Source of Inappropriate Receptive Fields in Cortical Somatotopic Maps From Rats That Sustained Neonatal Forelimb Removal

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 625-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D. Lane ◽  
Rey S. Stojic ◽  
Herbert P. Killackey ◽  
Robert W. Rhoades
Keyword(s):  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Gaba Receptor ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Receptor Blockade ◽  
Response Latencies ◽  
Functional Reorganization ◽  
Additional Control ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Sciatic Nerve Stimulation

Source of inappropriate receptive fields in cortical somatotopic maps from rats that sustained neonatal forelimb removal. Previously this laboratory demonstrated that forelimb removal at birth in rats results in the invasion of the cuneate nucleus by sciatic nerve axons and the development of cuneothalamic cells with receptive fields that include both the forelimb-stump and the hindlimb. However, unit-cluster recordings from primary somatosensory cortex (SI) of these animals revealed few sites in the forelimb-stump representation where responses to hindlimb stimulation also could be recorded. Recently we reported that hindlimb inputs to the SI forelimb-stump representation are suppressed functionally in neonatally amputated rats and that GABAergic inhibition is involved in this process. The present study was undertaken to assess the role that intracortical projections from the SI hindlimb representation may play in the functional reorganization of the SI forelimb-stump field in these animals. The SI forelimb-stump representation was mapped during γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-receptor blockade, both before and after electrolytic destruction of the SI hindlimb representation. Analysis of eight amputated rats showed that 75.8% of 264 stump recording sites possessed hindlimb receptive fields before destruction of the SI hindlimb. After the lesions, significantly fewer sites (13.2% of 197) were responsive to hindlimb stimulation ( P < 0.0001). Electrolytic destruction of the SI lower-jaw representation in four additional control rats with neonatal forelimb amputation did not significantly reduce the percentage of hindlimb-responsive sites in the SI stump field during GABA-receptor blockade ( P = 0.98). Similar results were obtained from three manipulated rats in which the SI hindlimb representation was silenced temporarily with a local cobalt chloride injection. Analysis of response latencies to sciatic nerve stimulation in the hindlimb and forelimb-stump representations suggested that the intracortical pathway(s) mediating the hindlimb responses in the forelimb-stump field may be polysynaptic. The mean latency to sciatic nerve stimulation at responsive sites in the GABA-receptor blocked SI stump representation of neonatally amputated rats was significantly longer than that for recording sites in the hindlimb representation [26.3 ± 8.1 (SD) ms vs. 10.8 ± 2.4 ms, respectively, P < 0.0001]. These results suggest that hindlimb input to the SI forelimb-stump representation detected in GABA-blocked cortices of neonatally forelimb amputated rats originates primarily from the SI hindlimb representation.

Does Reorganization in the Cuneate Nucleus Following Neonatal Forelimb Amputation Influence Development of Anomalous Circuits Within the Somatosensory Cortex?

2008 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 866-875 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D. Lane ◽  
Charles P. Pluto ◽  
Cynthia L. Kenmuir ◽  
Nicolas L. Chiaia ◽  
Richard D. Mooney
Keyword(s):  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
Gaba Receptor ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Receptor Blockade ◽  
Cuneate Nucleus ◽  
Electrophysiological Recordings ◽  
Afferent Fibers ◽  
Neurotrophin 3

Neonatal forelimb amputation in rats produces sprouting of sciatic nerve afferent fibers into the cuneate nucleus (CN) and results in 40% of individual CN neurons expressing both forelimb-stump and hindlimb receptive fields. The forelimb-stump region of primary somatosensory cortex (S-I) of these rats contains neurons in layer IV that express both stump and hindlimb receptive fields. However, the source of the aberrant input is the S-I hindlimb region conveyed to the S-I forelimb-stump region via intracortical projections. Although the reorganization in S-I reflects changes in cortical circuitry, it is possible that these in turn are dependent on the CN reorganization. The present study was designed to directly test whether the sprouting of sciatic afferents into the CN is required for expression of the hindlimb inputs in the S-I forelimb-stump field. To inhibit sprouting, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) was applied to the cut nerves following amputation. At P60 or older, NT-3-treated rats showed minimal sciatic nerve fibers in the CN. Multiunit electrophysiological recordings in the CN of NT-3-treated, amputated rats revealed 6.3% of sites were both stump/hindlimb responsive, compared with 30.5% in saline-treated amputated animals. Evaluation of the S-I following GABA receptor blockade, revealed that the percentage of hindlimb responsive sites in the stump representation of the NT-3-treated rats (34.2%) was not significantly different from that in saline-treated rats (31.5%). These results indicate that brain stem reorganization in the form of sprouting of sciatic afferents into the CN is not necessary for development of anomalous hindlimb receptive fields within the S-I forelimb/stump region.

scholarly journals An investigation of arterial insufficiency in the rat hindlimb Correlation of skeletal muscle bloodflow and glucose utilization in vivo

1986 ◽  
Vol 240 (2) ◽  
pp. 395-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
R A Challiss ◽  
D J Hayes ◽  
G K Radda
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Linear Correlation ◽  
Glucose Utilization ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Artery Ligation ◽  
Sciatic Nerve Stimulation

Muscle bloodflow and the rate of glucose uptake and phosphorylation were measured in vivo in rats 7 days after unilateral femoral artery ligation and section. Bloodflow was determined by using radiolabelled microspheres. At rest, bloodflow to the gastrocnemius, plantaris and soleus muscles of the ligated limb was similar to their respective mean contralateral control values; however, bilateral sciatic nerve stimulation at 1 Hz caused a less pronounced hyperaemic response in the muscles of the ligated limb, being 59, 63 and 49% of their mean control values in the gastrocnemius, plantaris and soleus muscles respectively. The rate of glucose utilization was determined by using the 2-deoxy[3H]glucose method [Ferré, Leturque, Burnol, Penicaud & Girard (1985) Biochem. J. 228, 103-110]. At rest, the rate of glucose uptake and phosphorylation was statistically significantly increased in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the ligated limb, being 126 and 140% of the mean control values respectively. Bilateral sciatic nerve stimulation at 1 Hz caused a 3-5-fold increase in the rate of glucose utilization by the ligated and contralateral control limbs; furthermore, the rate of glucose utilization was significantly increased in the muscles of the ligated limb, being 140, 129 and 207% of their mean control values respectively. For the range of bloodflow to normally perfused skeletal muscle at rest or during isometric contraction determined in the present study, a linear correlation between the rate of glucose utilization and bloodflow can be demonstrated. Applying similar methods of regression analysis to glucose utilization and bloodflow to muscles of the ligated limb reveals a similar linear correlation. However, the rate of glucose utilization at a given bloodflow is increased in muscles of the ligated limb, indicating an adaptation of skeletal muscle to hypoperfusion.

scholarly journals Electroacupuncture Reduces the Effects of Acute Noxious Stimulation on the Electrical Activity of Pain-Related Neurons in the Hippocampus of Control and Neuropathic Pain Rats

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun-Ying Wang ◽  
Renbo Chen ◽  
Shu-Ping Chen ◽  
Yong-Hui Gao ◽  
Jian-Liang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Electrical Activity ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Mek Inhibitor ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Noxious Stimulation ◽  
Ca1 Region ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Hippocampal Area ◽  
Sciatic Nerve Stimulation

To study the effects of acupuncture analgesia on the hippocampus, we observed the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor on pain-excited neurons (PENs) and pain-inhibited neurons (PINs) in the hippocampal area CA1 of sham or chronic constrictive injury (CCI) rats. The animals were randomly divided into a control, a CCI, and a U0126 (MEK1/2 inhibitor) group. In all experiments, we briefly (10-second duration) stimulated the sciatic nerve electrically and recorded the firing rates of PENs and PINs. The results showed that in both sham and CCI rats brief sciatic nerve stimulation significantly increased the electrical activity of PENs and markedly decreased the electrical activity of PINs. These effects were significantly greater in CCI rats compared to sham rats. EA treatment reduced the effects of the noxious stimulus on PENs and PINs in both sham and CCI rats. The effects of EA treatment could be inhibited by U0126 in sham-operated rats. The results suggest that EA reduces effects of acute sciatic nerve stimulation on PENs and PINs in the CA1 region of the hippocampus of both sham and CCI rats and that the ERK (extracellular regulated kinase) signaling pathway is involved in the modulation of EA analgesia.

scholarly journals Sciatic nerve stimulation activates the retrotrapezoid nucleus in anesthetized rats

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 2081-2092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Kanbar ◽  
Ruth L. Stornetta ◽  
Patrice G. Guyenet
Keyword(s):  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Motor Nucleus ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Neuron Firing ◽  
Afferent Stimulation ◽  
Retrotrapezoid Nucleus ◽  
Facial Motor Nucleus ◽  
Stimulation Experiments ◽  
Sciatic Nerve Stimulation

Retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) neurons sustain breathing automaticity. These neurons have chemoreceptor properties, but their firing is also regulated by multiple synaptic inputs of uncertain function. Here we test whether RTN neurons, like neighboring presympathetic neurons, are excited by somatic afferent stimulation. Experiments were performed in Inactin-anesthetized, bilaterally vagotomized, paralyzed, mechanically ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats. End-expiratory CO2 (eeCO2) was varied between 4% and 10% to modify rate and amplitude of phrenic nerve discharge (PND). RTN and presympathetic neurons were recorded extracellularly below the facial motor nucleus with established criteria. Sciatic nerve stimulation (SNstim, 1 ms, 0.5 Hz) slightly increased blood pressure (6.6 ± 1.6 mmHg) and heart rate and, at low eeCO2 (<5.5%), entrained PND. Ipsi- and contralateral SNstim produced the known biphasic activation of presympathetic neurons. SNstim evoked a similar but weaker biphasic response in up to 67% of RTN neurons and monophasic excitation in the rest. At low eeCO2, RTN neurons were silent and responded more weakly to SNstim than at high eeCO2. RTN neuron firing was respiratory modulated to various degrees. The phasic activation of RTN neurons elicited by SNstim was virtually unchanged at high eeCO2 when PND entrainment to the stimulus was disrupted. Thus RTN neuron response to SNstim did not result from entrainment to the central pattern generator. Overall, SNstim shifted the relationship between RTN firing and eeCO2 upward. In conclusion, somatic afferent stimulation increases RTN neuron firing probability without altering their response to CO2. This pathway may contribute to the hyperpnea triggered by nociception, exercise (muscle metabotropic reflex), or hyperthermia.

COMPLETE INHIBITION OF ADRENOCORTICAL RESPONSES FOLLOWING SCIATIC NERVE STIMULATION IN RATS WITH HYPOTHALAMIC ISLANDS

1975 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 539-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaul Feldman ◽  
Nisim Conforti ◽  
Israel Chowers
Keyword(s):  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Acoustic Stimulation ◽  
Plasma Corticosterone ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Implanted Electrodes ◽  
Sciatic Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Adrenocortical Responses ◽  
Pentobarbital Anaesthesia ◽  
Intact Rats

ABSTRACT Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that in rats with hypothalamic islands the adrenocortical response to photic and acoustic stimulation was partially inhibited indicating that they were at least to a certain degree neurally mediated, though ether stress produced normal adrenocortical responses. With the purpose of determining to what extent afferent somatosensory connections to the hypothalamus participate in the activation of adrenocortical responses following sciatic nerve stimulation, the effects of this stimulus applied through chronically implanted electrodes were studied on the plasma corticosterone levels in pentobarbital anaesthetized intact animals and in rats with hypothalamic islands. Ether stress or sciatic nerve stimulation for 2 min in intact rats produced a rise of plasma corticosterone to 32.1 ± 1.2 and 32.1 ± 1.8 μg/100 ml, respectively. However, in animals with hypothalamic islands the corresponding values were 29.2 ± 1.8 and 12.4 ± 0.8 μg/100 ml, respectively. The latter value was not significantly different from the basal corticosterone levels (13.0 ± 1.2 μg/100 ml) found in rats 15 min after pentobarbital anaesthesia, the time when the sciatic stimulus was applied. The present data indicate that the adrenocortical discharge following sciatic nerve stimulation is completely inhibited by hypothalamic deafferentation and therefore depends entirely on the activation of the afferent neural pathways to the hypothalamus.

Modulation of carotid sinus baroreceptor reflex by sciatic nerve stimulation

1975 ◽  
Vol 228 (5) ◽  
pp. 1535-1541 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kumada ◽  
K Nogami ◽  
K Sagawa
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cardiac Output ◽  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Arterial Pressure ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Carotid Sinus ◽  
Peripheral Resistance ◽  
Baroreceptor Reflex ◽  
Equilibrium Pressure ◽  
Sciatic Nerve Stimulation

In anethetized, immobilized, and vagotomized cats we analyzed the effect of sciatic nerve stimulation (SNS) on the relationships between intrasinus pressure (ISP) and arterial pressure (AP) and between ISP and heart rate (HR). At each of seven ISP levels between 60 and 240 mmHg, AP and HR before and 20 s after the onset of SNS were plotted against ISP to obtain the ISP-AP and ISP-HR relationships before and during SNA. SNA caused increases in AP, HR, and total peripheral resistance (TPR) and a decrease in cardiac output (CO). SNS raised the equilibrium pressure (the value of AP at which AP equaled ISP), but it significantly (P smaller than 0.005) decreased the slope (or gain) of the ISP-AP relationship at ISP's between 90 and 150 mmHg. SNS also significantly (P smaller than 0.05) diminished the gain of ISP-HR relationship at ISP's between 120 and 210 mmHg. Modulation of the gain of ISP-AP relationship was ascribable to that of CO but not of TPR. We conclude that in vagotomized cats 1) SNS attenuates the sensitivity of AP and HR responses in the carotid sinus baroreceptor reflex, and 2) the inhibition of the reflex AP response was caused by modulation of the reflex CO response.

Pial arteriole dilation during somatosensory stimulation is not mediated by an increase in CSF metabolites

2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (3) ◽  
pp. H902-H907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Al C. Ngai ◽  
H. Richard Winn
Keyword(s):  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Csf Flow ◽  
Pial Surface ◽  
Somatosensory Stimulation ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Vasoactive Substances ◽  
Constant Rate ◽  
Pial Arterioles ◽  
Sciatic Nerve Stimulation

Pial arterioles supplying the hindlimb somatosensory cortex dilate in response to contralateral sciatic nerve stimulation. The mechanism of this pial vasodilation is not well understood. One possibility is that vasoactive metabolites released during brain activation may diffuse to subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to dilate pial vessels. To test this hypothesis, we implanted closed cranial windows in rats and measured pial arteriolar dilation to sciatic nerve stimulation during constant rate superfusion of the pial surface with artificial CSF. We reason that flushing the pial surface with CSF should quickly dissipate vasoactive substances and prevent these substances from dilating pial arterioles. CSF flow (1 and 1.5 ml/min) significantly reduced pial arteriole dilation induced by 5% CO2 inhalation, but the same flow rates did not affect dilator responses to sciatic nerve stimulation. We conclude that brain-to-CSF diffusion of vasoactive metabolites does not play a significant role in the dilation of pial arterioles during somatosensory activity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document