Somatosensory effects on neurons in dorsal cochlear nucleus

• DOI: 10.1152/jn.1995.73.2.743
• Publication Date: 2017-12-24T23:12:39Z
• Authors: E. D. Young; I. Nelken; R. A. Conley
• Keywords: Dorsal cochlear nucleus; Dorsal column nuclei

1. Single units and evoked potentials were recorded in dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) response to electrical stimulation of the somatosensory column spinal trigeminal nuclei (together called MSN for medullary nuclei) tactile stimuli. Recordings from paralyzed decerebrate cats. 2. DCN principal cells (type IV units) strongly inhibited by (single 50-microA bipolar pulse) or stimulation. Units fusiform cell deep layers inhibited, suggesting that inhibition affects both types (i.e., giant cells). 3. Interneurons II inhibit only weakly never excited, demonstrating inhibitory effect on does not pass through type circuit. In vicinity DCN/PVCN (posteroventral nucleus) boundary, encountered excited MSN; some these neurons responded sound, did not. Their properties are consistent with hypothesis they deep-layer interneurons conveying information DCN. 4. Analysis produced suggests inputs activate granule system molecular layer. A model based previous work Klee Rall was used show distribution can be explained as resulting radial currents fusiform-cell synchronous activation cartwheel cells. Current-source density analysis is this model. Thus layer (cartwheel stellate cells) a second possible source 5. With lower stimulus levels (20 microA) pulse-pair stimuli (50- 100-ms interstimulus interval), three components recognized units: short-latency begins before start potential; longer-latency whose timing corresponds an excitatory component occurs rising phase potential. The usually overwhelmed could derived inputs; long-latency hypothesized interneurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)