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An electrophysiological study of the forebrain projection of nucleus commissuralis: preliminary identification of presumed A2 catecholaminergic neurons.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Moore, SD; Guyenet, PG
Published in: Brain Res
March 21, 1983

Using a double-labeling technique (HRP combined with catecholamine fluorescence), up to 80% of all CA-containing neurons visualized in the nucleus commissuralis were found to project to or through the median forebrain bundle area (MFB). In addition at least 90% of all nucleus commissuralis neurons projecting through the MFB were found to be catecholaminergic. In a series of chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats, nucleus commissuralis neurons projecting through the MFB were identified with single-unit recordings by antidromic (AD) activation. These cells had a conduction velocity of about 0.5 m/s and a firing rate of 0-14 spikes/s. The pattern of discharge of these neurons was not correlated with the heart rate; they were unaffected by single-unit stimulation applied to the sciatic nerve but were powerfully excited by vagus nerve stimulation. For comparative purposes, NE-containing neurons were also recorded in the locus coeruleus (A6) in the course of the same experiments; in contrast with MFB-activated commissuralis neurons, A6 neurons were excited by both visceral (vagus nerve) and somatic (sciatic nerve) stimulation. The spontaneous firing rate of MFB-activated commissuralis neurons was inhibited by the intravenous administration of a low dose of the centrally acting antihypertensive agent clonidine (ED50: 28 micrograms/kg).

Duke Scholars

Published In

Brain Res

DOI

ISSN

0006-8993

Publication Date

March 21, 1983

Volume

263

Issue

2

Start / End Page

211 / 222

Location

Netherlands

Related Subject Headings

  • Vagus Nerve
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Rats
  • Norepinephrine
  • Neurons
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Medulla Oblongata
  • Medial Forebrain Bundle
  • Male
 

Citation

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Moore, S. D., & Guyenet, P. G. (1983). An electrophysiological study of the forebrain projection of nucleus commissuralis: preliminary identification of presumed A2 catecholaminergic neurons. Brain Res, 263(2), 211–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(83)90314-1
Moore, S. D., and P. G. Guyenet. “An electrophysiological study of the forebrain projection of nucleus commissuralis: preliminary identification of presumed A2 catecholaminergic neurons.Brain Res 263, no. 2 (March 21, 1983): 211–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(83)90314-1.
Moore, S. D., and P. G. Guyenet. “An electrophysiological study of the forebrain projection of nucleus commissuralis: preliminary identification of presumed A2 catecholaminergic neurons.Brain Res, vol. 263, no. 2, Mar. 1983, pp. 211–22. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/0006-8993(83)90314-1.
Journal cover image

Published In

Brain Res

DOI

ISSN

0006-8993

Publication Date

March 21, 1983

Volume

263

Issue

2

Start / End Page

211 / 222

Location

Netherlands

Related Subject Headings

  • Vagus Nerve
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Rats
  • Norepinephrine
  • Neurons
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Medulla Oblongata
  • Medial Forebrain Bundle
  • Male