Efferent vestibular neurons: a study employing retrograde tracer methods in the pigeon (Columba livia). 1981

I E Schwarz, and D W Schwarz, and J M Fredrickson, and J P Landolt

Efferent neurons innervating the vestibular labyrinth and cochlea of the pigeon have been identified by means of a variety of retrograde tracers: [3H]-adenosine (Ad), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), Evan's Blue (EB) and Bisbenzimide (Bb). Discrete injections into individual cristae ampullares of the semicircular canals, into the macula utriculi, or into several of these end organs resulted in similar patterns of neuronal labelling. Efferent vestibular neurons were always found within a small portion of the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis (RP), ventrolateral to the abducens nucleus on both sides. No systemic difference in the locations of labelled cells was found following injection into different sensory epithelia. Cell counts following injections into individual cristae did not differ significantly from those following injections into all three cristae. The injections into all cristae in both labyrinths yielded cell counts that were much lower than twice the number of cells labelled by injections into the three cristae on one side only. When HRP was injected into the right lateral canal crista and Ad into the right posterior canal crista, a high proportion of neurons was labelled with both compounds (61% of the HRP-labelled cells and 67% of the Ad-labelled cells). Injections of EB into all three cristae on the right side and Bb into all three cristae on the left side produced a smaller percentage of doubly labelled cells (10% of the EB-labelled cells and 6% of the Bb-labelled cells). It is concluded, therefore, that there is a considerable degree of collateralization within one labyrinth. Fewer collaterals of efferent neurons are directed to both labyrinths. Since each semicircular canal represents head rotation in one direction and one plane, it is unlikely that efferents which contact several different movement sensors can provide sensory motor control that is specific for directions and planes of head movements. Control injections of these tracers into the cochlea yielded labelled cells in a different reticular structure, the nucleus reticularis paragigantocellularis lateralis (Pgc), on both sides, as well as in the RP. It is proposed that the Pgc cells represent cochlear efferents, while the RP neurons are related to the macula lagenae, an otolithic organ of balance in the pigeon.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009474 Neurons The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the NERVOUS SYSTEM. Nerve Cells,Cell, Nerve,Cells, Nerve,Nerve Cell,Neuron
D010856 Columbidae Family in the order COLUMBIFORMES, comprised of pigeons or doves. They are BIRDS with short legs, stout bodies, small heads, and slender bills. Some sources call the smaller species doves and the larger pigeons, but the names are interchangeable. Columba livia,Doves,Pigeons,Domestic Pigeons,Feral Pigeons,Rock Doves,Rock Pigeons,Domestic Pigeon,Dove,Dove, Rock,Doves, Rock,Feral Pigeon,Pigeon,Pigeon, Domestic,Pigeon, Feral,Pigeon, Rock,Pigeons, Domestic,Pigeons, Feral,Pigeons, Rock,Rock Dove,Rock Pigeon
D011149 Pons The front part of the hindbrain (RHOMBENCEPHALON) that lies between the MEDULLA and the midbrain (MESENCEPHALON) ventral to the cerebellum. It is composed of two parts, the dorsal and the ventral. The pons serves as a relay station for neural pathways between the CEREBELLUM to the CEREBRUM. Pons Varolii,Ponte,Pons Varolius,Pontes,Varolii, Pons,Varolius, Pons
D012154 Reticular Formation A region extending from the PONS & MEDULLA OBLONGATA through the MESENCEPHALON, characterized by a diversity of neurons of various sizes and shapes, arranged in different aggregations and enmeshed in a complicated fiber network. Formation, Reticular,Formations, Reticular,Reticular Formations
D001933 Brain Stem The part of the brain that connects the CEREBRAL HEMISPHERES with the SPINAL CORD. It consists of the MESENCEPHALON; PONS; and MEDULLA OBLONGATA. Brainstem,Truncus Cerebri,Brain Stems,Brainstems,Cerebri, Truncus,Cerebrus, Truncus,Truncus Cerebrus
D004525 Efferent Pathways Nerve structures through which impulses are conducted from a nerve center toward a peripheral site. Such impulses are conducted via efferent neurons (NEURONS, EFFERENT), such as MOTOR NEURONS, autonomic neurons, and hypophyseal neurons. Motor Pathways,Efferent Pathway,Pathway, Efferent,Pathways, Efferent
D004856 Postural Balance A POSTURE in which an ideal body mass distribution is achieved. Postural balance provides the body carriage stability and conditions for normal functions in stationary position or in movement, such as sitting, standing, or walking. Postural Control,Posture Balance,Posture Control,Posture Equilibrium,Balance, Postural,Musculoskeletal Equilibrium,Postural Equilibrium,Balance, Posture,Control, Postural,Control, Posture,Equilibrium, Musculoskeletal,Equilibrium, Postural,Equilibrium, Posture,Postural Controls,Posture Balances,Posture Controls,Posture Equilibriums
D006735 Horseradish Peroxidase An enzyme isolated from horseradish which is able to act as an antigen. It is frequently used as a histochemical tracer for light and electron microscopy. Its antigenicity has permitted its use as a combined antigen and marker in experimental immunology. Alpha-Peroxidase,Ferrihorseradish Peroxidase,Horseradish Peroxidase II,Horseradish Peroxidase III,Alpha Peroxidase,II, Horseradish Peroxidase,III, Horseradish Peroxidase,Peroxidase II, Horseradish,Peroxidase III, Horseradish,Peroxidase, Ferrihorseradish,Peroxidase, Horseradish
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012444 Saccule and Utricle Two membranous sacs within the vestibular labyrinth of the INNER EAR. The saccule communicates with COCHLEAR DUCT through the ductus reuniens, and communicates with utricle through the utriculosaccular duct from which the ENDOLYMPHATIC DUCT arises. The utricle and saccule have sensory areas (acoustic maculae) which are innervated by the VESTIBULAR NERVE. Otolithic Organs,Utricle,Saccule,Organ, Otolithic,Otolithic Organ,Saccules,Utricle and Saccule,Utricles

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