Axonal cross-excitation in nerve-end neuromas: comparison of A- and C-fibers.
1. We recorded from single afferent axons ending in chronic sciatic nerve end neuromas in rats with the use of the teased-fiber method. Axons were sought that had ongoing impulse discharge originating in the neuroma. 2. Recording from myelinated (A-) fibers, tetanic stimulation of neighboring axons (50 Hz, 5 or 10 s, intensity adequate to drive A-fibers) caused an increase, and sometimes a decrease, in the rate of ongoing discharge in 68% of the fibers tested. In addition, some initially silent neuroma A-fibers (1.4%) were activated in this way. Both A beta and A delta fibers responded, although the likelihood of response was greater in A beta fibers. We call this form of interfiber cross-excitation "crossed afterdischarge." 3. In contrast to A-fibers, crossed afterdischarge was evoked with these stimulation parameters in < or = 5% of the spontaneously active unmyelinated (C-) fibers sampled. No initially silent C-fibers were activated. 4. C-fibers remained largely insensitive to cross-excitation by neighboring axons even when the strength of stimulus pulses was increased so as to include neighboring A + C-fibers. 5. The difference between A- and C-fibers could not be accounted for on the basis of the maturity of the neuroma, rate and pattern of ongoing discharge, or use of Flaxedil paralysis. 6. The difference between A- and C-fibers is discussed in terms of two alternative mechanisms that may underlie crossed afterdischarge: mediation by a neurotransmitter(s) in a nonsynaptic mode, and mutual K+ depolarization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Amir
R
R
Department of Cell and Animal Biology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
Devor
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D005703:Gallamine Triethiodide / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects; D009463:Neuroma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*
D005703:Gallamine Triethiodide