【Animal Modeling】-Tail-clamped somatosensory stimulation inhibits the excitability of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats

  Dr. Feng Zhouyan's team from Zhejiang University, China used microelectrode arrays to monitor neuronal activity in the hippocampus of rats, and found that the sensory stimulation of tail clipping would induce different types of neurons to produce different responses. This study provides new clues for revealing the information processing mechanism of the hippocampus.

  The hippocampus of the brain is responsible for learning and memory, but its processing mechanism for external sensory input is unclear.

  The team of Dr. Feng Zhouyan from Zhejiang University, China, used microelectrode arrays to monitor the activity of neurons in the hippocampus of rats, and found that the sensory stimulation of the tail can induce different types of neurons to produce different responses. Among them, pyramidal neuron firing decreased, while inhibitory interneuron firing increased. Furthermore, tests with direct electrical stimulation on the input channels of pyramidal neurons also showed that the excitability of pyramidal neurons decreased during somatosensory stimulation of the caudal clip.

  These findings provide new clues for revealing the information processing mechanism of the hippocampus. In addition, since the hippocampus is a prone area for brain disorders such as epilepsy, this inhibitory effect of somatosensory stimulation can also provide new ideas for the treatment of diseases related to the hyperexcitability of neural tissue. The relevant literature was published in the 11th issue of June 2014 in the journal "China Neurogenesis Research (English Edition)".

  The hippocampus of the brain is responsible for learning and memory, but its processing mechanism for external sensory input is unclear.

  The team of Dr. Feng Zhouyan from Zhejiang University, China, used microelectrode arrays to monitor the activity of neurons in the hippocampus of rats, and found that the sensory stimulation of the tail can induce different types of neurons to produce different responses. Among them, pyramidal neuron firing decreased, while inhibitory interneuron firing increased. Furthermore, tests with direct electrical stimulation on the input channels of pyramidal neurons also showed that the excitability of pyramidal neurons decreased during somatosensory stimulation of the caudal clip.