PMID: 3746404Aug 1, 1986Paper

Morphology and electrophysiological properties of reticularis thalami neurons in cat: in vivo study of a thalamic pacemaker

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
C MulleM Deschênes

Abstract

Reticularis thalami neurons (RE neurons) were identified morphologically, and their electrophysiological properties were studied in cat under barbiturate anesthesia. Intracellular HRP injections showed that RE neurons possessed very long dendrites bearing numerous filopodia-like appendages and that their axons were directed toward main thalamic nuclei. As a rule, small axonal branches were also emitted within the RE nucleus itself. At rest, the membrane potential of RE neurons displayed 2 types of oscillations: a slow 0.1-0.2 Hz oscillation and fast 7-12 Hz oscillations occurring on the positive phase of the former. Episodes of spindle (7-12 Hz) waves lasted for 2-3 sec and were characterized by rhythmic depolarizations and burst discharges. Intracellular injections of QX314 and current pulse analyses revealed the presence in RE cells of 2 distinct inward currents: a persistent current that promoted tonic firing and a low-threshold current deinactivated by hyperpolarization that generated burst discharges. The low-threshold current deinactivated with large somatic hyperpolarizations (up to 30 mV) and produced depolarizing responses that lasted for about 70 msec. In addition, low-threshold responses appeared rhythmically at inte...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.