DOCSLIB.ORG

Nervous System Compensation Following Tail Loss and Regeneration in the Leopard

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Nervous System Compensation Following Tail Loss and Regeneration in the Leopard Nervous System Compensation Following Tail Loss and Regeneration in the Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) By Stefanie Simone Bradley A Thesis presented to the University of Guelph In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Science Guelph, Ontario, Canada © Stefanie Simone Bradley, January, 2019 ABSTRACT NERVOUS SYSTEM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING TAIL LOSS AND REGENERATION IN THE LEOPARD GECKO (EUBLEPHARIS MACULARIUS) Stefanie Bradley Advisor: University of Guelph, 2018 Dr. M.K. Vickaryous Mass change is a physical phenomenon with important implications for biomechanics and locomotion. Here, we used the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) to investigate the effect of a drastic change in mass following tail loss (autotomy), and subsequent regeneration of the tail. We assessed two components of the nervous system: tactile sensitivity, and Purkinje cell neuromorphology. Using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, we found regional differences in tactile sensitivity prior to autotomy. Following tail autotomy, the hindlimbs became significantly more sensitive, while the forelimbs did not. Golgi-Cox staining of Purkinje cells showed that tail autotomy had no significant effect on Purkinje cell structure. However, after 30 days of tail regeneration, there was evidence of dendritic remodeling corresponding to the interval where parallel fibers synapse with Purkinje cell dendrites. Together, these data provide support for short-term (transient) compensation of the peripheral nervous system, and long-term compensation of the central nervous system, in geckos following autotomy. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Time to acknowledge some cool people! First and foremost – Matt – for being an incredible P.I. A major reason I joined the lab was because of your friendly demeanor (as well as super cool science, of course). As an advisor, you’re especially hands-on, but also allow for independence in our research goals. I really appreciated your support when I wanted to branch into somewhat different territory for my project (i.e., poking geckos with nylon filaments). As a result of my time in the lab, I feel much more confident as a researcher and scientist. I also feel much more confident in assessing how “peaty” different whiskeys are (mostly so I can shoot them anyways). Whatever life skills you’re bestowing on us, the net result of your leadership is a unique and motivating environment in the lab. To Matt’s family - Jalene, for always being a gracious host, and always welcoming members of the lab with open arms (and amazing food). To honorary members of the lab, Isla and Piper, for their energy and gecko-centric artwork, which usually accompanies every lab milestone. Next – to the Eublephosphere. To Sarah, Rebecca, and Kathy who have been there since the beginning of my Master’s. From practice talks, to conferences, to bar nights - the dynamic in our lab is fun, scientifically collaborative, and genuinely passionate. To newer members of the lab: Laura and Yifan (also for helping with neuron tracings), and undergrad students as well. To my advisory committee - Craig and Leah. It was motivating to have a committee that was genuinely interested in the work that was being done. I think I lucked out in that you guys were actively involved in my project, always approachable, and always helpful in providing valuable feedback and hands-on expertise. I’d also like to thank my examination committee, Dr. iv MacLusky and Dr. LaMarre, for agreeing to participate in my defense on an end-of-semester Friday afternoon (ideal for celebrating but not ideal for everyone else). To Erika Howe from the Bent lab – my gargantuan monofilament data set may still remain a mystery if it had not been for you. I’m grateful for the many hours you spent helping me with statistical planning and analysis. To my parents - for being supportive of their offspring pursuing science instead of business. To my mom for listening to me recite my seminars approximately one million times, and always being a support system. To my dad for actually asking questions at my defense. To my brother Michael for being mildly interested in my research, and to my smaller brother Christopher for thinking stem cells and regenerative biology are the coolest things ever. To my friends – for listening to me talk about thesis writing for many months, and for putting up with me continually re-scheduling my defense date (and then still taking the day off work to make it to my defense). To the geckos and mice – for being super cute model organisms (besides the biting) and contributing to science. To the biomedical department at UofG – for providing a warm sense of community, and always being friendly. I’d also like to acknowledge Starbucks for providing endless amounts of caffeine and a makeshift office for many months of thesis writing. My Master’s project was definitely a collaborative effort. It allowed me to take science from a hobby/interest, to a field that I will most likely remain in for my career. If you’d asked me a few years ago where I’d be now, I don’t think I would ever have guessed this - so that’s pretty cool. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................................................... iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................... iv LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. viii LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................................... xi LIST OF APPENDICES .......................................................................................................... xiii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................. xiv DECLARATION OF WORK PERFORMED ........................................................................ xv CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................. 1 1.1 Mass Change in Nature ................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Somatosensation .......................................................................................................... 3 1.3 The Cerebellum ............................................................................................................ 7 1.4 Dendritic Morphology ............................................................................................... 11 1.5 Appendage Loss and the Leopard Gecko .................................................................. 15 CHAPTER 1 FIGURES............................................................................................................. 19 RATIONALE ............................................................................................................................. 21 CHAPTER 2: SOMATOSENATION IN THE PNS: CHARACTERIZATION OF TACTILE SENSITIVITY FOLLOWING TAIL LOSS AND REGENERATION IN THE LEOPARD GECKO (EUBLEPHARIS MACULARIUS)........................................................ 23 2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 23 2.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS......................................................................................... 28 2.2.1 Experimental Animals and Animal Care................................................................. 28 2.2.2 Experimental Design ............................................................................................... 29 vi 2.2.3 Tail Autotomy ......................................................................................................... 29 2.2.4 Monofilament Testing ............................................................................................. 30 2.2.5 Euthanasia, Tissue Collection, and Preparation....................................................... 31 2.2.6. Statistical Analysis.................................................................................................. 32 2.3 RESULTS ............................................................................................................................. 33 2.3.1 Experimental Geckos .............................................................................................. 33 2.3.2 Monofilament Testing ............................................................................................. 34 2.3.3 Regional Differences Prior to Autotomy ................................................................ 35 2.3.4 Sensitization of Control Group ............................................................................... 35 2.3.5 Hindlimb Sensitivity with Tail Loss and Regeneration .......................................... 36 2.3.6 Forelimb Sensitivity with Tail Loss and Regeneration ........................................... 37 2.3.7 Tail Base Sensitivity with Tail Loss and Regeneration .......................................... 37 2.3.8 Tail Tip Sensitivity with Tail Loss and Regeneration ............................................ 38 2.4 DISCUSSION ......................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Some Aspects of Neuromorphology, and the Co-Localization of Glial Related Markers in the Brains of Striped Owl (Asio Clamator) from North East Nigeria
    Niger. J. Physiol. Sci. 35 (June 2020): 109 - 113 www.njps.physiologicalsociety.com Research Article Some Aspects of Neuromorphology, and the Co-localization of Glial Related Markers in the Brains of Striped Owl (Asio clamator) from North East Nigeria Karatu A.La., Olopade, F.Eb., Folarin, O.Rc., Ladagu. A.Dd., *Olopade, J.Od and Kwari, H.Da aDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria bDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria cDepartment of Biomedical Laboratory Medical Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria dDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Summary: The striped owl (Asio clamator) is unique with its brownish white facial disc and they are found in the north eastern part of Nigeria. Little is known in the literature on the basic neuroanatomy of this species. This study focuses on the histology and glial expression of some brain regions of the striped owl. Five owls were obtained in the wild, and their brains were routinely prepared for Haematoxylin and Eosin, and Cresyl violet staining. Immunostaining was done with anti- Calbindin, anti MBP, anti-GFAP, and anti-Iba-1 antibodies; for the expression of cerebellar Purkinje cells and white matter, cerebral astrocytes and microglia cells respectively. These were qualitatively described. We found that the hippocampal formation of the striped owl, though unique, is very similar to what is seen in mammals. The cerebellar cortex is convoluted, has a single layer of Purkinje cells with profuse dendritic arborization, a distinct external granular cell layer, and a prominent stem of white matter were seen in this study.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to CNS: Anatomical Techniques
    9.14 - Brain Structure and its Origins Spring 2005 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Instructor: Professor Gerald Schneider A sketch of the central nervous system and its origins G. Schneider 2005 Part 1: Introduction MIT 9.14 Class 2 Neuroanatomical techniques Primitive cellular mechanisms present in one-celled organisms and retained in the evolution of neurons • Irritability and conduction • Specializations of membrane for irritability • Movement • Secretion • Parallel channels of information flow; integrative activity • Endogenous activity The need for integrative action in multi cellular organisms • Problems that increase with greater size and complexity of the organism: – How does one end influence the other end? – How does one side coordinate with the other side? – With multiple inputs and multiple outputs, how can conflicts be avoided (often, if not always!)? • Hence, the evolution of interconnections among multiple subsystems of the nervous system. How can such connections be studied? • The methods of neuroanatomy (neuromorphology): Obtaining data for making sense of this “lump of porridge”. • We can make much more sense of it when we use multiple methods to study the same brain. E.g., in addition we can use: – Neurophysiology: electrical stimulation and recording – Neurochemistry; neuropharmacology – Behavioral studies in conjunction with brain studies • In recent years, various imaging methods have also been used, with the advantage of being able to study the brains of humans, cetaceans and other animals without cutting them up. However, these methods are very limited for the study of pathways and connections in the CNS. A look at neuroanatomical methods Sectioning Figure by MIT OCW. Cytoarchitecture: Using dyes to bind selectively in the tissue -- Example of stains for cell bodies Specimen slide removed due to copyright reasons.
    [Show full text]
  • The Neocortex of Cetartiodactyls. II. Neuronal Morphology of the Visual and Motor Cortices in the Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis)
    Brain Struct Funct (2015) 220:2851–2872 DOI 10.1007/s00429-014-0830-9 ORIGINAL ARTICLE The neocortex of cetartiodactyls. II. Neuronal morphology of the visual and motor cortices in the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) Bob Jacobs • Tessa Harland • Deborah Kennedy • Matthew Schall • Bridget Wicinski • Camilla Butti • Patrick R. Hof • Chet C. Sherwood • Paul R. Manger Received: 11 May 2014 / Accepted: 21 June 2014 / Published online: 22 July 2014 Ó Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014 Abstract The present quantitative study extends our of aspiny neurons in giraffes appeared to be similar to investigation of cetartiodactyls by exploring the neuronal that of other eutherian mammals. For cross-species morphology in the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) neo- comparison of neuron morphology, giraffe pyramidal cortex. Here, we investigate giraffe primary visual and neurons were compared to those quantified with the same motor cortices from perfusion-fixed brains of three su- methodology in African elephants and some cetaceans badults stained with a modified rapid Golgi technique. (e.g., bottlenose dolphin, minke whale, humpback whale). Neurons (n = 244) were quantified on a computer-assis- Across species, the giraffe (and cetaceans) exhibited less ted microscopy system. Qualitatively, the giraffe neo- widely bifurcating apical dendrites compared to ele- cortex contained an array of complex spiny neurons that phants. Quantitative dendritic measures revealed that the included both ‘‘typical’’ pyramidal neuron morphology elephant and humpback whale had more extensive den- and ‘‘atypical’’ spiny neurons in terms of morphology drites than giraffes, whereas the minke whale and bot- and/or orientation. In general, the neocortex exhibited a tlenose dolphin had less extensive dendritic arbors.
    [Show full text]
  • Impaired Axonal Regeneration in Α7 Integrin-Deficient Mice
    The Journal of Neuroscience, March 1, 2000, 20(5):1822–1830 Impaired Axonal Regeneration in ␣7 Integrin-Deficient Mice Alexander Werner,1 Michael Willem,2 Leonard L. Jones,1 Georg W. Kreutzberg,1 Ulrike Mayer,2 and Gennadij Raivich1 1Department of Neuromorphology, Max-Planck-Institute of Neurobiology, and 2Department of Protein Chemistry, Max- Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany The interplay between growing axons and the extracellular the regenerating facial nerve. Transgenic deletion of the ␣7 substrate is pivotal for directing axonal outgrowth during de- subunit caused a significant reduction of axonal elongation. velopment and regeneration. Here we show an important role The associated delay in the reinnervation of the whiskerpad, a for the neuronal cell adhesion molecule ␣7␤1 integrin during peripheral target of the facial motor neurons, points to an peripheral nerve regeneration. Axotomy led to a strong increase important role for this integrin in the successful execution of of this integrin on regenerating motor and sensory neurons, but axonal regeneration. not on the normally nonregenerating CNS neurons. ␣7 and ␤1 Key words: axonal regeneration; reinnervation; facial nerve; subunits were present on the axons and their growth cones in growth cone; motoneuron; integrin; knock-out mice Changes in adhesion properties of transected axons and their Flier et al., 1995; Kil and Bronner-Fraser, 1996; Velling et al., environment are essential for regeneration. In the proximal part, 1996). In the adult nervous system, we now show that ␣7is the tips of the transected axons transform into growth cones that strongly upregulated in axotomized neurons in various injury home onto the distal part of the nerve and enter the endoneurial models during peripheral nerve regeneration, but not after CNS tubes on their way toward the denervated tissue (Fawcett, 1992; injury.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparative Morphology of Gigantopyramidal Neurons in Primary Motor Cortex Across Mammals
    Received: 23 August 2017 | Revised: 19 October 2017 | Accepted: 24 October 2017 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24349 The Journal of RESEARCH ARTICLE Comparative Neurology Comparative morphology of gigantopyramidal neurons in primary motor cortex across mammals Bob Jacobs1 | Madeleine E. Garcia1 | Noah B. Shea-Shumsky1 | Mackenzie E. Tennison1 | Matthew Schall1 | Mark S. Saviano1 | Tia A. Tummino1 | Anthony J. Bull2 | Lori L. Driscoll1 | Mary Ann Raghanti3 | Albert H. Lewandowski4 | Bridget Wicinski5 | Hong Ki Chui1 | Mads F. Bertelsen6 | Timothy Walsh7 | Adhil Bhagwandin8 | Muhammad A. Spocter8,9,10 | Patrick R. Hof5 | Chet C. Sherwood11 | Paul R. Manger8 1Laboratory of Quantitative Neuromorphology, Neuroscience Program, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colorado 2Human Biology and Kinesiology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colorado 3Department of Anthropology and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 4Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, Ohio 5Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 6Center for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, Copenhagen Zoo, Fredericksberg, Denmark 7Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia 8School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa 9Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa 10Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 11Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia Correspondence Bob Jacobs, Ph.D., Laboratory of Abstract Quantitative Neuromorphology, Gigantopyramidal neurons, referred to as Betz cells in primates, are characterized by large somata Neuroscience Program, Colorado College, and extensive basilar dendrites. Although there have been morphological descriptions and draw- 14 E.
    [Show full text]
  • Neural Plasticity in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Chronic Inflammation, Neurotrophic Signals, and Hypersensitivity
    Acta Neuropathol DOI 10.1007/s00401-013-1099-4 REVIEW Neural plasticity in the gastrointestinal tract: chronic inflammation, neurotrophic signals, and hypersensitivity Ihsan Ekin Demir • Karl-Herbert Scha¨fer • Elke Tieftrunk • Helmut Friess • Gu¨ralp O. Ceyhan Received: 11 September 2012 / Revised: 31 January 2013 / Accepted: 7 February 2013 Ó Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013 Abstract Neural plasticity is not only the adaptive inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic/malignant, or degen- response of the central nervous system to learning, struc- erative—neural plasticity in the GI tract primarily occurs in tural damage or sensory deprivation, but also an the presence of chronic tissue- and neuro-inflammation. It increasingly recognized common feature of the gastroin- seems that studying the abundant trophic and activating testinal (GI) nervous system during pathological states. signals which are generated during this neuro-immune- Indeed, nearly all chronic GI disorders exhibit a disease- crosstalk represents the key to understand the remarkable stage-dependent, structural and functional neuroplasticity. neuroplasticity of the GI tract. At structural level, GI neuroplasticity usually comprises local tissue hyperinnervation (neural sprouting, neural, and Keywords Neural plasticity Á Gastrointestinal tract Á ganglionic hypertrophy) next to hypoinnervated areas, a Enteric nervous system Á Neuro-inflammation Á switch in the neurochemical (neurotransmitter/neuropep- Hypersensitivity Á Pain tide) code toward preferential expression of neuropeptides
    [Show full text]
  • Dendritic Modelling
    Dendritic Modelling Dendrites (from Greek dendron, “tree”) are the branched projections of a neuron that act to conduct the electrical stimulation received from other cells to and from the cell body, or soma, of the neuron from which the dendrites project. Electrical stimulation is transmitted onto dendrites by upstream neurons via synapses which are located at various points throughout the dendritic arbor. Dendrites play a critical role in integrating these synaptic inputs and in determining the extent to which action potentials are produced by the neuron. 80% of all excitatory synapses - at the dendritic spines. 80% of all excitatory synapses - at the dendritic spines. learning and memory, logical computations, pattern matching, amplification of distal synaptic inputs, temporal filtering. 80% of all excitatory synapses - at the dendritic spines. learning and memory, logical computations, pattern matching, amplification of distal synaptic inputs, temporal filtering. 80% of all excitatory synapses - at the dendritic spines. learning and memory, logical computations, pattern matching, amplification of distal synaptic inputs, temporal filtering. Electrical properties of dendrites The structure and branching of a neuron's dendrites, as well as the availability and variation in voltage-gated ion conductances, strongly influences how it integrates the input from other neurons, particularly those that input only weakly. This integration is both “temporal” -- involving the summation of stimuli that arrive in rapid succession -- as well as “spatial” -- entailing the aggregation of excitatory and inhibitory inputs from separate branches. Dendrites were once believed to merely convey stimulation passively, i.e. via diffusive spread of voltage and without the aid of voltage-gated ion channels.
    [Show full text]
  • The Dendritic Lamellar Body: a New Neuronal Organelle Putatively Associated with Dendrodendritic Gap Junctions
    The Jcumal of Neuosdence. February 1995, f5(2): 1587-1604 The Dendritic Lamellar Body: A New Neuronal Organelle Putatively Associated with Dendrodendritic Gap Junctions C. I. De Zeeuw,1,2J E. L. Hertzberg, and E. Mugnainil ILaboratory of Neuromorphology, Biobehavioural Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269- 4164, 2Department of Anatomy, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and 3Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (D.C.S.), New York, New York 10461 It is shown in rat that antiserum a12B/18 specifically labels Sasaki, 1989; Sasaki et al., 1989). To date, there has been no a new lamellar organelle that is exclusively located in den- description of any neuronal structure, other than the gap junc- dritic appendages. These dendritic lamellar bodies occur tion, that appearsto be associatedwith electrotonically coupled in a restricted number of brain regions, which include ar- neurons. eas like the inferior olive, area CA1 and CA3 of the hippo- More recently, antibodiesand mRNA probes have been used campus, dentate gyrus, olfactory bulb, and cerebral cortex. to detect the distribution of gap junctions, but theselatter mark- In these regions the neurons with lamellar bodies form ers are unable to indicate, directly or indirectly, specifically the dendrodendritic gap junctions. lmmunoreactivity in the in- presenceof neuronal gap junctions (Nagy et al., 1988; Dermi- ferior olive is first detected between P9 and P15, which co- etzel, 1989; Shiosaka et al., 1989; Yamamoto et al., l989a, incides with the development of gap junctions in this nu- 1990a.c; Naus et al., 1990; Matsumoto et al., 1991; Micevych cleus.
    [Show full text]
  • The Neuropeptide Cerebellin Is a Marker for Two Similar Neuronal
    Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 84, pp. 8692-8696, December 1987 Neurobiology The neuropeptide cerebellin is a marker for two similar neuronal circuits in rat brain (cartwheel neurons/cochlear nuclei/immunocytochemistry/radioimmunoassay/Purkinje cells) ENRICO MUGNAINI* AND JAMES 1. MORGANt *Laboratory of Neuromorphology, Box U-154, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268; and tDepartment of Neuroscience, Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, Roche Research Center, Nutley, NJ 07110 Communicated by Sanford L. Palay, August 7, 1987 (received for review October 9, 1986) ABSTRACT We report here that the neuropeptide To extend the study of these two structures, we have cerebellin, a known marker of cerebellar Purkinje cells, has examined and compared the expression and the localization only one substantial extracerebellar location, the dorsal of the recently discovered neuropeptide cerebellin (17) in the cochlear nucleus (DCoN). By reverse-phase high-performance DCoN and the cerebellum by radioimmunoassay (RIA) liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay, cerebellum combined with reverse-phase high-performance liquid chro- and DCoN in rat were found to contain similar concentrations matography (HPLC) and immunocytochemistry. Cerebellin ofthis hexadecapeptide. Immunocytochemistry with our rabbit has been demonstrated previously to be a marker of cere- antiserum C1, raised against synthetic cerebellin, revealed that bellar Purkinje cells (17, 18), although its mode ofdistribution cerebellin-like immunoreactivity in the cerebellum is localized throughout the cerebellum was not explored. exclusively to Purkinje cells, while in the DCoN, it is found primarily in cartwheel cells and in the basal dendrites of MATERIALS AND METHODS pyramidal neurons. Some displaced Purkinje cells were also stained. Although cerebellum and DCoN receive their inputs Biochemistry.
    [Show full text]
  • Neuromedia Combinations of Artistic Interpretation with Neuroscience Research for the Public : Tactile Interfaces : the Visual System : Cognition and Behaviour
    Neuromedia combinations of artistic interpretation with neuroscience research for the public : tactile interfaces : the visual system : cognition and behaviour Prof. Dr. Jill Scott Institute Cultural Studies ZHDK University of the Arts, Zurich, Switzerland Neuromedia My Biological Research - PHD since 1993 Digital Body Automata Premise: The idea of the human body has changed to incorporate virtual (digital), organic (material) and mechanical (artificial) concepts Issue: Researching the ethical implications of human bio- manipulation. Need: Understanding neurological development and perceptive impairment Inspirations: Neuroscience Brainport by Paul Bach-y-Rita. Neuroscientist: USA NEUROM- Neurons Moving on a Polymer Substrate, ETH Zurich “Embodied HCI interaction involves ubiquity, tangibility, shared awareness, intimacy and emotion” Paul Dourish Aims of Neuromedia Neuromedia -To produce novel media art interpretations which attempt to raise public awareness about sensory impairment -especially the per ceptions of touch and vision (sensory and motor neurons) -To feed this interest into my long-term experience of designing sensory interfaces, which help people learn about their own perception -To transfer what I have learnt about neuroscience not only to the public, but to include members of the public who are impaired in the formation of ideas and in an appreciation of neuroscience research. The University of Zurich 2003-2005 Artificial Intelligence Lab 2007-8 Neurobiology Lab. Institute of Zoology 2009-2010 Institute for Molecular Biology e-skin@Artifi cial Intelligence Lab Neuromedia Aims: -to incorporate a clearer unde rstanding of neural behaviour underneath the skin itself -to contribute to a more creative sensory technology for the disabled or visually impaired -to explore the cognitive potentials of cross modal interaction Stage 1: AI- Building to Understand Prototype 1: Controlling the mediated stage with 3 interfaces based on 4 skin modalities, 2003 STAGE 1: AI Building to Understand 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Neuromorphology and Neuropharmacology of the Human Penis
    Neuromorphology and Neuropharmacology of the Human Penis AN IN VITRO STUDY GEORGE S. BENSON, JOANN MCCONNELL, LARRY I. LIPSHULTZ, JOSEPH N. CORPIERE, JR., and JOE WOOD, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030 A B S T R A C T The neuromorphology and neuro- blocked by pretreatment with phentolamine in all CC pharmacology of the human penis are only briefly de- strips tested. Acetylcholine in high concentration scribed in literature. The present study was undertaken produced minimal contraction in 2 of 24 strips. Our to define the adrenergic and cholinergic neuromorphol- morphologic and pharmacologic data suggest that the ogy of the human corpus cavemosum (CC) and corpus sympathetic nervous system may affect erection by spongiosum and to evaluate the in vitro response of the acting not only on the penile vasculature but also by CC to pharmacologic stimulation. Human penile tissue direct action on the smooth muscle of the CC itself. was obtained from six transsexual patients undergoing penectomy. For morphologic study, the tissue was INTRODUCTION processed for (a) hematoxylin and eosin staining; (b) smooth muscle staining; (c) acetylcholinesterase locali- The human penis has been the subject of little morpho- zation; (d) glyoxylic acid histofluorescence; (e) electron logic or physiologic investigation since Conti's descrip- microscopy; and (f) electron microscopy after glutar- tion of "polsters" in 1952 (1). The neuromorphology aldehyde dichromate fixation. In addition, strips of CC of this organ in the adult has been only briefly were placed in in vitro muscle chambers and tension described (2).
    [Show full text]
  • Highlights from the Era of Open Source Web-Based Tools
    The Journal of Neuroscience, 0, 2020 • 00(00):000 • 1 Symposium Highlights from the Era of Open Source Web-Based Tools Kristin R. Anderson,1–5 Julie A. Harris,6 Lydia Ng,6 Pjotr Prins,7 Sara Memar,8 Bengt Ljungquist,9 Daniel Fürth,10 Robert W. Williams,7 Giorgio A. Ascoli,9 and Dani Dumitriu1–5 1Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, 2Division of Developmental Psychobiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032, 3The Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, 4Columbia Population Research Center, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, 5Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, 6Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, Washington 98109, 7Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, Center for Integrative and Translational Genomics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, 8Robarts Research Institute, BrainsCAN, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada, 9Center for Neural Informatics, Structures, and Plasticity, Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study; and Department of Bioengineering, Volgenau School of Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, and 10Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724 High digital connectivity and a focus on reproducibility are contributing to an open science revolution in neuroscience. Repositories and platforms have emerged across the whole spectrum of subdisciplines, paving the way for a paradigm shift in the way we share, analyze, and reuse vast amounts of data collected across many laboratories. Here, we describe how open access web-based tools are changing the landscape and culture of neuroscience, highlighting six free resources that span sub- disciplines from behavior to whole-brain mapping, circuits, neurons, and gene variants.
    [Show full text]