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Clonal characteristics in layers of human atherosclerotic plaques. A study of the selection hypothesis of monoclonality.

Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of monoclonal cell populations within human atherosclerotic plaques. The first of these proposes a mutational origin: the second suggests that the single clone of cells with the greatest proliferative advantage is selected following repetitive intimal injury. If the selection hypothesis is true, monoclonality should be observed more frequently in the layer of plaque most recently formed. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) isoenzymes were used as cellular markers in aortas of females heterozygous for the A and B isoenzymes. Ten plaques were divided into 45 portions, each of which was subdivided into upper layer, lower layer, and underlying media. No predominance of monoclonality was observed in the upper or lower layers of plaque, with 53% of samples from each layer being monoclonal. In all, 73% of portions of plaque contained at least one monoclonal layer. The layers tended to resemble each other in their clonal characteristics, with 60% of portions having layers with the same clonal characteristics. A significant correlation between isoenzyme distributions in upper and lower layers of the same portion was observed. No consistent trends in isoenzyme distribution in the three layers of each portion were observed. The results are interpreted as providing no evidence for clonal selection as the mechanism by which human atherosclerotic plaques become monoclonal.

Aorta↗

[In vitro study of the motor activity of two muscle layers in the rabbit oviduct].

Electrical and mechanical activities in the circular layer in the longitudinal peritoneal muscle were recorded in vitro in the oviducts of untreated and estrogen-treated ovariectomized rabbits. The duration and frequency of the bursts were not significantly changed in either muscle layer by the hormonal treatment. Estradiol increased the propagation of electrical activity in the isthmus and the amplitude of the contractions as well as the synchronization between the mechanical and electrical activities in the two muscle layers. Recordings of both electrical and mechanical activities were necessary to estimate the effects of the estrogen on the muscular layers. Removal of the longitudinal fiber bundles modifying the pattern of electrical and mechanical activities in the circular layer of the isthmus only increased the frequency of circular bursts and the frequency and amplitude of intraluminal pressure changes in both groups of animals. It is supposed that removal of the longitudinal fiber bundles could have damaged the inhibitory isthmic innervation of the circular layer. The EMG activity of the longitudinal layer was generally independent from that of the circular layer in the oviducts of estrogen-treated rabbits. In 24 p. 100 of records which showed a synchronization of the electrical and mechanical activities of both muscle layers in the isthmus, the times between the contractions of the two muscle layers varied from 0.1 to 3.2 sec, suggesting that they were mechanically coupled.

Animals↗

Persistence of layer IV in the primary motor cortex (area 4) of children with cerebral palsy.

The normal development of the human primary motor cortex is characterized by a cytoarchitectonic transformation from the fetal, six-layered cortex to the adult, five-layered agranular cortex. The present study examines whether this transformation also occurs in children with cerebral palsy. Nissl-stained, serial sections through the left precentral gyrus of 14 children (age: 3-13 years) with cerebral palsy and from a control group without any clinically manifested disturbances of the motor system were analyzed. The widths of cortical layers, the laminar distributions of area 1 fractions occupied by cell bodies and neuropil, and the numerical densities and mean sizes of cell bodies were measured. In 5 cases of cerebral palsy, an inner granular layer (IV) persisted up to ages between 3 and 9 years. Layer IV was absent in other cases and in the controls. The persistence of layer IV was closely related to severe impairments of posture: all children with persistent layer IV were unable to maintain an upright posture. Cytoarchitectonic differences to controls were also found in other layers. Layer V, the major source of the pyramidal tract, was more narrow in children with cerebral palsy. The ratio between average cell body size for layers III and V was changed in the group of cerebral palsy. Thus, severe impairment of posture can be associated with disturbed cytoarchitectonic development of the motor cortex.

Adolescent↗

Ascending projections of simple and complex cells in layer 6 of the cat striate cortex.

Receptive field properties vary systematically across the different layers of the cat striate cortex. Understanding how these functional differences emerge requires a precise description of the interlaminar connections and the quality of information that they transmit. This study examines the contribution of the two physiological types of neuron in layer 6, simple and complex, to the cortical microcircuit. The approach was to make whole-cell recordings with dye-filled electrodes in vivo to correlate visual response property with intracortical projection pattern. The two simple cells we stained projected to layer 4, as previously reported (Gilbert and Wiesel, 1979; Martin and Whitteridge, 1984). Six of the eight complex cells that we labeled projected to the superficial layers, a pathway not previously described in the cat. The remaining two cells targeted the infragranular layers. Layer 4 is dominated by simple cells, whereas layers 5 and 2+3 are mainly composed of complex cells (Hubel and Wiesel, 1962; Gilbert, 1977). Hence, our results indicate that the ascending projections of simple cells in layer 6 target other simple cells. In parallel, the ascending projections of a population of complex cells in layer 6 favor other complex cells. Anatomical experiments in several species (Lund and Boothe,1975; Burkhalter,1989; Usrey and Fitzpatrick, 1996; Wiser and Callaway, 1996) had also demonstrated that layer 6 gives rise to two separate intracortical pathways. Pooling the results of these anatomical studies with our own suggests a common feature of the laminar organization: cells that project to different intracortical targets have distinct functional characteristics.

Action Potentials↗

Evaluation of smear layer removal by EDTAC and sodium hypochlorite with ultrasonic agitation.

AIM: To evaluate smear layer removal by different irrigating solutions under ultrasonic agitation. METHODOLOGY: Twenty recently extracted mandibular incisors with a single root canal were divided into four equal groups. Three groups were instrumented using the modified double-flared technique, the fourth remained unprepared. Each group was irrigated with either distilled water, 1.0% sodium hypochlorite alone or associated with 15% EDTAC between each file size. The final group was not instrumented but irrigated with 1.0% sodium hypochlorite and 15% EDTAC. A size 15 file energised by ultrasound was used with small amplitude filing movements against the canal walls in all groups. The teeth were split longitudinally and the roots measured to provide three sections of the same size (cervical, middle and apical). Samples were examined under the scanning electron microscope and assessed for the amount of smear layer by three independent and calibrated examiners. The scoring system ranged from 1 (no smear layer) to 4 (all areas covered by smear layer). Due to the non-parametric nature of the data, Friedman's test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Canal walls were covered with smear layer in the group irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite alone and the group irrigated with distilled water. Canals irrigated with 1.0% sodium hypochlorite associated with 15% EDTAC had less smear layer throughout the canal (P < 0.001). There were no statistical differences for the amount of smear layer found on the cervical, middle and apical thirds when each group was analysed separately. CONCLUSIONS: Under ultrasonic agitation, sodium hypochlorite associated with EDTAC removed the smear layer from root canal walls, whereas irrigation with distilled water or 1.0% sodium hypochlorite alone did not remove smear layer.

Dental Pulp Cavity↗

The smear layer: a phenomenon in root canal therapy.

When the root canals are instrumented during endodontic therapy, a layer of material composed of dentine, remnants of pulp tissue and odontoblastic processes, and sometimes bacteria, is always formed on the canal walls. This layer has been called the smear layer. It has an amorphous, irregular and granular appearance under the scanning electron microscope. The advantages and disadvantages of the presence of smear layer, and whether it should be removed or not from the instrumented root canals, are still controversial. It has been shown that this layer is not a complete barrier to bacteria and it delays but does not abolish the action of endodontic disinfectants. Endodontic smear layer also acts as a physical barrier interfering with adhesion and penetration of sealers into dentinal tubules. In turn, it may affect the sealing efficiency of root canal obturation. When it is not removed, the durability of the apical and coronal seal should be evaluated over a long period. If smear layer is to be removed, EDTA and NaOCl solutions have been shown to be effective, among various irrigation solutions and techniques, including ultrasonics, that have been tested. Once this layer is removed, it should be borne in mind that there is a risk of reinfecting dentinal tubules if the seal fails. Further studies are needed to establish the clinical importance of the absence or presence of smear layer.

Chelating Agents↗

Effects of N-methacryloyl amino acid applications on hybrid layer formation at the interface of intertubular dentin.

To understand the role of NMAA in the bonding of composite resin to a dentin surface, we investigated the effects of N-methacryloyl amino acid (NMAA) application on the expansion of aggregated collagen fibers, formation of a hybrid layer, and the tensile bond strength between composite resin and dentin. Four NMAA derivatives--N-methacryloyl-alpha-glycine (NMGly), N-methacryloyl-gamma-amino n-butyric acid (NMBu), N-methacryloyl-alpha-hydroxyproline (NMHPro), and N-methacryloyl-alpha-glutamic acid (NMGlu)--were prepared and applied to dentin surfaces which had been etched with 40% by mass H3PO4 and air-blown. The shrunken collagenous layer expanded by approximately 50% to 70% by volume of the original collagenous layer thickness after application of the NMAA primers. Application of the bonding agent and composite resin after NMAA treatment resulted in the formation of a hybrid layer. The thickness of the hybrid layer was somewhat smaller than the collagenous layer formed by the NMAA treatment only, regardless of the type of NMAA used. The thickness of the hybrid layer was approximately ten times larger than that formed without NMAA treatment. Although all NMAA primers formed hybrid layers of similar thickness, higher tensile bond strengths, from 13 to 15 MPa, were obtained when etched and air-blown dentin was treated with NMBu, NMGly, or NMGlu. NMHPro gave only 6.6 MPa, a value similar to that obtained when no NMAA was used. We concluded, therefore, that formation of the hybrid layer is a necessary but insufficient condition for high bond strength.

Analysis of Variance↗

Dentin morphology and permeability after brushing with different toothpastes in the presence and absence of smear layer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphology and permeability of dentin after brushing with different toothpastes in the presence and absence of smear layers. METHODS: Dentin discs were prepared from extracted third molars. Dentin permeability was measured using a hydraulic pressure apparatus working at 70 cm H2O pressure. Dentin was treated with 0.5 M EDTA for 5 minutes and washed to remove a smear layer and to establish the maximum permeability of each dentin disc, which was expressed as 100%. A new smear layer was then created on the upper surface using a #400 carbide paper under water for 30 seconds. Dentin permeability of the smear layer-covered dentin was measured and expressed as a percentage of the maximum permeability of that specimen, permitting each specimen to serve as its own control. Each sample was then brushed by a mechanical device under water for 3 minutes with constant pressure of 250 g using a medium toothbrush and permeability remeasured. Finally, 1 of 5 different toothpastes was applied on the dentin and brushed for 3 minutes. In another group, the same procedures were performed with the exception of the smear layer production, so it was possible to calculate changes in the permeability of dentin with open tubules following brushing. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination of dentin was obtained before and after treatments with brushing and toothpastes. RESULTS: Dentin permeability was reduced by brushing procedures when the smear layer was absent, but it was increased when the smear layer was present. Toothpaste application reduced dentin permeability when no smear layer was present on the top of the surface, but modified and increased permeability of samples with smear layers. SEM observations demonstrated the presence of dentifrice particles on dentin surfaces and inside dentinal tubules, and this may be responsible for the observed reductions in permeability. Smear plugs produced during dentin brushing were not removed by the dentifrices. CONCLUSIONS: Dentin permeability and morphology are significantly affected by toothbrushing and by the type of dentifrice used. The presence of smear plugs in the dentin may decrease severity.

Adult↗

A scanning electron microscopic study of the effect of Gluma CPS bonding system on dentinal smear layers produced by different bur types and rotational speeds and on the resin-dentin interface.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of conditioners on smear layers produced by different bur types and rotational speeds and to study the interaction of subsequently applied primer and sealer with these conditioned surfaces. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Smear layers were produced on human teeth immediately after extraction by burs rotating at approximately 6,000 rpm without water spray and 400,000 rpm with water spray. Gluma CPS etchant was applied for 15, 30, and 60 seconds, and a 20% phosphoric acid liquid (control) was applied for 30 seconds to smear layers. The specimens were prepared by critical point drying for scanning electron microscopic imaging within 24 hours. Additional specimens were prepared and treated with Gluma CPS primer and sealer, according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: There were only small variations in the smear layer thicknesses with different bur types or speeds of rotation. Gluma CPS conditioner, applied for the recommended times, did not completely remove the smear layer. An altered smear layer, composed of a reaction product, remained on the dentinal surface. A zone of demineralization did occur, however, beneath the partially removed smear layer in both the 15- and 30-second specimens but was only partly filled by primer and sealer. Smear layers were completely removed by the 20% phosphoric acid liquid to expose a delicate collagen network. CONCLUSION: An understanding of the appropriate treatment for smear layers is crucial to the development of improved dentin bonding systems.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

Simultaneous anterograde labeling of axonal layers from lateral superior olive and dorsal cochlear nucleus in the inferior colliculus of cat.

The laminar organization of the central nucleus of inferior colliculus includes layers of axons that may be important in shaping the responses of neurons. Depending on their source, some layered axons are afferents that are superimposed and terminate on the same postsynaptic neurons, while other layered afferents, such as those from the ipsilateral and contralateral lateral superior olive, terminate side-by-side. The specific pattern of convergence may dictate which populations of axons are presynaptic to layered disc-shaped neurons in the central nucleus. We compared the distribution of afferent axons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus and the lateral superior olive to the contralateral inferior colliculus in the cat. Injection sites in cochlear nucleus and superior olive were physiologically characterized by extracellular recordings of single and multiple units in response to monaural and binaural acoustic stimulation. Two separate injections were made in each case, and both injection sites contained units with overlapping best frequencies. Biotinylated dextran, fluorescent dextran, 3H-leucine, and wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase were used as anterograde tracers. The present results show that layered axons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus and lateral superior olive are superimposed in part of the contralateral central nucleus. Both projections were arranged in rostro-caudally oriented axonal layers that converged in the ventral part of the central nucleus. However, in the dorsal part of the central nucleus, the same layer of axons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus did not terminate with afferents from the lateral superior olive. Within the overlapping layers in the ventral central nucleus, the overlap of axons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus and the lateral superior olive was uniform except for small patches that were usually smaller than the dendritic fields of disc-shaped neurons. These data suggest that the layers may create specific functional zones in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus. One zone may contain neurons with binaural responses that combine the properties of the inputs from the contralateral lateral superior olive and the dorsal cochlear nucleus. A second zone may contain inputs from the cochlear nucleus but lack those of the lateral superior olive.

Afferent Pathways↗

Hybrid molecular magnets obtained by insertion of decamethyl-metallocenium cations into layered, bimetallic oxalate complexes:

A new series of hybrid organometallic - inorganic layered magnets with the formula [Z(III)Cp*2][M(II)M(III)(ox)3] (Z(III) = Co, Fe; M(III) = Cr, Fe; M(II) = Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn; ox = oxalate; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) has been prepared. All of these compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/m, as found by X-ray structure analysis. Their structure consists of an eclipsed stacking of the bimetallic oxalate-based extended layers separated by layers of organometallic cations. These salts show spontaneous magnetization below To, which corresponds to the presence of ferro-, ferri-, or canted antiferromagnetism. Compounds in which the paramagnetic deca-methylferrocenium is used instead of the diamagnetic decamethylcobaltocenium are good examples of chemically constructed magnetic multilayers with alternating ferromagnetic and paramagnetic layers. The physical properties of this series have been thoroughly studied by means of magnetic measurements and ESR and Mossbauer spectroscopy. We have found that the two layers are electronically quasiindependent. As a consequence, the bulk properties of these magnets have not been significantly affected by the insertion of a paramagnetic layer of S = 1/2 spins in between the extended layers. In fact, the critical temperatures remain unchanged even when comparing [MCp*2]+ derivatives with [XR4]+ compounds (X = N, P; R = Ph, nPr, nBu). Nevertheless, the presence of the paramagnetic layer has been shown to have some influence on the hysteresis loops of these compounds. In the same context, the spin polarization of the paramagnetic units (which arises from the internal magnetic field created by the bimetallic layers in the ordered state) has been observed by Mossbauer and ESR spectroscopy.

Journal Article↗

Corticothalamic projections from layer 5 of the vibrissal barrel cortex in the rat.

This study bears on the projections of layer 5 cells of the vibrissal sensory cortex to the somatosensory thalamus in rats. Small groups of cells were labeled with biotinylated dextran amine (BDA), and their axonal arborizations were individually reconstructed from horizontal sections counterstained for cytochrome oxidase. Results show that the vast majority ( approximately 95%) of layer 5 axons that innervate the somatosensory thalamus are collaterals of corticofugal fibers that project to the brainstem. The anterior pretectal nucleus, the deep layers of the superior colliculus, and the pontine nuclei are among the structures most often coinnervated. In the thalamus, layer 5 axons terminate exclusively in the dorsal part of the posterior group (Po), where they form clusters of large terminations. Because dorsal Po projects to multiple cortical areas, we sought to determine whether all recipient areas return a layer 5 projection to this part of the thalamus. Additional experiments using fluoro-gold and BDA injections provided evidence that the primary somatosensory area is the sole source of layer 5 projections to dorsal Po but that this thalamic region receives convergent layer 6 projections from the primary and second somatosensory areas and from the motor and insular cortices. These results show that layer 5 projections do not overlap in associative thalamic nuclei, thus defining area-related subdivisions. Furthermore, the coinnervation of brainstem nuclei by layer 5 CT axons suggests that this pathway conveys to the thalamus a copy of the cortical output aimed at brainstem structures.

Animals↗

45S5 bioactive glass surface charge variations and the formation of a surface calcium phosphate layer in a solution containing fibronectin.

This study investigated the effect of fibronectin adsorption on surface charge variations and calcium phosphate (Ca-P) layer formation kinetics on the surface of 45S5 bioactive glass (BG). We hypothesize that the adsorption of fibronectin on BG changes the surface charge and alters the kinetics of Ca-P layer formation on the glass surface. The charge at a material's surface modulates surface chemistry, protein adsorption, and interactions with bone cells. The zeta potential of BG in a solution containing human plasma fibronectin (TE-FN) was measured as a function of time by particle electrophoresis, and Ca-P layer formation was characterized using SEM, EDXA, and FTIR. Si, Ca, and P solution concentrations also were determined. It was found that the adsorption of fibronectin reduced the initial electronegativity of the BG surface and delayed the formation of both the amorphous and the crystalline Ca-P layers. The delayed formation of these surface layers may be attributed to the competitive binding of Ca2+ ions by the fibronectin molecule. In addition, the formation of an amorphous Ca-P layer correlated with the reversal from a negatively to a positively charged surface, independent of the presence of fibronectin. The addition of a single protein (in this case fibronectin) can significantly alter material surface parameters, such as charge, and subsequently affect the formation of a surface Ca-P layer. Furthermore, the formation of an amorphous Ca-P layer is an important event in the reactions leading to bioactive behavior, and proteins such as FN are actively involved in the transformation of the surface into a Ca-P layer.

Adsorption↗

Prospective randomized study of one- or two-layer anastomosis following oesophageal resection and cervical oesophagogastrostomy.

In a prospective randomized study, one- and two-layer anastomoses were compared following subtotal oesophagectomy and gastric substitution with cervical oesophagogastric anastomosis. After 54 one- and 53 two-layer procedures the rates of anastomotic leakage were the same (19 per cent). After a mean follow-up of 44 weeks, 13 of 51 patients (25 per cent) undergoing one-layer anastomosis and 28 of 50 (56 per cent) having the two-layer procedure complained of cervical dysphagia and required dilatation. The anastomotic strictures were fibrotic in 11 of 51 patients (22 per cent) undergoing one-layer anastomosis and in 24 of 50 (48 per cent) receiving the two-layer operation. Strictures were malignant in two and four patients (4 and 8 per cent) respectively. The lower incidence of fibrotic stricture following one-layer anastomosis was significant (P < 0.01), but not that of malignant stricture. With comparable leakage rates, one-layer anastomosis is superior to the two-layer procedure because of the lower incidence of fibrotic stricture.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Fundamental differences between the thalamocortical recipient layers of the cat auditory and visual cortices.

In visual and somatosensory cortices of several species, spiny stellate cells in layer 4 are the first elements in signal processing where thalamic information is integrated and emergent receptive field properties are generated and sent on to more superficial cortical layers. In vivo and in vitro experiments have provided important information about how the anatomy and physiology of these cells and this layer fit into the functional cortical circuitry. No such data exist for the auditory cortex but are requisite if we are to understand whether ideas about information processing in one sensory cortical area can be generalized to another. Accordingly, we used in vitro slices from which to record and labeled cells in the middle layers of the cat auditory and visual cortices to compare basic anatomical and physiological features of cells recovered in similar layers using the same methods. Our results demonstrate a striking difference in a basic characteristic of two primary sensory cortical areas. In the visual cortex, spiny stellate cells predominate, receive short-latency synaptic inputs, and project to supergranular layers. No such spiny stellate population is encountered in the middle layers of the auditory cortex. Spiny cells that are not stellate or pyramidal are occasionally encountered but, as a group, do not display consistent anatomical or physiological features that might allow them to function as auditory cortical versions of the visual spiny stellates. Rather, pyramidal cells in the lower half of layer 3 and layer 4 appear to have assumed this role.

Animals↗

Matching populations of amacrine cells in the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers of the rabbit retina.

In rabbit retina, neurofibrillar methods stain two populations of amacrines whose cell before are located on either side of the inner plexiform layer: one in the ganglion cell layer and the other at the inner margin of the inner nuclear layer. The stained amacrines in the ganglion cell layer have the distinctive cytology of "coronate" amacrines described from Nissl-stained retina (Vaney, '80a) and account from about 85% of the displaced amacrines in the rabbit retina. The coronate amacrines have a streak topography similar to that of the ganglion cells; they comprise about 32% of the neurons in the ganglion cells layer although their proportion increases with eccentricity from the visual streak. The cytology of the neurofibrillar stained amacrines in the inner nuclear layer resembles that of the displaced amacrines and their densities are almost equal. The cell bodies of the stained amacrines are smaller than those of the displaced amacrines but larger than most others in the inner nuclear layer; they account for some 2% of the neurons in the amacrine sublayer. Although the cell bodies of both populations are distributed rather evenly, the mosaic of the inner nuclear layer cells is more regular than that of the ganglion layer cells. We propose that the two populations of amacrines stained by neurofibrillar methods correspond to the acetylcholine synthesizing cells labelled by Masland and Mills ('79).

Animals↗

Structure of layer II in cat primary auditory cortex (AI).

The cytoarchitecture, myeloarchitecture, neuronal architecture, and intrinsic and laminar organization of layer II were studied in the primary auditory cortex (AI) of adult cats. The chief goal was to describe the different types of cells and axons to provide a framework for experimental studies of corticocortical connections or of neurons accumulating putative neurotransmitters. A further goal was to differentiate layer II from layer III. Layer II extends from 150-200 micron to about 400 micron beneath the pia and has two subparts. The superficial stratum, layer IIa, has many small, chiefly non-pyramidal neurons, primarily with round or oval perikarya, and a sparse, fine, and irregularly arranged axonal plexus. Layer IIb somata are larger and more densely packed and there is a more developed vertical and lateral axonal plexus. The border with layer III was marked by numerous large pyramidal cells with a thicker apical dendrite with more developed basal dendritic arbors than those of layer II pyramidal cells. Eight varieties of neurons were recognized in Golgi-impregnated material. These included small and medium-sized pyramidal cells, whose apical dendrites often ramified in layer I; bipolar and bitufted cells with polarized, sparse dendritic arbors; small smooth or sparsely spinous multipolar cells with radiating dendrites and small dendritic fields; spinous multipolar cells, whose large dendritic fields had more extensive apical than basal arbors; large sparsely spinous multipolar cells with smooth, robust apical dendrites; tufted multipolar cells with highly developed apical dendrites and some dendritic appendages; and extraverted multipolar cells with a broad, candelabra-shaped dendritic configuration, and with most dendrites oriented at right angles to the pia. The axons of the different cell types had the following general dispositions: those arising from the pyramidal cells could often be traced into the white matter but had many local branches as well; those of the other neurons had more or less extensive local axonal collateral systems and fewer branches which appeared to be corticofugal. However, the complete trajectory of the axons was not always impregnated in the adult material.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Morphological types of projection neurons in layer 5 of cat visual cortex.

Pyramidal cells in layer 5 of the visual cortex have multiple cortical and subcortical projection sites. Previous studies found that many cells possess bifurcating axons and innervate more than one cortical or subcortical target, but cells projecting to both cortical and subcortical targets were not observed. The present study examines the morphology of cells in cat visual cortex projecting to the superior colliculus, the main subcortical target of layer 5, and cells in layer 5 projecting to cortical areas 18 and 19. The neurons that give rise to these different projections were retrogradely labelled and intracellularly stained in living brain slices. Our results show that cells within each projection group have several morphological features in common. All corticotectal cells have a long apical dendrite forming a large terminal tuft in layer 1. Their cell bodies are medium sized to large, and their basal dendrites form a dense and symmetrical dendritic field. Corticocortical cells in layer 5 have a very different morphology: their apical dendrites are short and they never reach higher than layers 2/3. Their cells bodies are small to medium sized and they have fewer basal dendrites than corticotectal cells. Thus there are two morphologically distinct projection systems in layer 5, one projecting to cortical and the other one to subcortical targets, suggesting that these two systems transmit different information from the visual cortex. Among the corticotectal cells with the largest cell bodies we found some cells whose basal and apical dendrites were almost devoid of spines. Spiny and spinefree corticotectal cells also have different intrinsic axon collaterals and therefore play different roles in the cortical circuitry. While many spiny corticotectal cells have axon collaterals that project to layer 6, spinefree corticotectal cells have fewer axon collaterals and these do not arborize in layer 6. We suggest that the two morphological types of corticotectal cells might be related to functional differences known to exist among these cells. We discuss how the presence or absence of spines affects the integration of the synaptic input and how this might be related to the cells' functional properties.

Animals↗