To analyze the developmental changes in soma diameters of digastric motoneurons, wheat-germ agglutinin conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) was injected into the digastric muscle and visualized the retrogradely HRP-labeled motoneurons through tungstate/tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and following diaminobenzidine (DAB) reactions. The results obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal days 1 (P1), 10 (P10) and 30 (P30) indicated as follows: firstly, soma diameters of digastric motoneurons showed unimodal distribution in all postnatal days examined; secondly, the period of P1 to P10 (period 1) showed about 2 times faster growth rate than that of P10 to P30 (period 2); thirdly, the smallest soma examined in each postnatal day exhibited slower growth rate with that of the largest one (increase ratio in soma diameters from P1 to P30, smallest vs. largest =1.62 : 1.93); Finally, relative growth rates a day showed again that period 1 had faster growth rate than that of period 2. Consequently, developmental changes in soma diameters of digastric motoneurons resulted in very different growth rates between both periods. This implies that the growth of the soma is almost completing within P10 and thereafter growing slowly. The period 1 and 2 are corresponding to sucking and sucking/masticatory period, respectively. Therefore present study providing morphological changes in soma diameters of digastric motoneurons suggests that both periods and their different growth rates of the motoneurons in each period may closely be related with each other.
Animals ; Carisoprodol* ; Horseradish Peroxidase ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV) was localized in the basolateral amygdala of the rat, cat, dog and monkey using immunohistochemical techniques. In all species, neuronal cell bodies and fibers that are immunoreactive to PV were observed in the basolateral amygdala. In most of the amygdala, PV-immunoreactive cells had the appearance of aspiny local circuit neurons. Based primarily on the shape of the soma, PV-immunoreactive aspiny neurons were divided into three main types. Type 1 cells had a spherical soma and more than 3 dendrites, type 2 cells had angular and multipolar somata of variable sizes, and type 3 cells had fusiform somata and dendrites emanated from the opposite poles of somata. PV-immunoreactive varicose fibers formed basket-like plexi around unstained neurons, which suggests that PV is located in GABAergic basket cells, respectively. PV-immunoreactivities in the mammalian basolateral amygdala were morphologically similar, rather than different in all species.
Amygdala* ; Animals ; Carisoprodol ; Cats ; Dendrites ; Dogs ; Haplorhini ; Immunohistochemistry ; Neurons* ; Rats

Blocking or regulating K+ channels is important for investigating neuronal functions in mammalian brains, because voltage-dependent K+ channels (Kv channels) play roles to regulate membrane excitabilities for synaptic and somatic processings in neurons. Although a number of toxins and chemicals are useful to change gating properties of Kv channels, specific effects of each toxin on a particular Kv subunit have not been sufficiently demonstrated in neurons yet. In this study, we tested electrophysiologically if heteropodatoxin2 (HpTX2), known as one of Kv4-specific toxins, might be effective on various K+ outward currents in CA1 neurons of organotypic hippocampal slices of rats. Using a nucleated-patch technique and a pre-pulse protocol in voltage-clamp mode, total K+ outward currents recorded in the soma of CA1 neurons were separated into two components, transient and sustained currents. The extracellular application of HpTX2 weakly but significantly reduced transient currents. However, when HpTX2 was added to internal solution, the significant reduction of amplitudes were observed in sustained currents but not in transient currents. This indicates the non-specificity of HpTX2 effects on Kv4 family. Compared with the effect of cytosolic 4-AP to block transient currents, it is possible that cytosolic HpTX2 is pharmacologically specific to sustained currents in CA1 neurons. These results suggest that distinctive actions of HpTX2 inside and outside of neurons are very efficient to selectively reduce specific K+ outward currents.
Animals ; Brain ; Carisoprodol ; Cytosol ; Humans ; Membranes ; Neurons ; Rats

PURPOSE: Loss of hippocampal interneurons in area CA3 has been reported in patients with severe temporal lobe epilepsy and in animals treated with kainic acid(KA). The effects of kainic acid on the survival of parvalbumin-immunoreactive(PARV-IR) interneurons in area CA3 were investigated in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. METHODS: Cultured hippocampal slices from postnatal day 8-10 FVB mouse were exposed to 5 microM KA, and were analyzed at 0, 8, 24, 48, 72 hours after 1 hour KA exposure. Neuronal injury was determined by morphologic changes of PARV-IR interneuron in area CA3. RESULTS: Untreated cultures displayed an organotypic organization and morphology of PARV-IR interneurons in the hippocampus which paralelled those reported to occur in vivo. The reduction in numbers of PARV-IR interneurons in CA3 after transient(1 hour) exposure to 5 microM KA were similar to those reported to occur in CA1 after transient exposure to 10 microM. Parvalbumin-immunoreactivity transiently was reduced from the soma and dendrites of PARV-IR interneuron within 24 hours. Transient exposure of hippocampal slice cultures to KA produced marked focal swellings of the dendrites of PARV-IR interneurons. At 5 microM KA, more than 30% of the PARV-IR interneuron dendrites in area CA3 had a beaded appearance. The presence of focal swellings was reversible with KA washout and was not accompanied by interneuronal cell death. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that KA-induced cell death is delayed, therefore acute edema is insufficient to kill PARV-IR interneurons in area CA3.
Animals ; Carisoprodol ; Cell Death ; Dendrites ; Edema ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe ; Hippocampus ; Humans ; Interneurons* ; Kainic Acid ; Mice* ; Neurons

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical usefulness of the Schedule for Oral-Motor Assessment (SOMA) in children with dysphagia by comparing findings of SOMA with those of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). METHOD: Both SOMA and VFSS were performed in 33 children with dysphagia (21 boys and 12 girls; mean age 17.3+/-12.1 months) who were referred for oropharyngeal evaluation. Ratings of oral-motor functions indicated by SOMA were based upon the cutting score of each specific texture of food (puree, semi-solids, solids, cracker, liquid-bottle, and liquid-cup). Abnormalities of either the oral phase, or the pharyngeal phase as indicated by VFSS were assessed by a physician and a speech-language pathologist. RESULTS: There was significant consistency between the findings of SOMA and the oral phase evaluation by VFSS (Kappa=0.419, p=0.023). SOMA reached 87.5% sensitivity, 66.6% specificity, and 95.4% positive predictive value when compared with the oral phase of the VFSS. We were able to evaluate oral-motor function by using SOMA in 6 children who were unable to complete the oral phase evaluation by VFSS, due to fear and crying during the study. The findings of SOMA failed to show any consistency with the pharyngeal phase evaluation by VFSS (Kappa=-0.105, p=0.509). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SOMA is a reliable method for evaluation of oral-motor function in children with dysphagia. In particular, SOMA is recommended for children that were unable to complete the oral phase evaluation by VFSS due to poor cooperation.
Appointments and Schedules ; Carisoprodol ; Child ; Crying ; Deglutition ; Deglutition Disorders ; Humans ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVE: The basic concepts and methods applied in the techniques of Taoistic meditation, Yang- Sheng-Sul are analyzed and interpreted from the medico-psychological viewpoint with special reference to the descriptions on Yang-Sheng in the Korean classics of traditional medicine, Dong-Ui-Bo-Gam. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: 'Dong-Ui-Bo-Gam' has adopted mainly the Taoistic concepts of body as microcosm and concepts of three basic vital forces of Ching, Chi, Shen, three fields of Tan, the incorruptible essence and its circulating routes in the body. The Taoistic breathing techniques Bok-Ki and physical exercises Do-In are based upon the belief on the metaphysical views of body and life. The concepts of three vital forces Ching, Chi, Shen the nurturing of which is regarded as the ultimate goal of Taoistic Yang-Sheng are taken into consideration. These concepts can be comparable to the concept of 'psychoid function' in terms of Jung, the intermediator between soma and psyche. The concepts of Ch(n Shim(Heaven's Heart), Tao, Tan(the corruptible body), Tae-Shik(the fetal breath) represent the symbols of Self in terms of analytical psychology of Jung. Yang-Sheng-Sul can be regarded, in comparison with the Western alchemy, as an alchemical opus performed within the field of body by means of both imagination and physical exercises to achieve the state of immortality which is reflecting partly the symbolic manifestations of the self actualization in Jungian term. Authors also reviewed the results of experimental researches of Taoistic meditation on its physiologic effects and found the necessity for a more elaborated researches and investigations in this concern.
Alchemy ; Carisoprodol ; Exercise ; Imagination ; Medicine, Korean Traditional* ; Medicine, Traditional ; Meditation* ; Psychology ; Respiration ; Triacetoneamine-N-Oxyl ; Troleandomycin

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate xerostomia following intensity modulated radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer, and to analyze the correlation between the dosimetric parameters and xerostomia parameters. MATERIALS AND MEHTODS: From February till October 2003, 13 patients with 3 months of follow-up were evaluated for xerostomia after being treated for head and neck cancer with IMRT. Their median age was 57 years (range: 43~77). Xerostomia were assessed with a 4-question xerostomia questionnaire score (XQS) and a test for salivary flow rates (unstimulated and stimulated). The patients were also given a validated LENT SOMA scale (LSC) questionnaire. The evaluations were completed before radiation therapy (pre-RT) and at 1 and, 3 months after radiation therapy (RT). We evaluated xerostomia at pre-RT, 1 and, 3 months after RT. The association between the xerostomia parameters (XQS and LSC) and salivary flow rates (unstimulated and stimulated: USFR and SSFR) was assessed at 1 and 3 months after RT. RESULTS: All 13 patients showed no significant changes in XQS, LSC and Salivary Flow rates. As a result, we couldn`t find out about xerostomia development. Based on the total mean parotid dose, 3,500 cGy, we divided these patients into two groups. The 8 patients (<3,500 cGy) showed no significant changes in XQS, LSC and Salivary Flow rates. However, in 5 patients (> or =3,500 cGy), there was a significant increase in USFR and, SSFR at 3 months after RT, and for the XQS and, LSC at 1 and 3 months after RT. The correlation between XQS and, LSC, and USFR and, SSFR in all patients (13) was significant at 3 months after RT. The correlation had a tendency to the decrease for USFR and, SSFR in proportion to the increase of XQS and, LSC. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, IMRT seem to be an effective treatment to significantly decrease the xerostomia. XQS and, LSC seem to be a effective tool for predicting the xerostomia. A total parotid gland mean dose of <3,500 cGy should be a planning goal if substantial sparing of the gland function is desired. Furthermore, patients should be enrolled in a study to define a more accurate threshold dose for the parotid gland.
Carisoprodol ; Follow-Up Studies ; Head and Neck Neoplasms* ; Head* ; Humans ; Parotid Gland ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Radiotherapy* ; Xerostomia*

The present study was aimed to investigate the ultrastructure of the primary afferent terminals and whether glutamate may be a transmitter in these terminals within the trigeminal nucleus principalis and oralis of the rat. Labeling of primary afferent terminals was performed by the injection of the CTB-HRP into the trigeminal ganglion. Ultrastructural analysis and assessment of the glutamate like immunoreactivity by the immunogold technique was performed with the 66 peroxidased labeled boutons in the nucleus principalis and 62 in the nucleus oralis. Labeled boutons were presynaptic to dendritic shafts of the secondary neurons and postsynaptic to the pleomorphic vesicles containing endings (p-endings). Most of the labeled boutons made synaptic contact with the dendritic shafts. A little labeled boutons in the nucleus oralis but no in the nucleus principalis was observed to make synaptic contact with the soma or proximal dendrite. Most of the labeled boutons made synaptic contact with one to three neurofiles, but labeled boutons showing complex synaptic connections, such as those with five or more neurofiles, were more in principalis than in oralis. The average diameter of p-endings were smaller than that of labeled boutons (p<0.05). The diameter of the postsynaptic dendritic shafts were smaller in nucleus principalis than in nucleus oralis, thus indicated that the labeled boutons made synaptic contact with more distal portion of the postsynaptic dendrite in the nucleus principalis than in the nucleus oralis. The gold particle density over the labeled boutons were significantly higher than that over the p-endings and average tissue particle density. They were ranged from 110 to 430% of the average tissue particle density. These findings indicate that synaptic connection of the primary afferent terminals is organized in different manner in nucleus principalis and oralis, and suggest that glutamate is involved as neuroactive substance in the primary afferent terminals of the trigeminal system.
Animals ; Carisoprodol ; Dendrites ; Glutamic Acid* ; Immunohistochemistry ; Neurons ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; Rats* ; Trigeminal Ganglion ; Trigeminal Nuclei*

Little is known about processing mechanism of sensory input from the periodontal ligaments to the trigeminal motor nucleus for the control of chewing force and modulation of chewing pattern. Low threshold mechanoreceptive periodontal afferent was labeled with horseradish peroxidase by use of intra-axonal injection technique and investigated with electron microscopy. Quantitative ultrastructural analysis was performed on the 39 serially reconstructed labeled boutons in the trigeminal motor nucleus in cat. Labeled bouton contained clear spherical vesicles and one or two large dense cored vesicles. Most of labeled boutons were dome or round shape. All the analysed labeled boutons were presynaptic to dendritic shaft or distal dendrite and those presynaptic to soma or proximal dendrite were not observed. A large number of labeled boutons (46.2%) were postsynaptic to one or two presynaptic pleomorphic vesicle containing endings. Synaptic triad, in that a presynaptic ending which is presynaptic to the labeled bouton, in turn, is presynaptic to dendrite that is postsynaptic to the labeled bouton, was observed in 10.3% of the labeled boutons. Most of the labeled boutons showed simple synaptic organization, in that 64.1% of the labeled boutons made synaptic contacts with one or two neuronal profiles. One (2.6%) of the 39 analyzed labeled boutons showed synaptic contacts with 5 or more neuronal profiles. Labeled bouton volume, mitochondrial volume, apposed surface area and active zone area showed wide variation. These ultrastructural parameters were positively correlated with bouton volume. The values for apposed surface area and active zone area with presynaptic p-endings, in contrast to those with postsynaptic dendrites, showed narrow range and had little correlation with bouton volume. The present study revealed characteristic features on ultrastructural parameters of labeled boutons from periodontal afferent which is involved in periodontal masseteric reflex, and that influence on the postsynaptic trigeminal motoneurons showed wide variability.
Animals ; Carisoprodol ; Cats ; Dendrites ; Horseradish Peroxidase ; Mastication ; Microscopy, Electron ; Mitochondrial Size ; Neurons ; Periodontal Ligament ; Reflex ; Synapses

Neuropathic pain is often refractory to intervention because of the complex etiology and an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms behind this type of pain. Glial cells, specifically microglia and astrocytes, are powerful modulators of pain and new targets of drug development for neuropathic pain. Glial activation could be the driving force behind chronic pain, maintaining the noxious signal transmission even after the original injury has healed. Glia express chemokine, purinergic, toll-like, glutaminergic and other receptors that enable them to respond to neural signals, and they can modulate neuronal synaptic function and neuronal excitability. Nerve injury upregulates multiple receptors in spinal microglia and astrocytes. Microglia influence neuronal communication by producing inflammatory products at the synapse, as do astrocytes because they completely encapsulate synapses and are in close contact with neuronal somas through gap junctions. Glia are the main source of inflammatory mediators in the central nervous system. New therapeutic strategies for neuropathic pain are emerging such as targeting the glial cells, novel pharmacologic approaches and gene therapy. Drugs targeting microglia and astrocytes, cytokine production, and neural structures including dorsal root ganglion are now under study, as is gene therapy. Isoform-specific inhibition will minimize the side effects produced by blocking all glia with a general inhibitor. Enhancing the anti-inflammatory cytokines could prove more beneficial than administering proinflammatory cytokine antagonists that block glial activation systemically. Research on therapeutic gene transfer to the central nervous system is underway, although obstacles prevent immediate clinical application.
Astrocytes ; Carisoprodol ; Central Nervous System ; Chronic Pain ; Cytokines ; Ganglia, Spinal ; Gap Junctions ; Genetic Therapy ; Microglia ; Neuralgia ; Neuroglia ; Neurons ; Synapses