampled exhaustively, without replacement. Estimates of fibre number were derived by an established approach, the 'ratio technique' (using SRQ samples), and by a new principle, the fractionator (using fractionator samples). Counting all fibres in every nerve trunk took almost 6 hours. Both the ratio technique and the fractionator approaches provided efficient and unbiased estimates of fibre numbers. Six nerve trunks were analysed by SRQ sampling in 77 minutes, compared with 65 minutes by the fractionator. Apparent differences between the two approaches were of minor interest when set against the benefits of sampling per se. These findings are likely to be of practical concern to those wishing to examine nerves with great numbers of fibres and/or to examine large numbers of nerves.

The demonstration of the cutaneous distribution of saphenous nerve C-fibres using a plasma extravasation technique in the normal rat and following nerve injury

The distribution and density of innervation by saphenous nerve C-fibres has been demonstrated, in the intact rat and following nerve injury, using a dye-labelled plasma extravasation technique. In the intact rat the area demarcated by the dye corresponded to the area supplied by the whole nerve as determined by dissection and electrophysiologically. This technique is, therefore, valid for the mapping of the cutaneous distribution of nerves in the normal rat. Under other conditions, e.g. following nerve injury, it cannot be assumed that the distribution of C-fibres capable of evoking the dye response corresponds with that of other types of fibre. After either crush or section injury there was evidence, using the dye technique, of regeneration of saphenous C-fibres. Within 20 weeks of crush injury the extent of the area innervated by these fibres was similar to that in the intact animal, although the density of the reinnervation did not reach normal levels until some time later. There was then a reduction in the extent and particularly in the density of the C-fibre innervation. The possible significance of these observations is discussed. Regeneration after nerve section followed a longer time course and even one year after the injury neither the extent nor density of the reinnervation had reached normal levels.

Projections from the red nucleus and surrounding areas to the brainstem and spinal cord in the cat. An HRP and autoradiographical tracing study

HRP injections at the C2, T1 and S1 spinal levels and in the medullary lateral tegmental field revealed that the contralaterally projecting rubro-bulbospinal neurons are located not only in the caudal but also to a certain extent in the rostral red nucleus (RN). These RN projections are somatotopically organized. Neurons projecting to the sacral cord are located in the ventrolateral RN, those projecting to the upper part of the spinal cord lie in the dorsomedial RN and those projecting to the medullary lateral tegmentum were found in the dorsal portions of the RN. These last neurons are smaller than many of the other RN neurons. The HRP results also revealed that the RN does not project to the caudal raphe nuclei. The autoradiographical results confirmed the HRP findings. They further indicated that the contralateral RN projections to the caudal brainstem precerebellar nuclei (nucleus corporis pontobulbaris, lateral reticular nucleus, lateral cuneate nucleus) and the dorsal column nuclei are also somatotopically organized. This was also true for the RN projections to the dorsomedial and intermediate facial subnuclei and the caudal pontine and medullary lateral tegmental field. These areas receive afferents from mainly the dorsal portions of the RN. Regarding the RN projections to the spinal cord, the autoradiographical tracing results revealed somatotopically organized contralateral RN projections to laminae V, VI and VII. Moreover, a small but distinct RN projection to a dorsolaterally located group of motoneurons at the C8-T1 level was demonstrated. Ipsilaterally a minor projection to the cervical and upper thoracic lateral intermediate zone was observed. Finally, strong ipsilateral projections from the rostral mesencephalon to the inferior olive were seen. These projections were derived from various rostral mesencephalic areas, including the nucleus of Darkschewitsch, the nucleus accessorius medialis of Bechterew, the interstitial nucleus of Cajal and the area of the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus. In the cat it was difficult to define which of the mesencephalic areas projecting to the inferior olive represented the parvocellular RN. A new subdivision of the RN is proposed based on its projections and not on the size of its cells. In this concept the first group is formed by the RN neurons projecting contralaterally to the caudal brainstem and spinal cord. The second group consists of RN neurons projecting to the inferior olive.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Topography and organization of cranial nerve nuclei in the sand lizard, Lacerta agilis

Cobaltic-lysine complex compound was used to label cranial nerves of the ventrolateral (branchiomotor) and dorsomedial (somatomotor) nuclear columns in the sand lizard, Lacerta agilis. The dendritic arborizations and axonal trajectories of neurons of the respective nuclei were reconstructed from serial sections. A fairly uniform neuronal morphology was found in the nuclei of the ventrolateral column: a spindle-shaped perikaryon gave rise to dorsomedial and ventrolateral dendritic trees, the latter arborizing in a characteristic broomlike manner within a narrow region in the lateral white matter. Axons of all neurons converged upon the medial longitudinal fasciculus and after making a hairpin turn formed the corresponding motor roots. A group of small neurons constituted a separate subnucleus within the V motor nucleus. The VII and IX nuclei were fused into a single nuclear complex. The nucleus ambiguus was found dorsal to the XII nucleus and lateral to the dorsal vagal nucleus. The latter nucleus extended rostrally to the caudal pole of the VI nucleus, and its neurons sent axons to the VII, IX, and X nerves. The term "dorsal visceromotor column" designates the extended dorsal vagal nucleus. A number of small polygonal neurons lying scattered in the lateral part of the medulla were labeled via the VII, IX, and X nerves. This loose aggregate of labeled neurons was termed the "lateral visceromotor area." On the basis of nuclear topography and cellular morphology, the existence of a bulbar XI nucleus was excluded. Three different types of neurons could be distinguished in the dorsomedial nuclear column. Neurons with oval or spherical perikarya and radially oriented dendrites constituted the nuclei innervating external eye muscles. Except for the IV nucleus, axons followed a ventral trajectory. The accessory VI nucleus was composed of a second type of neuron with elongated soma and dorsoventral dendrite orientation; the dorsally directed axon turned ventrally at the VI nucleus. The XII nucleus contains a third type of neuron with strongly decussating dendrites. The distinct differences in the neuronal morphology did not support the classical assumption that all of the nuclei of the dorsomedial motor column supply muscles derived from somitic mesoderm. Sensory fibers of the trigeminal nerve formed the familiar spinal tract, which partially decussated in the medullospinal transition zone and could be followed as far as the lumbar segments on the ipsilateral side of the spinal cord. Neurons of the mesencephalic root of the trigeminal nerve were localized in the optic tectum; their descending fibers joined the medial aspect of the spinal tract.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The distribution of terminal sympathetic nerve fibers in bundle branches and false tendons of the bovine heart. An immunohistochemical and catecholamine histofluorescence study

The sympathetic innervation in false tendons as a whole and the distribution of the terminal sympathetic nerve fibers in the conduction tissue in the bundle branches is unclear. Therefore, in the present study, false tendons and bundle branch regions of the bovine heart were examined using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry and the glyoxylic acid induced catecholamine (CA) fluorescence method for demonstration of sympathetic nerve fibers. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry was also applied. Some of the nerve fascicles in the false tendons were found to contain large numbers of sympathetic nerve fibers and such nerve fibers formed plexuses in the walls of arteries and arterioles in these structures. In both false tendons and bundle branches sympathetic nerve fibers 1) were non-homogeneously distributed in the conduction tissue, most regularly occurring in the channels of extracellular space that are present within the bundles of Purkinje fibres, and 2) showed the same pattern of distribution in relation to Purkinje fibre bundle surfaces as the AChE-positive nerve branches. The observations show that there is a substantial sympathetic innervation in false tendons. The final distribution of the nerve fibers in these structures and in the bundle branches are discussed in relation to what is known of tissue morphology and the occurrence of sympathetic nerve influences in these regions. In the present study, previous CA-fluorescence observations of a "marked" sympathetic innervation in bundle branch regions, in terms of the presence of sympathetic nerve fibers in nerve fascicles and vessel walls, were also corroborated by the application of TH-immunohistochemistry.

Correlations of the neuroretinal rim area with ocular and general parameters in normal eyes

The neuroretinal rim as equivalent of the retinal nerve fibers is the target in the evaluation of glaucomatous optic nerve heads. Its area was measured in absolute size units using photographs of 234 normal optic disks and correcting the photographic magnification according to Littmann's method. High myopic eyes (less than -8.00 dptr) were excluded. The mean rim area was 2.09 +/- 0.60 (0.80-3.80 mm2). It was significantly correlated (p less than 0.00001) to the optic disk area. In optic disks without cupping, the neuroretinal rim area was identical with the disk area (r = 1.0, slope of the regression line = 1.0). In disks having cups with temporal flat slopes, the rim area increased by a factor of 0.71 with the disk size, in disks with circular steep cups, by a factor of 0.26. This interindividual variability and the correlations between rim and disk area might be clinically important for morphometry of glaucomatous optic nerve heads. There were no significant correlations between rim area and age, sex, refraction or axial length.

Topographic organization of the corticonuclear and corticovestibular projections from the pyramis and copula pyramidis in the albino rat. An autoradiographic orthograde tracing study

The topographic organization of the corticonuclear and corticovestibular fibers from the pyramis and copula pyramidis in the albino rat was investigated by the autoradiographic orthograde tracing technique. Cortical efferent fibers from the medial part of the pyramis project to the caudoventral part of the caudomedial and middle subdivisions of the medial cerebellar nucleus, whereas those arising from the lateral part of the pyramis project to the caudomedial part of the posterior interpositus nucleus and also to the dorsal part of the lateral vestibular nucleus via the juxtarestiform body. Fibers from the medial part of the copula pyramidis project to the medial part of the anterior interpositus nucleus. On the other hand, fibers from the medial portion of the lateral part of the copula pyramidis project to the posterior interpositus nucleus, while those from the lateral portion, including the lateral limit of the copula pyramidis, project to the rostroventral part of the lateral cerebellar nucleus. These results indicate that the cortical efferent projections from the pyramis and the copula pyramidis are clearly oriented mediolaterally in the albino rat.

Occurrence of substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers in Krause corpuscles of the dog's tongue

Substance P-like immunoreactive (SPLI) nerve fibers were demonstrated in the Krause corpuscles of the dog's tongue using the indirect immunofluorescence method and cholinesterase histochemistry. SPLI nerve fibers were often in contact with Krause end bulbs and occasionally entered them. From this result it was suggested that substance P might be involved in sensory mechanism of the Krause apparatus.

The nervus terminalis in amphibians: anatomy, chemistry and relationship with the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone system

The nervus terminalis (TN), a component of the olfactory system, is found in most vertebrates. The TN of some fishes and mammals contains neurons immunoreactive (ir) to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (LHRH), and to several other neuropeptides and neurotransmitter systems, but there is little information on TN chemistry in other vertebrate taxa. Using immunocytochemical techniques, we found LHRH-ir neurons in amphibian TNs. In anurans, but not in a urodele, the TN was also found to contain Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (FMRFamide) immunoreactivity. LHRH-ir neurons of the TN and those of the septal-hypothalamic system are morphologically homogeneous and form a distinct anatomical continuum in amphibians. Based upon topographical and cytological criteria, we hypothesize that LHRH-ir systems in vertebrates might derive embryonically from the TN.

Morphology of chorda tympani fiber receptive fields and proposed neural rearrangements during development

The average number of fungiform papillae in receptive fields of single chorda tympani nerve fibers decreases during development in sheep, and a greater proportion of small receptive fields that are highly responsive to NaCl, compared with NH4Cl, is acquired. To learn whether there also are developmental differences in the number of taste buds within the papillae in mapped receptive fields, we studied the morphology of receptive fields and fungiform papillae, and also counted fibers in the chorda tympani nerve, in fetal, perinatal, and postnatal sheep. Whether defined as the number of fungiform papillae or as the number of taste buds within papillae, receptive fields of chorda fibers decrease developmentally. Initially, however, there is an increase, and subsequently a decrease, in the number of taste buds per field. The differences in field size cannot be attributed to developmental alterations in numbers of fungiform papillae because the total number of papillae on the tongue remains constant. The average number of taste buds per papilla, however, also increases and then decreases, and the increase in perinatal animals is accompanied by the appearance of large, multipored taste buds. Because there is a significant relation between fungiform papilla size and number of taste buds in the papilla, papilla size could be one regulating factor for taste bud number. Furthermore, the number of chorda tympani nerve fibers apparently increases up to perinatal stages and then decreases postnatally, providing another potential regulating factor for the number of taste buds.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Central projections of the nervus terminalis in lampreys, lungfishes, and bichirs

Central projections of the nervus terminalis were investigated in a cyclostome (Lampetra planeri), in a sarcopterygian (Protopterus dolloi), and in an actinopterygian fish (Polypterus palmas), following the injection of horseradish peroxidase into the olfactory epithelium. Despite differences in forebrain morphology (inversion versus eversion of the hemispheres), projections of the terminal nerve are similar in the species investigated. The nervus terminalis courses through the subpallium (septum) and mainly innervates periventricular nuclei in the telencephalon and diencephalon. In lampreys, the majority of labeled fibers terminate in the hypothalamus, while in bony fishes the main projection is to periventricular nuclei of the anterior commissure. The course of the nervus terminalis through the dorsomedial telencephalon in lungfishes supports the interpretation that this part of the brain constitutes the septum, and not a pallial structure. Nervus terminalis projections are compared with those in teleosts and in amphibians. The presumed lack of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the nervus terminalis of lampreys is discussed.

Distribution in the macaque pineal of nerve fibers containing immunoreactive substance P, vasopressin, oxytocin, and neurophysins

The distribution of nerve fibers containing immunoreactive substance P (SP), estrogen-stimulated neurophysin (ESN), nicotine-stimulated neurophysin (NSN), oxytocin (OT), and vasopressin (VP) was examined in the epithalamic area of adult male and female macaques. Perfused or immersion-fixed epithalamic tissues, sectioned, and mounted on glass slides were processed through the avidin-biotin immunofluorescence method. Fibers containing immunoreactive SP were observed in the pineal organ along the periphery, in the perivascular space, and dispersed between the pinealocytes. Fibers were often observed in the pineal stalk region, and the habenular nuclei had high concentration of immunoreactive SP. Immunoreactive ESN fibers were observed in the stria medullaris, in the lateral habenula, in the pineal stalk, and in the pineal organ. Within the pineal, fibers containing ESN were present in the perivascular space, often concentrated in the walls of blood vessels, but also dispersed between pineal cells. Fibers containing OT, NSN, and VP were also present in the macaque pineal, but in lower quantities compared with fibers containing ESN. These studies show that the pineal of subhuman primates contain nerve fibers (ESN, NSN, VP, OT) of possibly hypothalamic origin. It also has a rich supply of SP fibers, which might be of habenula origin, peripheral parasympathetic ganglia origin, or both. The functional significance of these peptidergic nerve fibers remains to be determined. However, there are indications that they might be involved in regulation of blood flow and release of secretory products from the pinealocytes.

Distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactive nerve fibers in the mudpuppy cardiac septum

An immunohistochemical study was undertaken to determine the distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the cardiac septum of the mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus. Numerous long, CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers course across the septum, run in the nerve trunks connecting clusters of postganglionic parasympathetic cells, form complexes over groups of ganglion cells and make pericellular networks around individual ganglion cells. The postganglionic parasympathetic neurons and small intensely fluorescent (SIF)-like cells did not exhibit CGRP immunoreactivity. Most of the CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers also are labeled for substance P. In freshly dissected preparations, the staining pattern for CGRP was not similar to that obtained using an antiserum against synaptic vesicle membrane, which appears to preferentially label cholinergic preganglionic terminals on all postganglionic parasympathetic cells in the mudpuppy preparation. Further, in explanted ganglia (maintained 10 days in culture) almost no reactivity was obtained with the antivesicle antiserum whereas numerous nerve fibers still exhibited CGRP-immunoreactivity. These observations demonstrate that the CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers are not parasympathetic preganglionic axons. Rather we suggest that the CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers are processes of primary sensory fibers.

A Golgi study on the inferior olivary nucleus in the red sting ray, Dasyatis akajei

The intranuclear organization of the inferior olivary nucleus (ION) was studied in the red sting ray, using the rapid Golgi method. The ION neurons had polygonal, triangular or spindle cell bodies which generated 3-5 primary dendrites. These dendrites were relatively straight, sparsely spinous, and distributed mainly within the ION. The axons of the ION neurons extended medially and joined fiber bundles which ran transversely in the ION. Three groups of olivary afferents were distinguished: fibers derived from the tegmental area travelled ventrally and ended totally in the ION, composing a dense fiber plexus; collaterals of fibers which extended in a longitudinal direction in and around the ION distributed mainly in the lateral portion of the ION; and collaterals of fibers which ran transversely in the ION also ended in the ION. Some fibers from these 3 afferent groups converged to form pericellular baskets. Thus, the fundamental organization of the ION in the red sting ray was similar to that of the ION in mammals.

A Golgi study on the olfactory bulb in the lamprey, Lampetra japonica

The intrinsic organization of the olfactory bulb in the lamprey was studied using the rapid Golgi method. Although not as discrete as in many vertebrates, a laminar organization was recognized. From the periphery inward, the following layers were discernible: the layer of the olfactory fibers, the olfactory glomeruli with the mitral cells, the granule cells, and the ependymal cells. Just beneath the surface of the olfactory bulb, the olfactory fibers extended over the entire bulb forming a dense fiber plexus terminating in the olfactory glomeruli which were arranged in one to two layers internally to the layer of the olfactory fibers. The mitral cells formed no discrete layer and were located mainly around the olfactory glomeruli. The mitral cells in the lamprey were lacking in secondary dendrites, but had two or more primary dendrites which terminated in the olfactory glomeruli. The axons of the mitral cells proceeded inwardly and accumulated diffusely in the granule cell layer which occupied a wide area internally to the layer of the olfactory glomeruli with the mitral cells. The granule cell layer was composed of densely packed small spindle or fusiform axonless cells, the processes of which extended superficially to be distributed in the olfactory glomeruli. At the deepest region of the bulb was a layer of the ependymal cells lining the surface of the olfactory ventricle. The external and internal plexiform layers were not evident. Thus, while the major constituents of the olfactory bulb of the vertebrate could be identified in that of the lamprey, the general laminar organization seemed indiscrete.

The innervation density of serotonergic (5-HT) fibers varies in different subdivisions of the cat lateral geniculate nucleus complex

The innervation density of serotonin (5-HT)-immunoreactive fibers, identified using an antibody to 5-HT, was found to differ in the 4 subdivisions of the cat lateral geniculate nucleus complex (LGN). The mean density (fiber length per unit area) of anti-5-HT-stained fibers was highest in the ventral LGN (0.062 micron per micron 2), moderate in the medial interlaminar nucleus (MIN) and the parvicellular C laminae of the dorsal LGN (0.039-0.040 per micron 2), and lowest in the A and magnocellular C laminae of the dorsal LGN (0.020 per micron 2). The fiber density in MIN was particularly dense along the medial edge of the nucleus, a region called the geniculate wing. The heaviest serotonin innervation is thus found in geniculate structures receiving input from W-type retinal ganglion cells and lightest in structures receiving X and Y input.

Radial-maze performance and structural variation of the hippocampus in mice: a correlation with mossy fibre distribution

Twenty-four male mice, belonging to 8 different inbred strains, were tested in an 8-arm radial maze. Clear strain differences were found for performance on the third day of training, which correlated very strongly with the size of the hippocampal intra- and infrapy ramidal mossy fibre (iip-MF) terminal fields. These results, combined with those from earlier experiments, indicate that genetic variations of the iip-MF projection influence processes that determine behavioural abilities of mice.

Hippocampal mossy fiber distribution covaries with open-field habituation in the mouse

We studied the sizes of the hippocampal intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fiber (iip-MF) terminal fields and habituation to a new environment (open-field) in 25 genetically different groups of mice. Based on previous findings and theoretical considerations, a positive relationship between the size of the iip-MF terminal fields and the extent of behavioral change between two subsequent exposures to the open-field was expected. In fact, such a relationship was revealed by a factor analysis. Our results indicate that mice possessing large iip-MF terminal fields are more efficient in the processing of spatial information.

Latency of gustatory neural impulses initiated in frog tongue

Latencies of gustatory neural impulses evoked by stimulation of the bullfrog tongue with the 4 basic taste substances (NaCl, acetic acid, quinine-HCl(Q-HCl), sucrose), CaCl2 and water were studied by recording antidromic impulses conducted to the fungiform papillae. Mean latencies of the impulses ranged from 58 to 107 ms when very strong stimuli, such as 2 M NaCl, 0.1 M acetic acid, 0.1 M Q-HCl, 2 M sucrose and 1 M CaCl2, were applied. Mean latency in response to water was 2.41 s. The time required for arrival of an applied taste stimulus on the taste receptor membrane was a mean of 20.1 ms. The time required for antidromic conduction from the impulse initiation site to the recording site was a mean of 2.4 ms. Electrical stimulation of the fungiform papilla with a strong intensity produced the impulse with a long and fluctuating latency. The mean minimum latency of the fluctuating impulse, from which the conduction time was subtracted, was 5.3 ms. Mechanical destruction of the taste disk situated at the top of the fungiform papilla resulted in a disappearance of the fluctuating impulse, suggesting that this was initiated synaptically via a depolarization of taste cells by electrical current. The minimum 5.3-ms latency was likely to be the time required from the onset of taste cell depolarization to the initiation of an impulse at the first node of Ranvier of myelinated gustatory fiber. These results indicate that the latencies of 58-107 ms by strong taste stimulation were composed of the 30- to 79-ms latency of taste cell receptor potential and the remaining 28 ms latency, which was the sum of the time of stimulant diffusion, the time from taste cell depolarization to the first impulse and the time of impulse conduction.

Histochemical and immunohistochemical study of noradrenergic, serotonergic and peptidergic innervation of the cerebral circulation

Using fluorescence histochemistry, we have examined the origin of noradrenaline (NA)-, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)- and neuropeptide Y (NPY)-containing perivascular nerve fibres supplying the major cerebral arteries of the gerbil, and the effect of superior cervical ganglionectomy on their cerebrovascular density and distribution. Bilateral ganglionectomy resulted in a complete loss of these perivascular nerve types in the anterior circulation, while a few fibres still persisted in the posterior circulatory bed. In addition, we demonstrate the presence of both 5-HT- and NPY-positive cell bodies in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) of adult gerbils, suggesting that the main origin of cerebrovascular 5-HT- and NPY- (as well as NA-) containing nerve fibres is in the SCG.

Primary afferent and propriospinal fibers in the rat dorsal and dorsolateral funiculi

The purpose of this study is to determine the numbers of primary afferent and propriospinal fibers in the dorsal and dorsolateral funiculi of the rat. The reason for concentrating on these areas is that they contain large numbers of unmyelinated axons. Our data are axonal numbers from the S2 segment of spinal cord in animals that had unilateral dorsal rhizotomies or spinal cord isolations. The major conclusions are 1) that 23% of the primary afferent fibers in the dorsal funiculus are unmyelinated; 2) that there are approximately 12,500 unmyelinated primary afferent fibers in the dorsolateral funiculus, which is more than the number of primary afferent fibers in the dorsal funiculus and tract of Lissauer combined, and 3) that approximately 25% of the axons in the dorsal funiculus and 44% of the axons in the dorsolateral funiculus are propriospinal. These data modify and extend previous ideas of the organization of spinal white matter.

Topography of vestibulocochlear nerve fibers in the posterior cranial fossa

In the posterior cranial fossa, the separation of the vestibular and cochlear subdivisions of the eighth nerve is clear in about 75% of cases. Although in the remaining cases the vestibulocochlear cleavage plane is not visible macroscopically, the large-fibered vestibular subdivision and the small-fibered cochlear subdivision are well recognized in histological sections. Within the cochlear subdivision, some fibers of large caliber are mixed with fibers of small caliber in a region we named the "overlapping zone." We studied, histologically, cross sections of the intracranial portion of six eighth nerves at about 5 mm proximal to the porus acusticus. A computerized video system was used to measure the diameters of the fibers of the vestibular and cochlear subdivisions localized at different distances from the vestibulocochlear cleavage plane. The overlapping zone is located within the cochlear subdivision adjacent to the vestibulocochlear cleavage plane. It has a pear-like shape, with the larger part occupying the anterosuperior part of the cochlear subdivision. The mean cross-sectional area of this zone in our six samples is about 0.4 mm2, which is approximately 23% of the area of the cochlear subdivision. The thickness of the zone in the superior-inferior direction ranges from 0.23 mm to 0.55 mm. The parameters of the described overlapping zone should be taken into consideration in vestibular neurectomy, in which complete sectioning of the vestibular fibers is important.