The Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus in the Cat

ISBN-13: 9783540665243 / Angielski / Miękka / 1999 / 103 str.

N. E. Lazarov

Opis

The book summarizes our current understanding of the ultrastructure and synaptic organization of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MTN) in the cat as well as the neurochemistry of its neuronal population. Particular emphasis is given to the survey of synaptic connections and the possible physiological involvement of MTN inputs in the transmission of proprioceptive information. Using immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization histochemistry we have identified distinct neuronal, partly chemically coded MTN subpopulations - large glutamatergic and smaller GABAergic neurons. We also show that MTN receive catecholaminergic and peptidergic innervation. The levels of transmitter substances vary according to the environmental conditions thus implying the neurochemical plasticity of MTN neurons.

Spis treści

1 Introduction.- 2 Materials and Methods.- 2.1. Animals.- 2.2 Electron Microscopy.- 2.3 Immunocytochemical Experiments.- 2.4 In Situ Hybridization Histochemistry.- 2.5. Peripheral Nerve Axotomy.- 2.6 Data and Image Analysis.- 3 Results.- 3.1 Normal Morphology of the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus.- 3.1.1 Ultrastructure of the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus.- 3.1.2 Synaptic Organization of the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus.- 3.2 Neurochemistry of the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus.- 3.2.1 Classical Neurotransmitters.- 3.2.1.1 Excitatory Amino Acids.- 3.2.1.2 Inhibitory Amino Acids.- 3.2.1.3 Monoamines.- 3.2.2 Neuropeptides.- 3.2.2.1 Substance P.- 3.2.2.2 Bombesin.- 3.2.2.3 Enkephalins.- 3.2.2.4 Cholecystokinin.- 3.2.2.5 Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide.- 3.2.2.6 Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide.- 3.2.2.7 Galanin.- 3.2.2.8 Neuropeptide Y.- 3.2.2.9 Arginine Vasopressin.- 3.2.3 Other Neuroactive Agents.- 3.2.3.1 Nitric Oxide.- 3.2.3.2 Calcium-Binding Proteins.- 3.2.4 Receptors in Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus Neurons.- 3.2.5 Axotomy-Induced Changes in Neurochemical Content of Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus Neurons.- 4 Discussion.- 4.1 Structural and Synaptic Organization of the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus.- 4.2 Connections of the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus.- 4.3 Neurochemistry of the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus.- 4.3.1 Classical Neurotransmitters and Their Known Receptors.- 4.3.2 Neuropeptides.- 4.3.3 Other Neuroactive Substances.- 4.4 Neurochemical Plasticity of Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus Neurons.- 4.5 Functional Considerations.- 4.6 Conclusions and Future Directions.- 5 Summary.- References.