bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferon β‐1b decreases the migration of T lymphocytes in vitro: Effects on matrix metalloproteinase‐9
Authors: Stüve Olaf , Dooley Nora P. , Uhm Joon H. , Antel Jack P. , Francis Gordon S. , Yong Voon Wee , Williams Gary
Published: January 2005

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the influx of activated T lymphocytes into the brain parenchyma leads to the subsequent damage of oligodendrocytes, the cells that produce central nervous system (CNS) myelin. We report here that interferon β‐1b (IFNβ‐1b), a drug shown to be efficacious in the treatment of patients with MS, decreases the in vitro migration of activated T lymphocytes through fibronectin (FN), a major component of the basement membrane that surrounds cerebral endothelium. At 1,000 IU/ml, IFNβ‐1b reduced the migratory rate to that of unactivated T cells. In contrast, IFNγ at 1,000 IU/ml, which caused a similar decrease (25%) in the proliferation rate of T lymphocytesas IFNβ‐1b, did not affect migration. All T‐lymphocyte subsets and natural killer (NK) cells were demonstrated by flow cytometry to be equally affected by IFNβ‐1b treatment. 125I‐Westernblot analyses revealed that IFNβ‐1b treatment resulted in a marked reduction of the ability of T cells to cleave FN. The substrate‐degrading capability of T lymphocytes was shown to be due predominantly to the activity of a 92‐kd matrix metalloproteinase, MMP‐9, whose levels were decreased by IFNβ‐1b. We suggest that the clinical benefits of IFNβ‐1b treatment in MS patients may be in part a result of the ability of this drug to significantly decrease MMP‐9 activity, leading to a reduction of T‐lymphocyte infiltration into the CNS.
A high‐resolution three‐dimensional T1‐weighted gradient echo sequence improves the detection of disease activity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Filippi M. , Rovaris M. , Comi G. , Yousry T. , Alkadhi H. , Horsfield M. A. , Campi A. , Voltz R.
Published: January 2005

In this study, we performed a post‐contrast magnetization‐prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MP RAGE) sequence with subsequent reconstruction of axial slices with 5,3‐, and 1‐mm thickness in 26 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to investigate the disease activity going on below the resolution of conventional scans. One hundred three enhancing lesions were detected using MP RAGE reconstructed with 1‐mm‐thick slices, 93 using MP RAGE reconstructed with 3‐mm‐thick slices and 82 using MP RAGE reconstructed with 5‐mm‐thick slices. The detection rate using 1‐mm MP RAGE was 25.6% higher compared with 5‐mm MP RAGE and 12% higher compared with 3‐mm MP RAGE. Using 1‐mm MP RAGE, we detected five enhancing lesions in 2 of the 12 patients (16.6%) who showed no enhancing lesions on the 5‐mm MP RAGE and one enhancing lesion in 1 of the 10 patients (10%) who showed no enhancing lesions on the 3‐mm MP RAGE. The increased sensitivity of 1‐mm MP RAGE over the other two reconstruction slice thicknesses was due to improved detection of small lesions, located mainly in cortical/subcortical areas. These data indicate that the size of enhancing lesions in MS is highly variable, and that a significant proportion of disease activity goes undetected when performing conventional scans.
Botulinum toxin treatment of muscle cramps: A clinical and neurophysiological study
Authors: Bertolasi Laura , Priori Alberto , Tomelleri Giuliano , Bongiovanni Luigi G. , Fincati Emiliana , Simonati Alessandro , De Grandis Domenico , Rizzuto Nicolo'
Published: January 2005

Botulinum toxin is now widely used in the treatment of severla hyperkinetic movement disorders. To evaluate its efficacy in treating muscle cramping syndromes, we studied clinical and neurophysiological variables before and after botulinum toxin injections into calf muscles and small flexor muscles of the foot in patients with an inherited benign crampfasciculation syndrome. At each assessment the clinical severity of cramp was scored and the cramp threshold frequency was measured with repetitive electrical peripheral nerve stimulation. Botulinum toxin injection signifcantly lowered our patients' clinical cramp severity scores (mean ± SD: before, 3.80 ± 0.44; after, 1.40 ± 0.54), left muscle strength unchanged and significanlty increased their cramp threshold frequencies (before, 4.22 ± 2.26 Hz; after, 10.0 ± 3.74 Hz). The clinical beefit induced by botulinum toxin lasted about 3 months. Boutlinum toxin injections also significantly reduced fasciculation potentials in relaxed muscles (before, 0.86 ± 0.19 fasciculations/sec; after, 0.45 ± 0.11 fasciculations/sec). These findings show that local intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin provide effective, safe, and long‐lasting relief of cramps possibly by reducing presynaptic cholinergic stimulation of motor nerve terminals and by impairing the input/output function of intrafusal and extrafusal motor end plates.
Marked age‐dependent neuroprotection by brain‐derived neurotrophic factor against neonatal hypoxic—ischemic brain injury
Authors: Cheng Yu , Gidday Jeffrey M. , Yan Qiao , Shah Aarti R. , Holtzman David M.
Published: January 2005

Hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury in survivors of perinatal asphyxia is a frequently encountered clinical problem for which there is currently no effective therapy. Neurotrophins, such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), can protect responsive neurons against cell death in some injury paradigms. While the role of BDNF in hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury is not clear, evidence suggests that BDNF may have different effects in the developing, as opposed to the adult, brain. We found that a single intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of BDNF resulted in rapid and robust phosphorylation of trk receptors in multiple brain regions in the postnatal day (PD) 7 rat brain. BDNF also markedly protected against hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury at PD7. It protected against 90% of tissue loss due to hypoxic‐ischemia when given just prior to the insult and against 50% of tissue loss when give after the insult. In contrast, ICV injection of BDNF in PD21 and adult rats resulted in little trk phosphorylation and less dramatic protection against unilateral hypoxic‐ischemic injury at PD21. Because of its potent neuroprotective actions in the developing brain, BDNF may be a potential treatment for asphyxia and other forms of acute injury in the perinatal period.
The impact of inpatient rehabilitation on progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Freeman J. A. , Langdon D. W. , Hobart J. C. , Thompson A. J.
Published: January 2005

One of the primary aims of rehabilitation for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is to reduce their levels of disability and handicap, yet little systematic research into the outcomes of this intervention has been undertaken. This stratified, randomized, wait‐list controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of a short period of multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation in people with MS. Sixty‐six patients in the progressive phase of the disease were assessed at 0 and 6 weeks with validated measures of impairment (Expanded Disability Status Scale and Functional Systems), disability (Functional Independence Measure), and handicap (London Handicap Scale). Both groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, disease duration and severity, disability, and handicap. At the end of 6 weeks, although the level of impairment on both groups remained the same, those who participated in a short period of inpatient rehabilitation (average of 25 days) significantly improved their level of disability and handicap compared with those in the wait‐list control group. Despite unchanging impairment, inpatient rehabilitation resulted in reduced disability and handicap in patients with progressive MS.
Calcium channels in neurological disease
Authors: Greenberg David A.
Published: January 2005

Channels involved in the influx and intracellular mobilization of calcium have been implicated as targets of diverse genetic and immune‐mediated neurological diseases. These include the L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel of skeletal muscle (hypokalemic periodic paralysis), the neuronal P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel (familial hemiplegic migraine, episodic ataxia type 2, spinocerebellar ataxia 6, and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome), and the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor (malignant hyperthermia and central core disease). The discovery of these and other calcium channelopathies should help to clarify how different mutations affect shannel function and how altered channel function produces disease, and may lead to new treatments for these conditions.
Long‐term effects of pancreatic transplantation on diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Navarro Xavier , Sutherland David E. R. , Kennedy William R.
Published: January 2005

Restoration of a long‐lasting euglycemic state by a functioning pancreatic transplantation (PTx) is the most logical treatment for insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus and for amelioration of secondary complications, including neuropathy. We evaluated neurological function by clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and autonomic function tests in 115 patients with a functioning PTx and in 92 control patients treated with insulin, at baseline and 1, 2, 3.5, 5, 7, and 10 years later. In control patients, neuropathy progressively worsened during follow‐up. The clinical examination score and composite indices of abnormality of motor and sensory nerve conduction decreased significantly at all intervals tested. Autonomic function indices also decreased, but significantly only after 1 year. In patients who received a successful PTx the neuropathy improved. The motor and sensory nerve conduction indices increased significantly at all intervals after transplantation, whereas the clinical examination and autonomic tests improved only slightly. Patients who received either a PTx alone, a PTx after a kidney graft, or simultaneous pancreatic and kidney transplantations improved similarly over the follow‐up. These results indicate that a functioning PTx halts the progression and improves the signs of diabetic polyneuropathy by restoration of a normoglycemic state.
Vulnerable neuronal subsets in Alzheimer's and Pick's disease are distinguished by their τ isoform distribution and phosphorylation
Authors: Delacourte A. , Sergeant N. , Wattez A. , Gauvreau D. , Robitaille Y.
Published: January 2005

Aggregated τ proteins constitute the basic matrix of neuronal inclusions specific to numerous neurodegenerative disorders. Monodimensional and two‐dimensional Western blot analyses performed on cortical brain homogenates allowed discrimination between disease‐specific τ protein profiles. These observations raised the issue of the physiopathological significance of such specificities. Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathological τ proteins (PTPs) (τ 74, 69, 55) were compared with those of Pick's disease (PiD) (τ 64, 55) using a panel of antibodies against peptidic sequences of τ isoforms corresponding to exons 2, 3, and 10. AD and PiD could then be critically differentiated by the absence of translated τ isoforms with exon 10 in PiD PTPs, along with the absence of the phosporylation site on Ser262. Immunohistochemical studies corroborate these findings. Indeed, Pick bodies were strongly immunostained by an anti‐“exon 2” antibody but failed to reveal any anti‐exon 10 reactive epitope. Tangles in AD contained exon 2, 3, and 10 epitopes. Altogether, our results demonstrated that Pick bodies develop within specific neuronal subsets that express specific patterns of τ isoforms lacking exon 10 peptidic sequence. We conclude that neurodegenerative disorders imply attrition of selectively vulnerable neuronal subsets, a process revealed, and may be sustained by specific τ isoform patterns.
In vivo [11C] flumazenil‐PET correlates with ex vivo [3H] flumazenil autoradiography in hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Koepp Matthias J. , Hand Kieran S. P. , Labbé Clarie , Richardson Mark P. , van Paesschen Wim , Baird Virginia H. , Cunningham Vincent J. , Bowery Norman G. , Brooks David J. , Duncan John S.
Published: January 2005

By using [11C]flumazenil‐positron emission tomography ([11C]FMZ‐PET), we have previously shown that reductions of central benzodiazepine receptors (cBZRs) are restricted to the hippocampus in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) caused by unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS). Receptor autoradiographic studies on resected hippocampal specimens from the same patients demonstrated loss of cBZRs that was over and above loss of neurons in the CA1 subregion. Here, we report the first direct comparison of in vivo cBZR binding with [11C]FMZ‐PET and ex vivo binding using [3H]FMZ autoradiography. We applied a magnetic resonance imaging‐based method for partial volume effect correction to the PET images of [11C]FMZ volume of distribution ([11C]FMZ Vd) obtained in 10 patients with refractory mTLE due to unilateral, hisologically verifed HS. Saturation autoradiography was performed on the hippocampal specimens obtained from the same patients, allowing calculation of receptor availability ([3H]FMZ Bmax). After correction for partial volume effect, [11C]FMZ Vd in the body of epileptogenic hippocampus was reduced by a mean of 42.1% compred with normal controls. [3H]FMZ bmax, determined autoradiographically from the same hippocampal tissue, was reduced by a mean of 42.7% compared with control hippocampi. Absolute in vivo and ex vivo measurements of cBZR binding for the body of the hippocampus were significantly correlated in each individual. Our study demonstrates that reduction of available cBZR on remaining neuron in HS can be reliably detected in vivo by using [11C]FMZ‐PET after correction for partial volume effect.
Temporal distribution of partial seizures: Comparison of an animal model with human partial epilepsy
Authors: Quigg Mark , Straume Martin , Menaker Michael , Bertam Edward H.
Published: January 2005

Seizures do not often strike randomly but may occur in circadian patterns. We compared daily times of partial seizures determined by continuous electroencephalography among patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE; n = 64), those with extratemporal lobe (XTLE; n = 26) or lesional temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE; n = 8), and a rat model similar to MTLE in which rats become epileptic after electrically induced limbic status epilepticus (postlimbic status [PLS]; n = 20). Rats were maintained on a 12‐hour light/dark cycle with lights on at 0700 hours. The distributions of seizures were fitted by cosinor analysis to determine time of peak seizure incidence ± 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The mean fraction ± SD of seizures recorded during light was 63 ± 17% in PLS animals and 60 ± 21% in humans. Peak incidence of seizures for PLS rats (547 seizures) was 1645 (95% CI = 1448,1830) and for MTLE subjects (774 seizures) was 1500 (95% CI = 1324,1636). Seizures from XTLE (465 seizures) and LTLE (48 seizures) did not fit a cosinor model and occurred no more frequently during light than dark. In conclusion, limbic seizures in humans and PLS rats occur more often during light than dark and have similar cosinor daily distributions. The chronological similarity between human MTLE and PLS rat epilepsy suggests that limbic seizure occurrence has a relation to the circadian regulatory system.
Cerebral functional magnetic resonance imaging of vestibular, auditory, and nociceptive areas during galvanic stimulation
Authors: Bucher Stefan F. , Dieterich Marianne , Wiesmann Martin , Weiss Alexander , Zink Reto , Yousry Tarek A. , Brandt Thomas
Published: January 2005

Cerebral activation was investigated with functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) during galvanic stimulation of the mastoid in 6 normal volunteers. Cutaneous stimulation at the neck C4–5 level served as a control. During mastoid stimulation, bilateral vestibular activation occurred in the posterior insula (parietoinsular vestibular cortex, PIVC), the transverse temporal (Heschl's) gyrus, and thalamic pulvinar. The cutaneous pain elicited by galvanic stimulation caused bilateral activity of the medial part of the insula and the anterior median thalamus. Thus, galvanic stimulation at the mastoid level activates cortical areas of three different sensory systems in the insulathalamic region, the vestibular, the auditory, and the nociceptive systems.
Mitochondrial DNA in focal dystonia: A cybrid analysis
Authors: Tabrizi S. J. , Cooper J. M. , Schapira A. H. V.
Published: January 2005

The cause and pathophysiology of dystonia remain unknown. The recent identification of mitochondrial complex I deficiency in platelets from patients with sporadic focal dystonia suggests that a defect of energy metabolism may be relevant in a proportion of patients. We have addressed the possible contribution of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to the complex I deficiency in dystonia by the use of genome transfer technology. Platelets from patients dificient for complex I were fused with A549 p0 (mtDNA‐less) cells to form cybrids comprising the A549 nucleus and dystonia mtDNA. Mixed cybrid cell lines were analyzed for 9 controls and 9 dystonia patients, and clonal cybrid lines were generated for 2 control and 2 dystonia patients. Subsequent biochemical analysis showed that the dystonia complex I defect was complemented in both the mixed and the clonal cybrid lines. These results contrast with similar studies in mitochondrial myopathy and Parkinson's disease patients, in which the mitochondrial defect was maintained in at least a proportion of A549 cybrids, and suggest that the complex I defect in dystonia is not caused by an mtDNA mutation.
Failure to replicate a protective effect of allele 2 of NACP/α‐synuclein polymorphism in Alzheimer's disease: An association study
Authors: Hellman Nathan E. , Grant Elizabeth A. , Goate Alison M.
Published: January 2005

Recently, a dinucleotide repeat polymorphism was identified in the promoter of the nonamyloid component of plaques (NACP) gene, and it was shown that the NACP allele 2 was significantly associated with healthy elderly control individuals with at least one apolipoprotein E ε4 allele, suggesting a protective role for this allele in Alzheimer's disease. We genotyped the same NACP polymorphism in a comparable number of individuals diagnosed with dementia of the Alzheimer's type and in healthy, elderly controls. In our analysis, however, no protective effect for NACP allele 2, or any of the other NACP alleles, was observed.
Measurement of regional N‐Acetylaspartate after transient global ischemia in gerbils with and without ischemic tolerance: An index of neuronal survival
Authors: Nakano Misa , Ueda Hirokazu , Li Ji‐Yao , Matsumoto Masayasu , Yanagihara Takehiko
Published: January 2005

We investigated the correlation between N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) level and neuronal density in the hippocampal CA1 region of the brain after occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 5 minutes and reperfusion for 3 hours to 4 weeks in gerbils with and without ischemic preconditioning (tolerance). Animals were divided into four groups—the sham operated group, the nonpreconditioning (non‐p) group, the single‐preconditioning (single‐p) group with 2‐minute ischemia once 2 days before 5‐minute ischemia, and the double‐preconditioning (double‐p) group with 2‐minute ischemia twice 2 days before 5‐minute ischemia (n = 6 for each group). The CA1 region was dissected out from freeze‐dried sections for high‐performance liquid chromatographic assay of NAA, and adjacent sections were stained with cresy1 violet for measurement of the neuronal density. Both NAA (pmol/μg dry weight) and the neuronal density (cells/mm) decreased in the non‐p group after 3 days (NAA = 24.0 ± 3.0; neuronal density = 65 ± 38 cells/mm) and 7 days (NAA = 17.9 ± 2.5; neuronal density = 20 ± 15 cells/mm) and in the single‐p group after 7 days (26.4 ± 3.0, 106 ± 30) compared with the control group (NAA = 32.9 ± 3.0; neuronal density = 203 ± 9 cells/mm). There was no decrease in the double‐p group. The NAA level and the neuronal density showed a good linear correlation. The regional NAA level may be used as an index of neuronal viability.
Cerebrospinal fluid F2‐isoprostane levels are increased in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Montine T. J. , Markesbery W. R. , Morrow J. D. , Roberts L. J.
Published: January 2005

Postmortem studies have associated Alzheimer's disease (AD) with regionally increased oxidative damage to brain. Lacking, however, is a specific marker of oxidative damage to brain that may be measured during life. We tested the hypothesis that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of F2‐isoprostanes (F2‐IsoPs), stable products of arachidonate peroxidation, are increased in CSF of AD patients. CSF from lateral ventricles (VF) was analyzed from 11 AD patients and 11 control subjects who participated in a rapid autopsy program. VF F2‐IsoP concentrations were significantly elevated in AD patients compared with control subjects (72 ± 7 vs 46 ± 4 pg/ml) and were significantly linearly correlated with brain weight (–0.3 pg/ml/g, r2 = 0.32). These results suggest that quantification of CSF F2‐IsoP concentrations may provide a useful biomarker of central nervous system oxidative damage in AD.
Slow vertical saccades in motor neuron disease: Correlation of structure and function
Authors: Averbuch‐Heller Lea , Helmchen Christoph , Horn Anja K. E. , Leigh R. John , Büttner‐Ennever Jean A.
Published: January 2005

We studied eye movements and brainstem pathology in 2 patients with slow vertical saccades and autopsy‐proven amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In both patients, the main ocular motor finding was supranuclear vertical gaze impairment with slow vertical saccades. The second patient had difficulty opening his eyes on command, with preserved spontaneous eyelid opening. Postmortem examination in both patients demonstrated cell loss in the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (riMLF) and substantia nigra, along with histopathological findings consistent with ALS. The extent of the pathological changes in the riMLF corelated well with the degree of functional impairment as reflected in the slow vertical saccades. We suggest that motor neuron disease with early involvement of vertical saccades represents a distinct clinicopathological entity.
Epilepsia partialis continua associated with a homoplasmic mitochondrial tRNASer(UCN) mutation
Authors: Schuelke Markus , Bakker Melan , Stoltenburg Gisela , Sperner Jürgen , von Moers Arpad
Published: January 2005

Epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) is a rare epileptic syndrome characterized by continuous focal seizures. We report on a 16‐year‐old girl who died of prolonged pharmacoresistant EPC in whom we identified a 7472insC mutation within the mitochondrial transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA)Ser(UCN). Additional symptoms included ataxia, lactic acidosis, myopathy, sensorineural hearing loss, severe headaches, and mental retardation. Quantification revealed 100% mutant mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the patient, 4% in her mother, and none in her half‐sister. This highly skewed mtDNA distribution is most improbable (∼3 × 10−30) if only explained by random genetic drift. Clustering of dysfunctional mitochondria and replicatory advantage of mutant mtDNA may play a role in the rapid segregation towards homoplasmy within one generation.
Myelin mosaicism and brain plasticity in heterozygous females of a canine X‐linked trait
Authors: Cuddon Paul A. , Lipsitz David , Duncan Ian D.
Published: January 2005

The shaking (sh)pup, an animal model of Pelizaeus‐Merzbacher disease, is characterized by severe central nervous system dysmyelination in affected males, and myelin mosaicism in some female heterozygotes as a result of X‐linked inactivation. Heterozygous females develop a tremor of varying severity that usually disappears at 4 to 6 weeks, whereas male hemizygotes have severe, generalized tremor that persists throughout life. We have used these two myelin‐deficient models to study the potential for recovery with time as reflected by brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAERs). At set time points, the state of myelination in the trapezoid body was studied microscopically. Sequential BAERs demonstrated consistently prolonged interpeak latencies during the period of gross tremor in heterozygotes, with the trend continuing to a lesser extent after tremor cessation. The random nature of X‐linked inactivation resulted in variable myelin mosaicism that was reflected in variations in BAER changes within animals in the same litter. In most heterozygotes, the tremor resolved with time, the BAE returned to near normal, and myelin mosaicism was lost. In contrast, in the affected males, the severity of tremor and lack of recovery was demonstrated by consistent abnormalities in BAER waves at all times studied, and severe and persistent myelin deficiency in the trapezoid body. These findings show that despite the normal tightly programmed temporal development of myelin in the brain in the heterozygous mosaic state, sufficient plasticity persists during the neonatal period for late‐stage myelination to occur.
Histological analysis of the Nissl‐pattern and ‐substance of nerve cells
Authors: Einarson Lárus
Published: January 2005

The influence of the variety and pH of the fixative upon the Nissl pattern has been studied, together with the action of warm water, acids and Na2CO3 after ordinary fixation. The effect of NH4OH is characteristic. The stainability is considerably modified, but through alternating the use of the gallocyanin method and of a new stain, gallamin blue, desribed in the text, the Nissl substance is always stainable. After fixation in alcohol the substance does not stain with purified methylgreen.
Studies on cerebellar function in the teleost. III. The mechanisms of the efferent side of the cerebellum. Marchi method
Authors: Tuge Hideomi
Published: January 2005

No cerebellifugel fiber connections which reach farther forward than the midbrain were found.
Epibranchial and lateral line placodes of the cranial ganglia in the gecko, Gymnodactylus kotschyi
Authors: Thomas Evans Llewellyn
Published: January 2005

A study of both the epibranchial and the lateral line placodes in forty‐six embryos of Gymnodactylus kotschyi was carried out with a fairly continuous series of embryos, ranging from the first day of incubation to hatching. The findings were reported:

The opthalmic placode of the V, from stage 14 to 23, was found in 16 embryos out of 24 and in 1 embryo of stage 24.

The maxillo‐mandibular placode of the V was found in 15 embroys out of 31 between stages 17 and 26.

The epibranchial placode of the VII was found in 29 out of 31 embroys between stages 14 and 26.
The extrapyramidal systems of the spinal cord: Results of combined spinal and cortical lesions in the macaque
Authors: Goldberger Michael E.
Published: January 2005

In order to study the contribution of the extrapyramidal systems of the spinal cord to the control of tone and movement of skeletal muscle, lesions were made in the ventral half of the spinal cord in four macaques. Ablation of area 4 of the contralateral cerebral cortex was added in three animals several months later. Comparisons of neurological examinations performed (a) preoperatively, (b) following cord lesions, and (c) following combined spinal and cortical lesions led to the following conclusions: (1) spinal lesions resulted in increased resistance to passive movements which may have contributed to the loathness to move and inability to perform some movements that also followed these lesions: (2) return of motor function following cortical ablation appeared to depend upon the integrity of the spinal extrapyramidal tracts: (3) spasticity which had resulted from loss of extrapyramidal tracts was enhanced by subsequent loss of cortical area 4 even when all known inhibitory spinal pathways were already severed. Alternative mechanisms for transmission of cortically initiated inhibition to the cord are discussed and it is suggested that the manner in which the extrapyramidal systems function may not be rigid in the affected animal.
The mammalian pons, olive and pyramid
Authors: Marsden C. D. , Rowland R.
Published: January 2005

The evolution of the pons, olive and pyramid have been studied in a series of mammals. The pons in the Monotremata is post‐trigeminal. In Marsupialia and most species of lower Eutherian orders, the pons is pre‐trigeminal and relatively constant in size and simple in form. In the Primates it undergoes a remarkable increase in size, and progressively extends caudally to cover the corpus trapezoideum. The pons in the giant anteater, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, elephant, bear, otter, Pinnipedia and Cetacea is unusually well developed.

The olive is not visible in the Monotremata and Marsupialia. In the Eutheria it is seen only in the Carnivora, Cetacea, elephant and Primates. The olive in the elephant, bear, otter, Pinnipedia and Cetacea is unusually prominent.

The pyramids show the same evolutionary trends as the pons, except in the Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Proboscides, Pinnipedia, otter and Cetacea where they are unusually small.

The size and form of the pons, olive and pyramid are in keeping with the development of the cerebral cortex,1 basal ganglia and cerebellum. These structures increase in size and complexity, achieving their maximum development in man. Their relative sizes indicate the functional significance of the cortico‐pontine, striatopontine and pyramidal pathways to that animal. Variations from the well‐defined pattern of evolution of these structures in mammals may be correlated with specific adaptations of individual species to terrestial and aquatic life.
Efferent connections of the supra‐geniculate nucleus in the Albino rat
Authors: Fortuyn J. Droogleever , Minderhoud J. M.
Published: January 2005

Using the experimental method of retrograde cell degeneration efferent connections of the supra‐geniculate nucleus to the caudal part of the ipsilateral putamen were demonstrated in rats. Following lesions in the cortex, rostral putamen and caudate nucleus the supra‐geniculate nucleus remains intact, but following lesions in the caudal part of the putamen this nucleus shows retrograde cell degeneration.

The supra‐geniculate nucleus belongs to the intermediate nuclei of the thalamus, where it constitutes the caudal part. The connections suggest that this nucleus contributes in some way to opto‐motor or auditivo‐motor functions.
Organization of the first and the second somesthetic regions (SI and SII) in the rat thalamus
Authors: Emmers Raimond
Published: January 2005

Organization of the rat somesthetic thalamus was studied by a combination of electrophysiologic, stereotaxic, and histologic methods. A monopolar recording electrode was inserted numerous times in any one preparation to explore systemically those thalamic regions which receive somesthetic input. The tip of the electrode was small enough to detect unit activity as well as slow potentials. The recording sites were spaced at 250 and 300 μ distances by using sensitive microdrives in all stereotaxic dimensions. For each recording sire maps were made of the peripheral projection fields which, upon tactile stimulation, evoked strong, medium strong, or weak responses. Punctures made by the recording electrode were reconstructed from sections cut by the freezing method and the geometric arrangement of the recording sites within the thalamus was reconstituted.

Two thalamic regions for somesthetic projection (SI and SII) were found in the rat thalamus. They are similar to the first and the second somesthetic areas previously described with the rat cerebral cortex. The thalamic regions encompass the ventrobasal nuclear complex. In the relatively large region of SI there is contralateral projection of the body only. The snout is extensively represented througout this projction region whereas the hindquarters project on a smaller amount of thalamic tissue found in the extreme anterolateral position of SI. Region SII is relatively small. It is situated posterolaterally to SI. The animal's body is represented anew but this time bilaterally; snout dorsomedially, hindquarters ventrolaterally.
The projection of afferent pathways on the thalamus of the rat
Authors: Davidson Neil
Published: January 2005

Electrophysiological techniques have confirmed that, except for differences in topographical organization, the projection of afferent pathways upon the thalamus of the rat is very similar to that found in higher mammals such as the rabbit, cat and monkey. Recording of evoked potentials has revealed a predominantly contralateral projection upon the ventrobasal complex, with an extensive snout region medially, foreleg representation ventromedially and hindleg and tail in a small lateral strip. There is a large bilateral projection of afferent pathways on the posterior thalamus—an area caudal to and partially co‐extensive with the ventrobasal complex and medial to the medial geniculate body. The only sign of topographical organization in this area is a somewhat lateral representation of hindlegs and tail.
Learning and the dorsal basal lobe in the Octopus
Authors: Parriss J. R.
Published: January 2005

Lesions were made in the dorsal basal lobe of the Octopus. The size and the region of these lesions were related to the animals' capacity to learn a simple visual discrimination and to the level of attack maintained during training. No significant relationship was found between the discrimination scores and the size of the lesion but there was evidence that the position of the lesion influenced discrimination.
Development of the XIth or spinal accessory nerve in the chick. With some notes on the hypoglossal and upper cervical nerves
Authors: Rogers K. T.
Published: January 2005

Bodian stained serial sections show that N. XI first appears at Stage 19. By Stage 21 there are at least 350 rootlet fibers, and about 65 fibers have reached N. X in their growth. N. XI merges with the second cervical ganglion posteriorly, and passes through the first cervical ganglion while the latter is present. Contrary to findings from gross dissection, histological sections show that the second cervical ganglion is retained in the adult, and N. XI retains its relation to this ganglion. Nerve cells present along N. XI in the embryo disappear by adulthood from a little anterior to ganglion C. 2 to the most anterior levels of C. 1, possibly migrating along the nerve rather than degenerating. Proprioceptice fibers for the nerve may originate from cells that lie in the adult in or near the ganglion of C. 2 or in or near the jugular ganglion. Motor fibers originate from cells of the ventral horn of C. 2, C. 1, and the lowest medullary levels, and leave the cord and medulla by a route similar to the fibers of von Lenhossék of more posterior levels. N. XI in the adult contains about 350 spinal and 215 medullary fibers. The two main roots of N. XII on each side send strong lateral branches to the cervical musculature before joining to form the nerve to the tongue, to which C. 1 and C. 2 ventral roots also contribute.
Quantitative determinations of neurons and glial cells in the nuclei of the facial and vestibular nerves in man, monkey and dog
Authors: Blinkov S. M. , Ponomarev V. S.
Published: January 2005

The number of Neurons and the Neuronal and glial density per volume of the facial and the vestibural nuclei in two brain stems on each side in man, monkey and dog were counted. The average number of Neurons in the facial nucleus in man (12,500) is greater than in the monkey (4,600), but lower than in the dog (15,800). On the contrary, in the vestibural nuclei the total number of Neurons in man (245,00) is greater than in the monkey (143,000) as in the dog (134,000). The Neuronal density varies considerably in different nucei and different species of animals. At the same time, the glial density is much more even. In all the nuclei the glial density is highest in the dog, lower in the monkey and still lower in man.
Flexor rigidity
Authors: Mettler Fred A.
Published: January 2005

Upper limb flexor postures have frequently been described as part of the consequences of primate decortication, when such animals are placed in the vertical instead of horizontal position. Flexor postures have also been said by D. Denny Brown to occur following bilateral section of the eighth cranial nerve. In the present communication a pattern of alternating flexor postures (contralateral forelimb and ipsilateral hindlimb flexion with extension and magnet reaction in the ipsilateral forelimb and contralateral hindlimb) is described after postcollicular mesencephalic hemisection. In addition, quadriflexion (flexion of all four extremities) is described following midline section of the cerebrum and mesencephalon by a cut which, commencing with, and including, the supramammillary decussation extends back far enough to include the decussation of the brachium conjunctivum. In these experiments the optic chiasm, anterior commissure and rostral two thirds of the corpus callosum have not been cut, Severance of. the decussation of the brachium conjunctivum does not appear to be a determinative factor in the resultant flexor posture.
Filamentous and tubular structures in mammalian axoplasm. An electron microscopic study,
Authors: Cravioto Humberto
Published: January 2005

A neurofibrillar and neurotubular ultrastructure of mammalian axoplasm has been observed consistently after glutaraldehyde fixation. The embedding media (Epon, Maraglas, Vestopal W, Araldite), dehydration procedure (alcohol, acetone) and counter‐strain used (lead citrate, uranyl acetate, phosphotungstic acid) played no significant role in the selective demonstration of neurotubules or neurofibrils. It was suggested that the neurotubules may form part of the neurofibrillar apparatus described by Cajal.
An electron microscopic study of the choroid plexuses of necturus maculosus
Authors: Carpenter S. J.
Published: January 2005

The choroid plexuses of the neotenous salamander, Necturus maculosus, were examined by light and electron microscopy. Their epithelium was found to consist of a single layer of flattened to cuboidal cells resting upon a well‐developed, continuous basement membrane. The cytoplasm of a typical epithelial cell contained, besides a large, centrally‐placed nucleus, numerous mitochondria, an extensive agranular endoplasinic reticulum, prominent Golgi complexes and a variety of dense bodies. In addition, occasional clusters of ribosomes, lipid droplets, fascicles of fine filaments and numerous glycogen granules were present within the cytoplasm. Specializations of the apical (ventricular) surfaces of the epithelial cells included an irregular brush border, cilia, and minute, possibly micropinocytotic, invaginations of the plasma membrane. Surfaces of contacts between epithelial cells were specialized by “tight junctions” desmosomes, and complex inter dictations of the apposed plasma membranes. The interstitial space separating the epithelial layer from the thin‐walled, non‐fenestrated plexus blood vessels contained a mesh‐work of collagen fibrils and a variety of connective tissue cell types. Electron dense Thorotrast particles were found to traverse the endothelial walls of the blood vessels and accumulate within the interstitial spaces within 30 minutes after being injected into the blood stream. The epithelial basement membrane, however, apparently prevented the tracer particles from reaching the epithelial cells, and the ventricular spaces beyond, as long as five hours after injection.
Degeneration time for optimal staining by Nauta technique. A study on transected vagal fibers of the cat
Authors: Warren Cottle Merva K. , Mitchell Robert
Published: January 2005

Cervical and abdominal vagus nerves taken at various survival times, (1–16 days following transections) have been stained with the Nauta technique and a modification of this technique, as well as with other stains commonly used to demonstrate Wallerian degeneration in peripheral nerve. Counts of the myelinated fibers were made on transverse sections of the osmium‐stained cervical vagus to furnish a measure of the rate of disappearance of the fibers. Approximately half of the myelinated fibers had disappeared in seven days and all were gone at 14 days. Fragmented axons in the cervical and abdominal vagi were demonstrated as early as three days and remained observable at seven days with the Nauta stain. In the abdominal vagus evidence of degeneration had disappeared by 11 days. In the cervical vagus, however, although only occasional axonal fragmentation was evident at 16‐days survival time large globules of myelin debris still persisted in the larger fibers.

Unlike the CNS, fragmented axons persist for relatively short periods in the PNS and particularly in the small and unmyelinated fibers the survival time which allows demonstration of axonal fragmentation is critical.
Thalamic connections to insular and opercular cortex of monkey
Authors: Locke Simenon
Published: January 2005

Subpial resection of insular and opercular cortex was performed in ten hemispheres of six macaque monkeys. Retrograde degeneration was studied in myelin and cresyl violet stained serial sections of whole brain specimens follwing survival of 12 to 15 months. Lesions restricted to teh insula, effectively sparing the orelying opercula, caused no retrograde degenration in thalamus. Specifically, nucleus ventralis anterior, nucleus ventralis posteromedialis pars parvocelluliaris, and nucleus ventralis posterior inferior were normal. Lesions which involved orbitofrontal cortex produced the expected degeneration of the ventral division of paralamellar nucleus medialis dorsalis (medialis dorsalis pars multiformis). Surprisingly, minimal but unequivocal degeneration was seen in this nucleus when lesiions were restricted to the superior temporal plane; it was more marked when the parietal operculum was included in the lesion. With destruction of the white matter of the parietal or frontal operculum, degeneration was apparent surrounding the centrum medianum, most conspicuously in ventral paralamellar medialis dorsalis and parvocelular nucleus ventralis posteromedialis. Increased gliosis without nerve cell destruction in the basomedial part of nucleus ventralis anterior was present in two specimens with anterior insular ablatioins presumably as the result of interruption of cortico‐thalamic projections from orbitofrontal cortex.
Afferent connections to neocortex in the opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Authors: Ebner Ford F.
Published: January 2005

Afferent axons to the opossum's neocortex were carefully traced to their areas of termination using the Nauta‐Gygax silver technique for degenerating axons. The two major systems of incoming fibers arise primarily from contralateral neocortex (commissural fibes), and ipsilateral thalamus (thalamocortical fibers).

Following complete transection of the anterior commissure‐corpus callosum amalgam, degenerating fibers could be traced to almost all areas of neocortex. The same pattern resulted from total removal of neocortex from one cerebral hemisphere. Commissural fibers arising from neocortex cross the midline in teh posterior two‐thirds of the anterior commissure before terminating in contralateral neocortcial areas. The vast majority of fibers terminated in the deep cortical layers IV, V, VI. There was degeneration in layer III and occasionally in layer II, but essentially never in layer, I. A small central portion of striate cortex receives very few commissural fibers.

Following thalamectomy, degenerating fibers could be traced to all areas of neocortex. One system of thalamocortical fibers terminates coextensively with commissural fibers in the deep layers IV, V, VI. A second system of thalamic projection arises from thalamic cells, traverses the cortical layers in parallel fascicles at 900 to the pial surface, bifurcates and ends in the thick outer plexiform lamina (layer I) of neocortex. These fibers run for some distance parallel to the pial surface before terminating among apial dendrites of neurons from all cell layers. This system of layr I thalamocortical connectiions appears in all neocortical areas, even in primary receptive cortex in teh opossum. There is little evidence of the highly specialized axonal arborizatiions that characterize layer IV thalamic terminations in the primary receptive cortex of eutherian mammals.
An anatomical and electrophysiological study of the retina of the owl monkey, Aotes trivirgatus
Authors: Hamasaki D. I.
Published: January 2005

Histological study of the retina of the owl monkey demonstrated two types of photoreceptors. The rods predominated and had characteristics of rods of other primates. The second type of receptor has been identified as a cone because (1) its inner segment was short and pyramidally shaped, (2) its outer segment was tapered and shorter than the rods, (3) it changed shape and size throughout the retina, and (4) it had different staining properties from the rods.

Using the ERG as an index of retinal activity, the dark‐adaptation and flicker fusion frequency curves were shown to be made up of a photopic and scotopic segment. The photopic and scotopic b‐waves could be demonstrated during dark‐adaptation.
Projection of optic fibers to visual centers in α turtle (Emys orbicularis)
Authors: Kosareva A. A.
Published: January 2005

Studies of retinal projections to the thalamus and midbrain of the turtle were based on a personal modification of the Nauta‐Laidlaw technique (modified Nauta method) after unilateral enucleation. Decussation of optic fibers in the chiasma is incomplete. In the thalamus, optic fibers are found to terminate in three nuclei – with greater density in the corpus geniculatum laterale (lateral geniculate body) (LGB) and more sparsely in the nucleus suprapeduncular and nucleus ovalis. Retinal projections to the LGB assume a focal pattern, being somewhat more compact in the lateral neuropil region. Optic fibers are also shown to end in a group of pretectal nuclei: n. pretectalis dorsalis, n. lentiformis mesencephalis, n. comissurae posterior. In addition, terminations of optic fibers have been revealed in the three upper layers of the tectum. Peculiarities of preterminal and terminal degeneration of retinal fibers have been distinguished in the different tectal layers. In the second stratum, terminations of large fibers are mostly seen with a characteristic appearance of lumpy pericellular (preterminal) degeneration. In the third stratum, both large and finer fibers degenerate, showing fine debris of preterminal degeneration. Different patterns of terminal degeneration have been revealed in tectum and thalamus. The maximal size of optic fibers in the tectum proves to be larger than in thalamus. Available evidence is discussed with particular reference to comparison of the phylogenetically more recent retinothalamic system and more ancient retinotectal system.
Extensive cortical depth measurements and neuron size increases in the cortex of environmentally enriched rats
Authors: Diamond Marian C. , Lindner Bernice , Raymond Alma
Published: January 2005

This study is another in a series of investigations attempting to define the changes in the brain as a consequence of environmental manipulation. Cortical depth and neuron size measurements were taken on brains of rats from enriched (ECT) and impoverished (IC) environments.

Celloidin embedded, 10 μ, transverse sections of formalin fixed rat brains were stained wiith thionin. Ten representative sections from each brain were taken, utilizing subcortical landmarks to insure uniform sampling. Cortical depths were measured on microslide projected drawings beginning at the midline and proceeding laterally. The number of readings per hemisphere ranged from 41 to 46. The greatest increases in depth were found in the sections from the posterior commissure landmark. At this position the increases in four regions, proceeding medially to laterally, were as follows: A, 5.2% (p < 0.001); B, 6.3% (p < 0.001); C, 3.2% (p < 0.01); D, 1.6% (NS).

Perikarya and nuclear size measurements were taken with a planimeter on microfilm projected outlines. The cortex was divided into upper, middle and lower levels, and within each third, cell size increases were noted, with the outer third showing the greatest increases. The ECT perikarya were greater than the IC by 17.7% (p < 0.001) in the upper level, by 7.2% (p < 0.05) in the middle level, and by 11.6% (p < 0.01) in the lower level.