Experimental brain research. Experimentelle Hirnforschung. Expérimentation cérébrale
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Extracellular Na+ - and Cl- -concentrations ([Na+]o, [Cl-]o) were recorded with ion-selective microelectrodes during repetitive stimulation and stimulus-induced self-sustained neuronal afterdischarges (SAD) in the sensorimotor cortex of cats. In all cortical layers [Na+]o initially decreased by 4-7 mM. In depths of more than 600 micrometer below the cortical surface such decreases usually turned into increases of 2-6 mM during the course of the SADs, whereas in superficial layers [Na+]o never rose above its resting level. [Cl-]o always showed an increase in the course of the SADs often preceded by an initial small decrease. ⋯ However, the resulting reduction of the size of the ES is calculated to be less than 10% for an increase in intracellular osmolarity by 30 mOsm. This value is too small as compared to previously measured ES-reductions under similar conditions (i.e., 30% reduction at 1,000 micrometers; Dietzel et al. 1980). Reductions of the size of the ES that accompany the observed changes in the ionic environment, are quantitatively explained on the basis of the extended glial buffering mechanism described in the preceding paper.
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Cortico-cortical neurons and pyramidal tract neurons of the cat were tested for convergent inputs from forelimb afferents. Neurons were recorded in cortical areas 1, 2, and 3a. Consideration was given to both suprathreshold and subthreshold inputs evoked by electrical stimulation of forelimb nerves. ⋯ The convergent nature of the sensory inputs is discussed in relation to the proposed specificities of cortical columns. The patterns of afferent inputs reaching cortico-cortical neurons seem to be appropriate for them to have a role in the formation of sensory fields of motor cortex neurons. PT neurons of somatosensory cortex have possible roles as modifiers of ascending sensory systems, however, the convergent input which these PT neurons receive argues against a simple relationship between the modality of peripheral stimuli influencing them and the modality of the ascending tract neurons under their descending control.