Cerebellum is known as a center for sensory/motor coordination and memory storage in motor learning. The vestibular nuclei have extensive afferent and efferent connections with posterior cerebellum which can be referred to as vestibulocerebellum. While secondary vestibular afferents are distributed bilaterally in the vestibulocerebellum, primary afferents may directly project to ipsilateral vestibulocerebellum. The Purkinje cells which are the only output neurons from the cerebellar cortex receive vestibular information via parallel and climbing fibers. That information is integrated and encoded in the Purkinje cells and then conveyed into the vestibular nucleus or deep cerebellar nucleus, which permits adaptive guidance of vestibular function by the vestibulocerebellum.
Cerebellar Cortex ; Cerebellar Nuclei ; Cerebellum ; Electrophysiology ; Learning ; Membranes ; Memory ; Neurons ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Purkinje Cells ; Vestibular Nuclei

CEREBELLOPONTINE ANGLE CEREBELLUM METENCEPHALON RHOMBENCEPHALON BRAIN STEM BRAIN CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM NERVOUS SYSTEM NEOPLASMS

What is memory? How does the brain process the sensory information and modify an organism's behavior? Many neuroscientists have focused on the activity- and experience-dependent modifications of synaptic functions in order to solve these fundamental questions in neuroscience. Recently, the plasticity of intrinsic excitability (called intrinsic plasticity) has emerged as an important element for information processing and storage in the brain. As the cerebellar Purkinje cells are the sole output neurons in the cerebellar cortex and the information is conveyed from a neuron to its relay neurons by forms of action potential firing, the modulation of the intrinsic firing activity may play a critical role in the cerebellar learning. Many voltage-gated and/or Ca²⁺-activated ion channels are involved in shaping the spiking output as well as integrating synaptic inputs to finely tune the cerebellar output. Recent studies suggested that the modulation of the intrinsic excitability and its plasticity in the cerebellar Purkinje cells might function as an integrator for information processing and memory formation. Moreover, the intrinsic plasticity might also determine the strength of connectivity to the sub-cortical areas such as deep cerebellar nuclei and vestibular nuclei to trigger the consolidation of the cerebellar-dependent memory by transferring the information.
Action Potentials ; Automatic Data Processing ; Brain ; Cerebellar Cortex ; Cerebellar Nuclei ; Cerebellum ; Fires ; Ion Channels ; Learning* ; Memory ; Neuronal Plasticity ; Neurons ; Neurosciences ; Plastics* ; Purkinje Cells* ; Vestibular Nuclei

Bartha strain of pseudorabies virus[PRV-Ba] was utilized as a tracer to identify the neuronal axis of rat tongue muscles ; intrinsic muscles and extrinsic muscles, styloglossus, genioglossus, and hyoglossus muscle. After injection of 10 microliter of PRV-Ba into tongue muscles and 48-96 hours survivals, rats were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde lysine periodate and brains were removed. PRV-Ba were localized in neural circuits by immunohistochemistry employing rabbit anti PRV-Ba as a primary antibody and ABC method. Injection of PRV-Ba into the tongue muscles resulted in uptake and retrograde transport of PRV-Ba in the rat brain. The result showed a circuit specific connection of many nerve cell groups along the time sequence : PRV-Ba immunoreactive cells appeared in hypoglossal nucleus and motor trigeminal nucleus ipsilaterally as seen with conventional tracers. Raphe nucleus, prepositus hypoglossal nucleus, spinal trigeminal nucleus, Al, A5 and facial nucleus of rhombencephalon showed immunoreactivity bilaterally. There were positive neurons in parabrachial nucleus, locus ceruleus, mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, periaqueductal gray and A7 of mesencephalon and paraventricular nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, organum vasculosum of lamina terminalis of diencephalon. Also positive reactions were showed in amygdala, insular cortex, frontal cortex and subfornical organ in telencephalon. Early immunoreactivity was appeared in hypoglossal nucleus and motor trigeminal nucleus, and there were positive neurons in the nuclei of the medulla oblongate, midbrain, pons, hypothalamus, cerebellum and medial preoptic area at middle stage. Subsequently the viral antigens were found in forebrain cell groups, paraventricular nuclei, suprachiasmatic nucleus, lateral hypothalamic area and primary motor cortex in frontal lobe bilaterally at 80-90hrs postinjection. These data demonstrate that the PRV-Ba can across synapses in the central nervous system with projection specific pattern, and this virus defines many elements of the neural network governing tongue. Therefore PRV-Ba are proved as a excellent neurotracer in the tract-tracing researches.
Amygdala ; Animals ; Antigens, Viral ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Brain ; Central Nervous System ; Cerebellum ; Diencephalon ; Frontal Lobe ; Hypothalamic Area, Lateral ; Hypothalamus ; Immunohistochemistry ; Locus Coeruleus ; Lysine ; Mesencephalon ; Motor Cortex ; Muscles ; Neural Pathways* ; Neurons ; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus ; Periaqueductal Gray ; Pons ; Preoptic Area ; Prosencephalon ; Pseudorabies ; Raphe Nuclei ; Rats* ; Rhombencephalon ; Subfornical Organ ; Suprachiasmatic Nucleus ; Synapses ; Telencephalon ; Tongue* ; Trigeminal Nuclei ; Trigeminal Nucleus, Spinal

In the present study, we performed immunohistochemical studies to investigate the detailed distribution of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) in the central nervous system of adult rats. Twelve adult (4~6 month old) Sprague-Dawley rats were examined in this study. Immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies against IGFBP7 was performed in accordance with the free-floating method. In the present study, IGFBP7 immunoreactivity was observed in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord. In the cerebral cortex, heavily stained neurons were seen in layers II-VI. In the hippocampus, pyramidal cells in CA1-3 region were strongly immunoreactive for IGFBP7. Strong immunoreactive neurons were also found in the supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, periaqueductal gray and oculomotor nucleus. In the cerebellum, IGFBP7 immunoreactivity was prominent in the Purkinje cells and cerebellar output neurons. IGFBP7-immunoreactive neurons were prominent in the superior vestibular nucleus, cochlear nucleus, trigeminal motor nucleus, nucleus of the trapezoid, and facial nucleus. IGFBP7-immunoreactive neurons were also observed mainly in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. The first demonstration of IGFBP7 localization in the whole brain may provide useful data for the future investigations on the structural and functional properties of IGFBP7.
Adult ; Animals ; Antibodies ; Brain ; Brain Stem ; Carrier Proteins ; Central Nervous System ; Cerebellum ; Cerebral Cortex ; Cochlear Nucleus ; Hippocampus ; Horns ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Neurons ; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus ; Periaqueductal Gray ; Purkinje Cells ; Pyramidal Cells ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Cord ; Supraoptic Nucleus ; Trigeminal Nuclei

The pogo mouse is a new ataxic mutant derived from a Korean wild mouse. The pogo mutation is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait on chromosome 8. Mutations in gene coding for the alpha(1A)subunit of voltagegated P/Q-type Ca(2+) channel have been shown to cause phenotypes in humans and mice, i.e., tottering, leaner, rolling mouse mouse Nagoya. Using immunohistochemistry, the expression of the alpha(1A)subunit of voltage-gated P/Q-type Ca(2+) channel was examined in pogo mice cerebellum including deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN). We observed alpha(1A)immunoreactivity in the cerebellar cortex (Purkinje cell and granule cell) and DCN of ataxic pogo mice and heterozygote control mice. There was no difference in cerebellar cortical alpha(1A)immunoreactivity between ataxic pogo mice and heterozygous littermate controls (pogo/+). However, we observed alpha(1A)immunoreactivity in the Purkinje cells of control and ataxic pogo mice cerebellum and DCN. We found a significant difference between pogo and heterozygous controls in terms of alpha(1A)immunoreactivities in the DCN. alpha(1A)immunoreactivity in this nucleus in pogo was much higher than in heterozygous littermate controls. No significant differences were observed in the interposed nucleus between pogo and heterozygous controls, but we found that the alpha(1A)subunits were clearer and more abundant in the lateral and medial regions of pogo than in control mice in these regions, where only weak immunoreactivity was observed. This elevated expression of the alpha(1A)subunit in deep cerebellar neurons of pogo might be a compensation for the altered function of P/Q type calcium channel and be related with the induction of the ataxic phenotype in pogo mice.
Animals ; Ataxia ; Calcium Channels* ; Calcium* ; Cerebellar Cortex ; Cerebellar Nuclei ; Cerebellum* ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8 ; Clinical Coding ; Compensation and Redress ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mice* ; Neurons ; Phenotype ; Purkinje Cells

The purpose of this study is to identify the differences of zebrin II expression between ataxic pogo and normal Balb/C mouse cerebellum. Zebrin II is expressed by subsets of Purkinje cells that form an array of parasagittal bands that extend rostrocaudally throughout the cerebellar cortex, separated by similar bands of Purkinje cells that do not express zebrin II. Zebrin II immunoreactivity was localized in the perikarya of Purkinje cells, and the dendrites. Distribution of zebrin II-immunoreactive Purkinje cells were very similar pattern in pogo and Balb/C mouse cerebellum. But, in the lobule III, distribution of zebrin II expression was different between pogo and Balb/C mouse cerebellum. In lobule III of Balb/c mouse cerebellum, 10~15 zebrin II-immunoreactive Purkinje cells were observed and clustered to form a parasagittal bands. On the other hand, zebrin II expressions of lobule III in pogo mouse cerebellum showed a little different patterns. In lobule III of pogo mouse cerebellum, three bilateral zebrin II immunoreactive parasagittal band were observed. P1 band was almost same with lobule III of Balb/C mouse cerebellum. But, P2 bands were composed of 50~60 Purkinje cells which were immunoreactive with zebrin II. These kind of thickening in zebrin II expression of pogo mouse cerebellum may be due to the genetical difference. Furthermore, these results may provide useful information with further ataxic pogo mice cerebellum studies.
Animals ; Cerebellar Cortex ; Cerebellum* ; Dendrites ; Hand ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mice* ; Purkinje Cells

The effect of repeat exposure to 1soflurane on cerebral glucose utilization was studied by quantita-tive autoradiography using 19 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Local cerebral glucose utilization was compared between a conscious control and an Isoflurane anesthetized rat (single exposure, repeat exposure for 1 week and repeat exposure for 2 weeks) The results were as follows: 1) There was a small decrease of blood pressure in the anesthetized group, but it was within the range of autoregulation. The PaO2and PaCO2 were influenced by artificial ventilation in the anesthetized group but remained in normal range. 2) 1-CMRg decreased in most regions of the anesthetized group. A larger decreased glucous utilized region was observed with repeat exposure for 1 week than 2 weeks when compared to comscious control. but more regions involved decreased glucose utilization in the 2 week exposure group when compare to the single exposure. In particular the sensory motor cortex, and cerebral assocition areas were most severely affected. 3) There was no statistical significant difference between the 1 week and the 2 week exposure group. However significant decreased glucous utilization was seen on anterior thalamus in the 2 week exposure group. 4) Some regions with increased glucose utilization were the cerebellum nucleus, vestibular nucleus, hippocampus molecular layer and havenula in the single exposure group, Ansignifecant increase was seen in superior colliculus superficialis, anterior thalamus and hippocampus molecular layer in the repeat exposure group. 5) The order of decreased glucose utilization by funtional unit was: myelinated fiber>auditory system>visual system: other regions were ordered differently between groups. 6) The order of decreased glucose utilization according to anatomical regions were: telence- phalone > diencephalon > mesencephalone > metencephalone > myelencephalone in all three groups; i. e, rostral to caudal gradient of glucous utilization was well-maintained in-single or repeat-exposured groups. 7) There were significantly prominent regions appearing in anesthetized rat brains. They were havenular, havenulo-interpeduncular nucleus, and fornix. They were all preserved in repeat-exposure rats.
Animals ; Autoradiography ; Blood Pressure ; Brain ; Cerebellum ; Diencephalon ; Glucose* ; Hippocampus ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Isoflurane ; Male ; Mesencephalon ; Metencephalon ; Motor Cortex ; Myelencephalon ; Myelin Sheath ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reference Values ; Superior Colliculi ; Thalamus ; Ventilation

The toxic effects of morphine sulfate in the adult cerebral cortex and one-day neonatal cerebellum have been studied. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of maternal morphine exposure during gestational and lactation period on the Purkinje cells and cerebellar cortical layer in 18- and 32-day-old mice offspring. Thirty female mice were randomly allocated into cases and controls. In cases, animals received morphine sulfate (10 mg/kg/body weight intraperitoneally) during the 7 days before mating, gestational day (GD 0-21) 18 or 32. The controls received an equivalent volume of saline. The cerebellum of six infants for each group was removed and each was stained with cresyl violet. Quantitative computer-assisted morphometric study was done on cerebellar cortex. The linear Purkinje cell density in both experimental groups (postnatal day [P]18, 23.40+/-0.5; P32, 23.45+/-1.4) were significantly reduced in comparison with the control groups (P18, 28.70+/-0.9; P32, 28.95+/-0.4) (P<0.05). Purkinje cell area, perimeter and diameter at apex and depth of simple lobules in the experimental groups were significantly reduced compared to the controls (P<0.05). The thickness of the Purkinje layer of the cerebellar cortex was significantly reduced in morphine treated groups (P<0.05). This study reveals that morphine administration before pregnancy, during pregnancy and during the lactation period causes Purkinje cells loss and Purkinje cell size reduction in 18- and 32-day-old infant mice.
Adult ; Animals ; Benzoxazines ; Cell Count ; Cell Size ; Cerebellar Cortex ; Cerebellum ; Cerebral Cortex ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Lactation ; Mice ; Morphine ; Pregnancy ; Purkinje Cells ; Viola

The influence of isoflurane on local cerebral glucose utilization and local cerebral blood fiow was studied by quantitative autoradiography using 23 male Sprague-Dawley rats. rats had both the femoral artery and vein cannulated and were anesthetized with 0.5 MAC and 1.0 MAC isoflurane. Local cerebral glucose utilization and local cerebral blood flow were compared between conscious controls and isofiurane anesthetized rats. The results were as follows: 1) There was a slight decrease of blood pressure in the anesthetized group but it was within the range of autoregulation. The PaO2 and PaCO2 were influenced by artificial ventilation in the anesthetized group but were in the normal range. 2) 1-CM-Rg was decreased in most regions and there was no significant difference between the 0.5 MAC and 1.0 MAC isoflurane anesthesia groups. 3) Some regions had increased glucose utilization. They were the cerebellum nucleus, vestibular nucleus, substantia nigra pars compacta, and hippocampus molecular layer. 4) Some regions had prominent glucose utilization in the anesthetized rats which did not appear in coscious controls. They were the havenula, havenulo-interpedunculus nucleus and fornix. 5) The order of decreased glucose utilization was cerebral association area>auditory system> visual system > sensory motor system > limbic system > extrapyramidal system = myelinated fiber. This means most of the cerebral cortex and auditory system had decreased glucose utilization but extrapyramidal system was well preserved by isoflurane anesthesia. 6) The order of decreased glucose utilization according to anatomical region was telencephalone> diencephalone > mesencephalone > metencephalone > mylencephalone, which means there is rostraI to caudal gradient of glucose utilization. In other words, forebrain was more affected than the hindbrain, so unconsciousness can be achieved with isoflurane with no specific effect on respiration, blood pressure or temperature. 7) Local cerebral blood flow was significantly increased in anesthetized group, and was especiaBy more increased in 0.5 MAC anesthetized group, but some regions (cerebellum white, thalamus) showed decreased blood flow. 8) The order of increased cerebral blood flow was visual system > sensory motor system > auditory system= limbic system > extrapyramidal system) myelinated fiber> cerebral association area in the 0.5 MAC group; but in the 1.0 MAC group, it was visual system>limbic system>extrapyramidal system>sensorymotor system auditory system>myelinated fiber>cerebral association are. 9) The order of increased cerebral blood flow according to the anatomical region was mesencephalon>myelencephalon>diencephalon>telencephalon Metencephalone in 0.5 the MAC group but in the 1.0 MAC group, it was myelencephalon>mesencephalon>diencephalon>telencephalon>metencephalon. 10) There was flow-metabolism uncoupling, although much less than with other inhalation anesthetics, with low metaholism and high blood flow by isoflurane anesthesia. The ratio (1-CBF/ 1-CMRg) was four times greater than control group in the 0.5 MAC group, and three times greater in the 1.0 MAC. 11) Some nucleus of limbic system were prominent in glucose utilization with no significant eidence of limbic seizure but may have some degree of protective effect in the hypoxic or ischemic brain.
Anesthesia* ; Anesthetics, Inhalation ; Animals ; Autoradiography ; Blood Pressure ; Brain ; Cerebellum ; Cerebral Cortex ; Diencephalon ; Femoral Artery ; Glucose* ; Hippocampus ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Isoflurane* ; Limbic System ; Male ; Mesencephalon ; Metencephalon ; Myelin Sheath ; Prosencephalon ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reference Values ; Respiration ; Rhombencephalon ; Seizures ; Substantia Nigra ; Unconsciousness ; Veins ; Ventilation