Central inputs mask multiple adult neural networks within a single embryonic network

It is usually assumed that, after construction of basic network architecture in embryos, immature networks undergo progressive maturation to acquire their adult properties. We examine this assumption in the context of the lobster stomatogastric nervous system. In the lobster, the neuronal population that will form this system is at first orgnanized into a single embryonic network that generates a single rhythmic pattern. The system then splits into different functional adult networks controlled by central descending systems; these adult networks produce multiple motor programmes, distinctively different from the single output of the embryonic network. We show here that the single embryonic network can produce multiple adult-like programmes. This occurs after the embryonic network is silenced by removal of central inputs, then pharmacologically stimulated to restore rhythmicity. Furthermore, restoration of the flow of descending information reversed the adult-like pattern to an embryonic pattern. This indicates that the embryonic network possesses the ability to express adult-like network characteristics, but descending information prevents it from doing so. Functional adult networks may therefore not necessarily be derived from progressive ontogenetic changes in networks themselves, but may result from maturation of descending systems that unmask preexisting adult networks in an embryonic system.     

Radiation induced avoidance behavior transfer by brain extracts of mice

Zusammenfassung In «naiven» Mäusen werden Verhaltensveränderungen nach Injektion kleiner Mengen von Gehirnmaterial aus Saccharin bevorzugenden und röntgenbestrahlten Mäusen beobachtet. Es trat Vermeidung der Saccharinlösung ein, und zwar ähnlich wie sonst in «trainierten», Saccharin bevorzugenden Tieren nach der Bestrahlung.     

125I-Insulin is preferentially internalized in regions of the hepatocytes rich in lysosomal and Golgi structures

Summary ¹²⁵I-Insulin initially localizes to the plasma membrane of isolated rat hepatocytes but is subsequently internalized and preferentially associates with lysosomal structures. In the present study, we show that this preferential association to lysosomes occurs in regions of the cell rich in lysosomal and Golgi structures.This work was performed while Dr Gorden was visiting professor of the Institute of Histology and Embryology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.This work was supported by grant No. 3.120.77 from Swiss National Science Foundation. We thank M.M. Sidler-Ansermet, O. Jerotic and N. Maalaoui for their valuable help.     

Variations in cardiac noradrenaline content during sodium loading in hypertension prone and resistant rats

Summary The cardiac catecholamine content of Sabra rats and their 2 genetically derived substrains, hypertension prone and resistant rats, was studied by high pressure liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection. Both in the control period and after sodium and DOCA administration the cardiac noradrenaline level is higher in hypertension resistant rats than in Sabra rats, and also higher than in hypertension prone rats. This finding suggests that a reduction of the cardiac sympathetic nervous tone is involved in the genetic resistance to sodium.     

Physical performance and Darwinian fitness in lizards

Strong evidence for a genetic basis of variation in physical performance has accumulated. Considering one of the basic tenets of evolutionary physiology--that physical performance and darwinian fitness are tightly linked--one may expect phenotypes with exceptional physiological capacities to be promoted by natural selection. Why then does physical performance remain considerably variable in human and other animal populations? Our analysis of locomotor performance in the common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) demonstrates that initial endurance (running time to exhaustion measured at birth) is indeed highly heritable, but natural selection in favour of this trait can be unexpectedly weak. A manipulation of dietary conditions unravels a proximate mechanism explaining this pattern. Fully fed individuals experience a marked reversal of performance within only one month after birth: juveniles with low endurance catch up, whereas individuals with high endurance lose their advantage. In contrast, dietary restriction allows highly endurant neonates to retain their locomotor superiority as they age. Thus, the expression of a genetic predisposition to high physical performance strongly depends on the environment experienced early in life.