bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paraspinal mapping: Quantified needle electromyography in lumbar radiculopathy
Authors: Haig Andrew J. , Talley Carol , Grobler Leon J. , LeBreck Diane B.
Published: January 2005

In the diagnosis of low back pain, the presence of a high percentage of false positive findings on radiologic imaging studies has lead to a more definitive role for electrodiagnosis as a confirmatory test. The paraspinal muscles are a crucial part of the electrodiagnostic examination for radiculopathy. To date, no technique for paraspinal evaluation has been validated. Based on previously documented anatomical techniques, we have designed a method of paraspinal examination termed “paraspinal mapping” (PM). Electromyographic (EMG) needles are placed in five carefully chosen locations and inserted in multiple directions. Individual scores for these insertions are added to determine a total PM sensitivity score. The first 50 studies using PM were compared to peripheral EMG, imaging studies, and pain drawings. Results indicate that the technique is easy to perform. Sensitivity scores relate well with these tests. In this limited and uncontrolled population, PM had higher sensitivity for abnormalities than either peripheral EMG or imaging studies. Because of the anatomical validity of PM, future studies may show it to be useful in localizing the level of radiculopathy independently from peripheral EMG, and to support clinical findings and imaging studies. © 1993 John Wiley & Soncs, Inc.
Transcranial cortical stimulation in syringomyelia: Correlation with disability?
Authors: Bötzel Kai , Witt Thomas N.
Published: January 2005

Central motor conduction times were studied using transcranial magnetic stimulation in 17 patients with syringomyelia. Central motor conduction time (lower‐limb pathway) was prolonged or responses were absent in 44% of stimulations. When results were compared with clinical findings and magnetic resonance tomography, only a weak correlation was found. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is thus of limited value for diagnosing and monitoring the course of syringomyelia. © 1993 John Wiley & Soncs, Inc.
Conduction abnormalities induced by sera of patients with multifocal motor neuropathy and anti‐GM1 antibodies
Authors: Uncini Antonino , Santoro Maria , Corbo Massimo , Lugaresi Alessandra , Latov Norman
Published: January 2005

Increased titers of anti‐GM1 antibodies have been associated with motor neuron disease and motor neuropathy with or without conduction block. To investigate the pathogenetic role of anti‐GM1 antibodies we injected into rat tibial nerves sera from patients with multifocal motor neuropathy and conduction block (MMN) or progressive spinal muscular atrophy (PMA), both presenting anti‐GM1 antibodies. Sera of patients with MMN produced reduction of amplitude and dispersion of compound muscle action potential from proximal stimulation. Morphometry revealed demyelination in 6.2% of fibers. Sera of patients with PMA did not produce clear‐cut electrophysiological or morphological changes. Differential effects of sera from patients presenting high‐titer anti‐GM1 antibodies, but with distinct clinical syndromes, might depend on differences in anti‐GM1 antibody affinity, valency, or ability to fix complement. Alternatively, circulating factors other than, or in addition to, anti‐GM1 antibodies present in sera of patients with MMN, but not of PMA patients, might be responsible for conduction abnormalities and reproduce them after passive transfer. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electroneurography index: A standardized neurophysiological method to assess peripheral nerve function in patients with polyneuropathy
Authors: Solders Göran , Andersson Thomas , Borin Yvonne , Persson Anders , Brandt Lena
Published: January 2005

An index based on 12 electrophysiological parameters (conduction velocities, F‐latencies, and amplitudes) was constructed to obtain an overall estimation of peripheral nerve conduction. The index was expressed as the meandeviation (in SD) compared to controls standardized for age or height. The stability of the index was tested by repeated examinations during intervalsof several months in healthy subjects. The use of a compound index enabled detection of slight impairments of nerve conduction. The relatively low interrecording variability of the index makes it suitable to follow the progression of a polyneuropathy. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Molecular analysis of the duchenne muscular dystrophy gene in patients with becker muscular dystrophy presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yoshida Kunihiro , Ikeda Shu‐Ichi , Nakamura Akinori , Kagoshima Mitsuru , Takeda Shin'ichi , Shoji Shin'ichi , Yanagisawa Nobuo
Published: January 2005

Molecular analysis of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene was performed on 4 unrelated patients with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy. Two patients with a deletion involving exon 1 were quite unique in that they developed fatal myocardial involvement in their teens, despite the absence of significant muscular weakness. The deletion found in these patients comprised the 3′‐end of exon 1 and the greater part of intron 1. Two other patients with a deletion of exon 47 showed progressive muscular atrophy and weakness; they were considered to be typical BMD in both clinical features and the type of gene deletion. We speculate that a deletion around exon 1 may severely damage the expression and/or the function of dystrophin selectively in cardiac muscle, but not in skeletal muscle. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Acute “axonal” Guillain–Barré syndrome in childhood
Authors: Reisin Ricardo C. , Cersósimo Ricardo , Alvarez Marcela García , Massaro Mario , Fejerman Natalio
Published: January 2005

We identified 5 of 44 consecutive children (11%) with Guillain–Barré syndrome who had electrophysiologic evidence of severe reduction of the mean amplitude of the compound motor action potentials (mean CMAP amplitude <10% of lower limit of normal). EMG studies revealed profuse fibrillation activity in distal and proximal muscles after 2 weeks of onset. We compared this group with 16 consecutive children with GBS prospectively evaluated over 1 year, all of whom presented a mean CMAP amplitude >10% of lower limit of normal. Children in the first group were more likely to require assisted ventilation (60% vs. 6.2%) and were more frequently quadriplegic at the peak of their disability (80% vs. 18.7%). They also required longer periods to improve one functional grade (mean 63.6 days vs. 16.6 days) and to become ambulatory (mean 156 days vs. 17.6 days). Moreover, only the children in the first group had distal atrophy of four limbs after 1 year of follow‐up. Severe reduction of the mean amplitude of the CMAPs in children with GBS identifies a subgroup of patients with axonal damage that produces more severe weakness and delayed recovery. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
AAEM minimonograph #41: Neuromuscular diseases associated with HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Lange Dale J.
Published: January 2005

Neuromuscular diseases occur in as many as 50% of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1). All forms of neuromuscular disease have been reported, including axonal neuropathy, demyelinating neuropathy, mononeuropathy multiplex, polyradiculitis, ALS‐like syndromes, disorders of neuromuscular transmission, myopathy, and toxic neuropathies due to medication side effects. Neuromuscular disease is often the presenting manifestation of HIV‐1 infection. Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with different types of neuropathy including mononeuritis multiplex and polyradiculopathy. There is effective treatment for many of the associated disorders including chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, CMV‐mediated neuropathies, and myopathy. Treatment of CMV‐mediated mononeuropathy multiplex may be life saving. The different neuromuscular syndromes associated with different stages of HIV‐1 infection may be due, in part, to different levels of immunocompetence.
Idiopathic generalized myokymia
Authors: Jamieson Patrick W. , Katirji M. Bashar
Published: January 2005

Idiopathic generalized myokymia (IGM) is a rare, heterogeneous, and poorly understood syndrome. We present analysis of 75 reported cases in the world literature. IGM affects men and women equally, with a mean age of onset 29 ± 19 years. Patients' common presenting complaints are stiffness (60%), cramps (12%), weakness (12%), and muscle twitching (4%). Family history is positive in 30%. In addition to generalized clinical myokymia (92%), abnormal neurologic findings include: hyporeflexia (70%), weakness (45%), grip myotonia (39%), and calf hypertrophy (16%). Electrical activity consisting of spontaneous continuous motor unit activity and/or electrical myokymia was documented in all patients. When electrical myokymia was observed (66%), the grouped discharges where irregular and had an interburst frequency of 2–300 Hz. Both phenytoin and carbamazepine are effective treatments. We conclude that IGM has a wide spectrum of symptoms and severity and should be considered in all patients that present with stiffness, cramps, or muscle twitching. EMG greatly aids in diagnosis. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tendon‐reflex testing in chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Kuruoglu H. R. , Oh Shin J.
Published: January 2005

We studied the tendon reflex (T‐reflex) in 26 patients with acquired chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy (CDN), including 22 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (ClDP). In 7 patients reflexes were brisk or normal on clinical testing. The height adjusted T‐reflex was abnormal in 25 (96%) cases, including 6 of 7 patients with brisk or normal reflexes on clinical testing. Mean latency (P < 0.01) and duration (P < 0.05) of the ankle and patellar tendon reflexes were significantly prolonged in the ClDP patients when compared to the controls. Mean latency in the ClDP patients was 152% of normal means. In 7 CIDP patients, the T‐reflex latencies were prolonged beyond 150% of normal means. Thus, the T‐reflex test is abnormal in a majority of patients with CDN, even in the presence of well‐preserved clinical reflexes, and the T‐reflex latency is a useful indicator of the presence of a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy in some patients. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nerve conduction and temperature: Necessary warming time
Authors: Franssen Hessel , Wieneke George H.
Published: January 2005

The purpose of this study was to estimate the time needed to warm an extremity prior to measuring nerve conduction. In 8 normal subjects tibial and sural nerve conduction variables were measured during cooling and warming of the leg in water of 18°C and 36°C, respectively. During cooling, nerve conduction velocity (NCV) decreased and distal motor latency (DML), duration, and area of the compound muscle action potentials (CMAP), and compound nerve action potentials (CNAP) increased. The reverse occurred during warming. During cooling or warming the change in these variables became progressively smaller with time. The time course could therefore be described by an exponential relation, the parameters of which were determined. On the basis of these data, correlations were calculated between the skin temperature at the start of the investigation and the warming time needed to obtain a good estimate of nerve conduction variables at 36°C. The use of correction factors, instead of actual warming, yielded acceptable errors only for NCV and not for the other variables. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Sensorimotor neuropathy resembling CIDP in patients receiving FK506
Authors: Wilson John R. , Conwit Md Robin A. , Eidelman Benjamin H. , Starzl Thomas , Abu‐Elmagd Kareem
Published: January 2005

FK506 is an important immunosuppressant that has shown great promise in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Approximately 5% of patients receiving FK506 develop major central nervous system toxicity, but the peripheral nerves are usually spared During 1990–1991, some 1000 patients received liver transplants under FK506 immunosuppression. Of these, 3 patients developed severe multifocal demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy 2–10 weeks after initiation of FK506 therapy. Improvement followed plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), suggesting an immune‐mediated cases. Although autoimmune neuropathy has been previously reported in immunedeficient states such as Hodgkin's disease and AIDS, it is not an expected complication of immunosuppresissive therapy. However, other have shown that this phenomeno can be produced in rats with cyclosporine A (CsA), whose effects on T‐cell subsets are similar to those seen with FK506. These T‐cell subset changes may have precipitated this dysimmune neuropathy in our patients. © 1994 John & Sons, Inc.
There are no neurophysiologic features characteristic of “axonal” Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Cros Didier , Triggs William J.
Published: January 2005

Classical views hold Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) as a primary inflammatory‐demyelinating neuropathy in which secondary axonal degeneration may occur, particularly when inflammatory lesions are severe. Feasby and colleagues proposed that primary axonal degeneration can also cause GBS characterized by inexcitable motor nerves and poor outcome. This hypothesis rests largely on the results of a single autopsy in which no inflammation or demyelination were found. Using an illustrative case report confirming earlier studies, we point out that inexcitable motor nerves (or low amplitude compound muscle action potentials [CMAPs]) are of ambiguous significance and may reflect distal demyelination, causing conduction block between distal stimulation sites and target muscles, a pattern not uncommon in GBS. Recovery from such lesions may occur within weeks with restoration of CMAP amplitudes. The recognition of a yet unproven axonal variant of GBS cannot be based solely on documentation of inexcitable motor nerves in the context of rapidly developing weakness. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Skeletal muscle involvement in tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV‐1–associated myelopathy
Authors: Gabbai Alberto Alain , Wiley Clayton A. , Oliveira Acary S. B. , Smith Ricardo , Schmidt Beny , Nóbrega Joao A. M. , Bordin Jose O. , Román Gustavo C.
Published: January 2005

The frequency of muscle involvement in TSP/HAM is not known, nor is the precise role that HTLV‐1 and the diverse cytokines play in the genesis of HTLV‐1–associated diseases. In order to better define the frequency and characteristics of the skeletal muscle involvement in TSP/ HAM, we studied 11 affected patients. EMG was performed in 9 patients and muscle biopsy was performed in all 11. Muscle tissue was analyzed using: reverse transcriptase PCR for interleukin‐1 in 8; PCR for HTLV‐1 proviral DNA in 5; and electron microscopy for viral particles in 3. We found pathologic alterations in all 11 patients. Four patients (36%) had a neurogenic process, while a primary muscle involvement was observed in the rest (64%). Four patients (36%) had polymyositis, and 3 (27%) had a noninflammatory myopathy. Muscle weakness in the upper limbs was significantly associated with inflammation in the muscle biopsy. EMG was abnormal in only 2 of 9 patients. Reverse transcriptase PCR did not demonstrate message for interleukin‐1 in any sample examined. PCR did identify HTLV‐1 proviral DNA in the muscle of 3 patients. Retroviral‐like particles were found, by EM, in only one biopsy. HTLV‐1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the frequent myopathies associated with HAM/TSP. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
AAEM minimonograph #44: Diseases associated with motor unit activity
Authors: Auger Raymond G.
Published: January 2005

Stiff‐man syndrome is due to hyperexcitability of anterior horn cells, possibly related to interference with the synthesis or action of gammaaminobutyric acid. Unexpected acoustic and exteroceptive stimuli produce exaggerated muscle responses. Needle electrode examination of involved muscles yields nonspecific findings and demonstrates involuntary motor unit activity. The appearance and firing pattern of motor units are normal except that agonist and antagonist muscles may contract concurrently. Continuous muscle fiber activity (Isaacs' syndrome) comprises a heterogeneous group of hereditary and acquired disorders that cause hyperexcitability of peripheral nerves. Some are associated with electrophysiologic evidence of peripheral neuropathy and some are not. Repetitive afterdischarges often follow the M‐, H‐, and F‐waves. Needle electrode examination reveals an abnormal pattern of motor unit firing, consisting of myokymic discharges, doublets and multiplets, neuromyotonic discharges, and fasciculations. These abnormalities may occur alone or in combination.
Primary sensory neurons in x‐linked recessive bulbospinal neuronopathy: Histopathology and androgen receptor gene expression
Authors: Li Mei , Sobue Gen , Doyu Manabu , Mukai Eiichiro , Hashizume Yoshio , Mitsuma Terunori
Published: January 2005

Pathology of the primary sensory neurons was examined in 7 autopsied patients and 6 biopsied sural nerves from the patients with X‐linked recessive bulbospinal neuronopathy (SBMA). Large myelinated fibers in the central rami (L‐4 posterior root, L‐4, T‐7, and C‐6 segment of the fasciculus gracilis), and in the peripheral rami (sural nerve) were diminished in a distally accentuated manner, while small myelinated and unmyelinated fibers were well preserved in number. Demyelinating process and axonal atrophy was ubiquitous. The diameter frequency histograms of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons showed a decrease in the number of large diameter neurons and an increase in the number of small diameter neurons without substantial loss of whole number of neurons, which suggested that neuronal size was atrophied. These data suggested central and peripheral distal axonopathy with neuronal atrophy was the process of sensory neuron involvement. Expression of mutant androgen receptor mRNA with elongated CAG repeat in the DRG and sural nerve supported the view that sensory nerve involvement is the primary process in SBMA.© 1995 John Wiley &Sons, Inc.
Case of the month. Thoracic outlet syndrome—A functional disturbance of the thoracic upper aperture?
Authors: Lindgren Karl‐August , Manninen Hannu , Rytkönen Hannu
Published: January 2005

We describe a young woman with typical neurovascular symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). A three‐dimensional computerized scan showed a “dislocation” of the first rib at the costotransverse joint. The patient responded to a conservative approach to treatment. The patient presented here demonstrates the functional compromise of the upper thoracic aperture that is frequently seen in young women. © 1995 John Wiley &Sons, Inc. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Differential electrophysiological features of neuropathies associated with 17p11.2 deletion and duplication
Authors: Uncini Antonio , Di Guglielmo Giovanni , Di Muzio Antonio , Gambi Domenico , Sabatelli Mario , Mignogna Teresa , Tonali Pietro , Marzella Rosalia , Finelli Palma , Archidiacono Nicoletta , Rocchi Mariano
Published: January 2005

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) and hereditary motor‐sensory neuropathy type IA (HMSN IA) are quite distinct clinical entities recently associated to deletion and duplication, respectively, of the 17p11.2 segment including the gene for peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP‐22). We studied the electrophysiological features of 48 HNPP and 62 HMSN IA motor nerves. Conduction velocities (CV) and compound muscle action potential amplitudes were significantly reduced and distal latencies prolonged in HMSN IA compared to HNPP. CV was uniformly slowed in HMSN IA nerves whereas in HNPP it was focally slowed in 80% of ulnar and 12% of peroneal nerves at usual compression sites. Conduction block was present in 6% of HNPP nerves but in none of HMSN IA. In conclusion: (1) HMSN IA with 17p11.2 duplication presents marked, diffuse, and uniform slowing; (2) HNPP with 17p11.2 deletion presents focal electrophysiological abnormalities possibly correlated with the presence of tomaculae; and (3) under‐and overexpression of PMP‐22 in concurrence with environmental factors might be responsible for the distinctive features of HNPP and HMSN IA. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
AAEM minimonograph #45: The early development of electromyography
Authors: Bonner Francis J. , Devleschoward Allen B.
Published: January 2005

The use of electricity for therapeutic purposes began in the first century and became more refined as the properties of electricity became more understood. The works of Franklin, Galvani, Volta, and others contributed to this body of knowledge. Development of the string galvanometer, the advent of the vacuum tube, the introduction of concentric needle electrodes, and the development of the cathode‐ray oscilloscope occurred during the first half of the 20th century. The science of electromyography and electrodiagnosis grew in its sophistication, leading to the formation of the American Association of Electromyography and Electrodiagnosis (now the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine) with James Golseth, MD, as its first president in 1953. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantification of normal dystrophin mRNA following myoblast transplantation in mdx mice
Authors: Asselin Isabelle , Tremblay Martine , Vilquin Jean‐Thomas , Guérette Benoît , Roy R. , Tremblay Jacques P.
Published: January 2005

A mutagenesis RT‐PCR method was used to detect normal dystrophin mRNA following the injection of normal myoblasts in mdx mice using two immunosuppressors. A specific sequence of the dystrophin mRNA (257 bp) was amplified by RT‐PCR from the muscle total RNA. Maell digestion of the amplified products allowed us to distinguish the normal messenger of dystrophin from the dystrophic one and to establish the percentage of normal and of dystrophic (mdx) dystrophin mRNA. Normal dystrophin mRNA was detected using this technique in mdx muscles transplanted with histocompatible normal myoblasts. For this type of transplantation, no significant difference in the percentage of normal dystrophin mRNA was observed between immunosuppressed mice and those not immunosuppressed. No normal dystrophin mRNA was, however, observed in mdx mice following histoincompatible normal myoblast transplantation without immunosuppression. When such transplantations were done in mice immunosuppressed with cyclosporine or FK‐506, normal dystrophin mRNA accounted for 31% and 36% of the total dystrophin mRNA, respectively. In fact, one animal immunosuppressed with FK‐506 expressed as much as 57% of normal dystrophin mRNA. These results thus show that FK‐506 makes it possible to restore dystrophin expression to a level comparable to that observed in DMD carriers that are usually asymptomatic. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions in a patient with mitochondrial myopathy and cardiomyopathy but no ophthalmoplegia
Authors: Takei Yo‐Ichi , Ikeda Shu‐Ichi , Yanagisawa Nobuo , Takahashi Wataru , Sekiguchi Morie , Hayashi Tetsuya
Published: January 2005

Deletions of muscle mitochondrial DNA are known in mitochondrial myopathy patients who have chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO). A 41‐year‐old patient with no apparent family history of this condition suffers from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, slight muscle atrophy, and weakness of the extremities, but not from CPEO. A muscle biopsy showed the presence of ragged‐red fibers, and Southern blot analysis disclosed multiple deletions of muscle mitochondrial DNA. This combination of clinical features in our patient is atypical in mitochondrial myopathy with demonstrable deleted muscle mitochondrial DNA. Pleomorphic clinical expression is suggested. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of temperature on motor unit action potentials during isometric contraction
Authors: Bertram Martin F. , Nishida Takashi , Minieka Michael M. , Janssen Imke , Levy Charles E.
Published: January 2005

The effect of temperature on motor unit action potential (MUAP) configuration and recruitment was studied using automatic decomposition electromyography (ADEMG) recordings from a concentric needle electrode placed in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle of 10 normal adult subjects during isometric contraction. Focally cooling the FDI resulted in prolonged MUAP duration (P < 0.001, ANOVA), a finding congruent with those of Buchthal. Focal ulnar cooling at the elbow resulted in the increased MUAP frequency. In contrast to previous studies, there were no significant differences in amplitude or turns. Greater understanding of normal motor unit electrophysiology is necessary to improve diagnostic accuracy of EMG testing © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Characteristics of the fast transport system in mammalian nerve fibers
Authors: Ochs S. , Ranish N.
Published: January 2005

The rate of the fast transport system in cat sensory nerve fibers shown by the distal displacement of a peak of isotopic activity in sciatic nerves after L7 ganglion injection with 3H‐leucine, is 401 ± 35 mm/day. A similar rate of fast transport was also found for motor fibers in a smaller number of studies. An intra‐axonic locus of the labelled material was determined by freeze‐block experiments.

Fast transport was differentiated from the slow mechanism of axoplasmic flow by injecting 3H‐leucine into one L7 ganglion and 32P‐orthophosphate into the opposite one of the same animals, the labelled components of the latter moving down the nerve at the much slower rate characteristic of slow axoplasmic transport.

The mechanism underlying fast transport is locally present all along the nerve fibers; the soma is not responsible for propulsion. This was shown by “pulse” experiments where ligations were made just distal to the injected ganglion at times from 1–3 hrs afterwards and the same rate of outward movement of labelled materials was found in these fibers without somal continuity.
Changes of axosomatic synapses in the visual cortex of monocularly deprived rats
Authors: Fifková E.
Published: January 2005

The effect of unilateral visual deprivation on axosomatic synapses of the visual cortex was studied. The deprivation was achieved by unilateral lid suture in 14 day old rats which were kept for 8 weeks. The size of axosomatic synapses in layers II to V of the visual cortex were measured. The mean size of the axosomatic synaptic contacts of the visual cortex supplied by the deprived eye was smaller (−23%) through all layers studied. In the axosomatic synaptic population contacts with flattened vesicles prevailed. The size of synapses containing round vesicles was more affected by deprivation than that of terminals containing flattened vesicles. The percentage of synapses with round vesicles was greater in the deprived cortex.
On types of interneurons responding to visual stimulation present in the optic nerve of the rock lobster, Panulirus interruptus
Authors: Wiersma C. A. G. , Yanagisawa K.
Published: January 2005

The classes of visually influenced interneurons in the optic peduncle of the rock lobster, Panulirus interruptus, were determined by single unit analysis. Each class has a restricted number of members. Eleven classes were distinguished, as follows. For light intensity discrimination: sustaining and dimming fibers. For recording movement of objects: fast, medium, jittery and light movement fibers. Seeing fibers perceive motions of both black and white objects and react with an afterdischarge when the object is stopped. Space constant fibers have the additional feature of change in location of their visual fields with body position, and each previous class has a member with this property. Unidirectional movement fibers and multimodal fibers form two further classes, of which especially the last is quite heterogeneous and divisible into numerous subclasses. It is discussed in how far the behavior of these interneuron classes may be refleced in the behavior of the animal.
The effect of insulin convulsions on the metabolism of RNA in the rabbit brain
Authors: Barbato Libero M. , Barbato Iris W. M. , Hamanaka Akihiko
Published: January 2005

The effect of insulin induced convulsions on the metabolism of RNA in brain of developing and adult rabbits has been studied. The incorporation of H3‐cytidine into the RNA of subcellular fractions did not show significant differences in the control and convulsed brains. The specific activity ratio CMP/UMP of nuclear and microsomal RNA was determined in terms of the incorporation of H3‐cytidine and C14‐orotic acid into the CMP and UMP moiety of RNA. This ratio was found to be unaltered by convulsions. The total RNA content of isolated Purkinje cells of developing and adult rabbits was not significantly different after convulsions lasting up to 3 hr. The significance of these experiments was discussed.
Relative potencies of L‐Glutamate analogs on excitatory neuromuscular synapses of the grasshopper, Romalea microptera
Authors: McDonald T. J. , O'Brien R. D.
Published: January 2005

A series of 10 amino acid and 17 peptide analogs of L‐glutamate were tested for their ability to block the neurally‐evoked contractions of the retractor unguis muscle isolated from the grasshopper, Romalea microptera.

The two most active amino acids other than L‐glutamate were L‐cysteine sulfinic acid and L‐cysteic acid. Like L‐glutamate, 3 × 10−3 M L‐cysteine sulfinic acid was able to block completely the indirect contractile response of the muscle and to elicit muscular contractions. During desensitization or reduction of the neurally‐elicited response, the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and graded, electrically‐excited potential were almost completely abolished. Of the β‐substituted amino acids, the compounds with the sulfonyl or sulfinyl groups were more active than the compounds with the phosphonyl or phosphoryl groups. Projection drawings of molecular models of the β‐substituents indicated that the size of the β‐substituent was a critical factor for activity.

L‐α‐Hydroxyglutaric acid (2 × 10−2M) induced erratic contractions which were considered the result of an action on the postsynaptic membrane and not limited to the subsynaptic areas.

Of the 17 peptides tested at 10−2M, 14 reduced the neurally‐evoked contractions by 10% or more. L‐Glutamic acid decarboxylase (10−4 g/ml) and α‐bungarotoxin (2.5 × 10−5 g/ml) did not alter the neurallyevoked contractile response.
Sustaining fibers in the rock lobster
Authors: York B.
Published: January 2005

The properties of sustaining fibers (SuF's), whose firing frequency is related to the ambient light intensity, were studied in the rock lobster. Most of the firing patterns shown under various conditions were demonstrated to be physiological, by using chronic implantation techniques. Unusual activity at high light intensities suggests that the lobster visual system is equipped to function only under dim light conditions. Unlike the crayfish, the lobster SuF's do not always indicate light levels but only changes in light intensity. It is suggested that the input from these fibers has a large influence on locomotor activity.
The effect of different types of axonal trauma on the synthesis and transport of amine storage granules in rat sciatic nerves
Authors: Karlström Lars , Dahlström Annica
Published: January 2005

In crushed sciatic nerves of rat the accumulation of noradrenaline (NA), proximal to a ligation, proceeds approximately linearly up to 48 hr after operation, as was earlier reported. After 48 hr the NA in the Proximal portion ceases to increase. The reasons for this arrest in N.A‐accumulation have been studied in the present investigation. Rat sciatic nerves were cut, ligated, or crushed at a low level 1–23 days prior to sacrifice. Two hours before death, the nerves were crushed at a level of about 2 cm proximal to the initial operations.

Using a histochemical fluorescence method, the relative accumulation of NA above the second high crush was studied. In previously cut or ligated nerves, the NA accumulation observed was very low or zero by 7–9 days, and remained low during the observation period. In previously crushed nerves the NA accumulation was also decreased to rather low levels by 7–9 days. At 15 days, however, the NA accumulation was larger again, and histochemically normal accumulation was observed 17–23 days after the initial crush operation.

The results may indicate that axonal trauma causes a depression in the synthesis and transport of amine stronge granules in the adrenergic neurons. Furthermore, the degree and duration of depression seemed to vary with the type of trauma performed. Crushing the nerves, which leaves the connective tissues sheaths uninterrupted, facilitating thus regeneration, appeared to cause a less marked and shorter‐lasting depression than cutting or ligating the nerves.
Chemosensitivity of mouse neuroblastoma cells in vitro
Authors: Peacock John H. , Nelson Phillip G.
Published: January 2005

Mouse neuroblastoma cells have been tested for their responsiveness to iontophoretically applied acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin using intracellularly recorded membrane potential and resis tance as indicators of response. Acetylcholine can elicit either a membrane depolarization (D‐response) or hyperpolarization (H‐response) or a compound D‐H response from different neuroblastoma cells of a given culture. Some 60 to 70% of tested cells gave no measurable response. A change of culture medium (from DMEM to F‐12) increased the incidence of H‐responses 2‐fold. Dopamine elicited H‐responses in about one‐quarter of cells tested, while no responses were elicited by norepinephrine or serotonin in a small sample of cells.
Effects of long‐term organ culture on neurotransmitter metabolism in the ganglia of Aplysia californica
Authors: Dewhurst Susan A. , Weinreich Daniel
Published: January 2005

The abdominal and pedal‐pleural ganglia of Aplysia californica were maintained in organ culture for periods up to 45 days. Neurophysiological examination of abdominal ganglia indicated that synaptic activity could be evoked in ganglia cultured for 21 days and action potentials and spontaneous postsynaptic potentials persisted for 45 days. The effects of long‐term culture on neurotransmitter metabolism were studied by measuring the activities of ChAc, AChE, AAD, and COMT in both cultured abdominal and pedal‐pleural ganglia. G‐6‐PD and CarnAc activities were also measured. In general, the stabilities of the enzymes in abdominal ganglia to in vitro conditions were similar to those in pedal‐pleural ganglia. None of the enzymes studied were markedly affected by culture conditions for at least fourteen days. After this time, enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, AAD and ChAc, exhibited fairly abrupt decreases in activity. The degradative enzymes studied, AChE and COMT, showed more gradual decreases in activity. The changes occurring in the neurotransmitter metabolizing enzymes after prolonged periods of time in culture are discussed in relation to the neurophysiological changes which were observed.
Interhemispheric functional differences in prefrontal cortex of monkeys
Authors: Stamm J. S. , Gadotti A. , Rosen S. C.
Published: January 2005

Monkeys had nonpolarizable electrodes implanted bilaterally in prefrontal (principal sulcus), precentral, and occipital cortex. They were trained on a spatial delayed‐response (DR) task (8‐sec intratrial delay), while cortical potentials were recorded. Three groups of monkeys were trained to 90% criterion: (A) 4 monkeys with only the right hand (the left wrist was attached to the testing chair); (B) 2 monkeys with only the left hand; and (C) 2 monkeys with the left and right hands on alternate sessions. Intermanual transfer tests were then given.

Averaged steady potential (SP) shifts of several seconds duration were found in prefrontal cortex during cue presentation and the early portion of the intratrial delay and from the precentral area during the choice response. Evaluations of these SP shift magnitudes indicated: (1) Training with only one hand resulted in substantially larger SP shifts in the prefrontal and precentral areas contralateral to the responding hand; (2) alternate hand training resulted in somewhat larger prefrontal SP shifts in the right hemisphere; (3) intermanual transfer had marked effects on the precentral SP shifts, with larger magnitudes in the hemisphere contralateral to the responding hand, but had little effect on the magnitudes of both prefrontal SP shifts. (4) Subsequent training of Group C monkeys with only one hand resulted in greater SP shifts in the prefrontal area contralateral to the responding hand and in decreased SP shifts in the ipsilateral prefrontal area; and (5) additional intermanual transfer tests had no effects on SP shift magnitudes from both prefrontal areas. These findings indicate a dissociation in interhemispheric functions between the precentral and prefrontal cortical areas, with the former implicated in motor organization for the contralateral limb, and the latter in mediation of mnemonic processes, primarily in one hemisphere. This hemispheric specialization is affected by the hand‐training procedure, but other endogenous or experiential factors may be involved.
Content of amino acids in axons from the CNS of the lobster
Authors: McBride W. J. , Freeman A. R. , Graham L. T. , Aprison M. H.
Published: January 2005

The contents of alanine, proline, glycine, GABA, glutamate, and aspartate were measured in four bundles of axons (designated areas A through D) from the circumesophageal connective of the lobster (Homarus americanus). The contents of these amino acids were also determined in individual axons within specific bundles and in the external sheath covering the circumesophageal connective. Within the nerve bundles the levels of aspartate were highest of the amino acids measured, ranging from 1.95 ± 0.12 m̈mol/mg protein in area C to 7.55 ± 0.54 m̈mol/mg protein in area B. On the other hand, GABA had the lowest value in the four bundles; its highest level was found in area C (0.083 ± 0.006 m̈mol/mg protein) and the lowest in area B (none detected). The content of glycine ranged from 1.63 ± 0.14 (area C) to 2.52 ± 0.32 m̈mol/mg protein in area A; that for glutamate ranged from 0.390 ± 0.019 (area C) to 1.01 ± 0.103 (area B). The contents of alanine and proline changed relatively little from bundle‐to‐bundle. The content of aspartate was the highest of any of the amino acids assayed in individual axons (with diameters in the range of 40 to 65 m̈) dissected from areas B and C. Glycine had the next highest content followed in order by glutamate, proline, and alanine. GABA was not detected in these axons. With the exception of GABA (which could not be detected), aspartate had the lowest level (0.066 ± 0.017) and glycine had the highest level (2.00 ± 0.498 m̈mol/mg protein) in the external sheath covering the the circumesophageal connective.
Effects of thiamine antagonists on nerve conduction. II. Voltage clamp experiments with antimetabolites
Authors: Goldberg Daniel J. , Begenisich Ted B. , Cooper Jack R.
Published: January 2005

Thiamine antimetabolites were externally applied to voltage clamped squid giant axons to investigate the possible role of thiamine in nerve conduction. Phenylthiazinothiamine, in concentrations as low as 250 m̈M, reduced peak early current and steady‐state current, with the depression of the former being two to five times greater than that of the latter. Peak transient and steady‐state conductances were about equally depressed by thiamine tert‐butyl disulfide (2 mM) and L‐586944‐00P07 (5–10 mM). None of the antimetabolites produced an appreciable change in the kinetics of Na+ activation, K+ activation, or Na+ inactivation. Thiamine itself, applied externally up to 30 mM, had no appreciable effect on either the magnitude or time course of the ionic currents. Although these data are consistent with the hypothesis that thiamine may be involved in nerve conduction, they probably reflect a nonspecific stabilizing interaction of this class of compound with the axon membrane. Taken in this light, the hypothesis that thiamine plays a direct role in Na+ channel permeability changes must be reevaluated.
Agonistic and antagonistic activity of glutamate analogs on neuromuscular excitation in the walking limbs of lobsters
Authors: Shank R. P. , Freeman A. R.
Published: January 2005

Forty‐six analogs of L‐glutamate were tested for activity on muscle fibers in the walking limbs of lobsters. Effects on the membrane potential, input resistance, and amplitude of neurally evoked EPSPs and IPSPs were studied as well as effects on applied L‐glutamate. Seventeen of the compounds studied depolarized the muscle fibers in a manner indicative of an agonistic action on receptors in the neuromuscular excitatory membrane. Six analogs selectively reduced the amplitude of evoked EPSPs, and at least three of these (kainic acid, D‐glutamate, and D‐aspartate) antagonized the excitatory action of applied L‐glutamate. Kainic acid was the most potent of the blockers of neuromuscular excitation, but even it was relatively weak since a concentration of 1 mM was required for an apparent effect. Generally those analogs in the l‐configuration which possessed activity, had agonistic actions, whereas those in the d‐configuration were usually antagonistic.

These observations provide pharmacological evidence for the concept that L‐glutamate is the transmitter agent which mediates neuromuscular excitation in the walking limbs of lobsters. In addition, our results are consistent with recent studies which indicate that l‐aspartate may also function in this neuromuscular excitatory process.
Alteration of protein metabolism in individual, identified neurons from Aplysia
Authors: Wilson David L.
Published: January 2005

A search for control mechanisms governing protein metabolism in neurons from Aplysia californica has uncovered two examples of altered patterns of newly synthesized proteins: (1) The pattern of newly synthesized proteins in the R2 neuron is altered when protein synthesis occurs at elevated temperatures (22–30°C as compared with 13–15°C). (2) The processing of newly synthesized 12,000 dalton (12k) material to 6–9,000 dalton (6–9k) size in the R15 neuron (Strumwasser, F. and Wilson, D. F. [1976], J. Gen. Physiol., in press) can be blocked by certain ion replacements. If acetate replaces chloride in the incubation medium during the synthesis of 12k material, an early step in the processing, prior to the actual breakdown of 12k material, is blocked.

Experiments with RNA‐synthesis inhibitors indicate that none of the mRNAs which code for abundantly synthesized protein species in the R2 or R15 neurons have short (less than 4 hr) half‐lives. This result has implications for an earlier report of regulation of protein synthesis in the R15 neuron.
Characterization of proteins transported at different rates by axoplasmic flow in the dorsal root afferents of rats
Authors: White F. P. , White S. R.
Published: January 2005

Proteins synthesized by soma located in L4 dorsal root ganglia and supplied to the axonal branches extending centrally in the dorsal root and peripherally towards the sciatic nerve were analyzed for radioactivity following injections of [3H] leucine into the L4 dorsal root ganglia. All proteins located in the dorsal root and sciatic nerve were analyzed by SDS acrylamide gel electrophoresis at various times post injection. The differences in radioactivity between the dorsal root and sciatic nerve proteins were mainly quantitative and not qualitative, with many proteins of various molecular weight ranges being transported into both segments. Generally, it appears that in both axonal branches the high molecular weight proteins are transported at the highest rate, medium weights slower and low molecular weight proteins slowest. More proteins of high and low molecular weights are transported into the dorsal root whereas more of those of medium molecular weight are transported towards the sciatic nerve.
Short‐lasting memory in lower nervous centers in Octopus
Authors: Young J. Z.
Published: January 2005

Octopuses with the supraesophageal lobes split and the subesophageal centers isolated by cutting the cerebrobrachial connective on one or both sides were trained by food and shock rewards to discriminate between rough and smooth balls. Because there is a greater tendency to take the rough ball, training was done with the smooth ball positive for half the animals, and the rough ball positive for the others. In the animals with the cerebrobrachial connective cut only on one side, the subesophageal lobes showed no capacity to use the information gained by their opposite, intact, half‐brains, which learned well. In animals with isolated subesophageal lobes, there was a decrease during each training session in the tendency to take both types of ball; however, this decrease did not persist from day to day. During each training session there were signs of discrimination between the balls by animals with isolated subesophageal lobes, but these also did not survive from day to day. In a series of training sessions spread over seven weeks, there was no change in results in animals with isolated subesophageal lobes when the smooth ball was positive. When the rough was positive the discrimination in its favor was slightly increased at later sessions.
Physiological properties of afferents and synaptic reorganization in the rat cerebellum degranulated by postnatal x‐irradiation
Authors: Puro Donald G. , Woodward Donald J.
Published: January 2005

Elimination of most granule, basket, and stellate interneurons in the rat cerebellum was achieved by repeated doses of low level x‐irradiation applied during the first two weeks of postnatal life. Electrical stimulation of the brain stem and peripheral limbs was employed to investigate the properties of afferent cerebellar pathways and the nature of the reorganized neuronal synaptic circuitry in the degranulated cerebellum of the adult. Direct contacts of mossy fibers on Purkinje cells were indicated by short latency, single spike responses: 1.9 msec from the lateral reticular nucleus of brain stem and 5.4 msec from ipsilateral forlimb. These were shorter than in normal rats by 0.9 and 2.1 msec, respectively. The topography of projections from peripheral stimulation was approximately normal. Mossy fiber responses followed stimulation at up to 20/sec, whereas climbing fiber pathways fatigued at 10/sec. The latency of climbing fiber input to peripheral limb stimulation in x‐irradiated cerebellum was 23 ± 8 (SD) msec. In x‐irradiated rats, the climbing fiber pathways evoked highly variable extracellular burst responses and intracellular EPSPs of different, discrete sizes. These variable responses suggest that multiple climbing fibers contact single Purkinje cells.

We conclude that each type of afferent retains identifying characteristics of transmission. However, rules for synaptic specification appear to break down so that: (1) abnormal classes of neurons develop synaptic connections, i.e., mossy fibers to Purkinje cells; (2) incorrect numbers of neurons share postsynaptic targets, i.e., more than one climbing fiber to a Purkinje cell; and (3) inhibitory synaptic actions may be carried out in the absence of the major inhibitory interneurons, i.e., Purkinje cell collaterals may be effective in lieu of basket and stellate cells.