This is supported by Aoki and colleagues, who have identified NGF-responsive nerve fibres as the predominant neuronal subtype innervating the peripheral regions of the healthy annulus fibrosus [ 11].
This highlights a novel function for BDNF in possible innervation in the degenerate IVD, although further work elucidating its exact role is necessary and should include investigation of BDNF-responsive nerves within the degenerate IVD.
In contrast, hemicholinium-3 binding to the presynaptic choline transporter, which is responsive to nerve impulse activity, displayed marked suppression in the animals exposed to CPF; despite a return to nearly normal values by weaning, deficits were again apparent in adolescence and adulthood.
Thirty-three cells responsive to splanchnic nerve and median nerve stimulation were antidromically driven from the intermediolateral columns, T2 T4, indicating their function as premotor sympathetic neurons.
Choline acetyltransferase activity (ChAT) and [3H]hemicholinium-3 binding (HC-3) were monitored; ChAT is a static marker that closely reflects the density of cholinergic innervation, whereas HC-3 binding, which labels the presynaptic high-affinity choline transporter, is responsive additionally to nerve impulse activity.
Hypokalemia leads to hyperpolarization of muscle cells, making the neuromuscular junction less responsive to normal nerve impulses and leading to decreased contractility of the muscles.
Communication of sensory nerves responsive to noxious stimuli (chemical, mechanical, or inflammatory) with the central nervous system occurs via vagal, pelvic, and splanchnic nerve pathways [11, 12].
Furthermore, significant expression of neuroligin 1 in the wings and legs (Table 4) suggests a putative role in nerve endings responsive to sensory input.
For example, NTS neurons responsive to gastric vagal nerve stimulation are also activated by electrical stimulation of the PVH, a key feeding center [25].
Isolated pulmonary vagal afferent nerves are responsive to TRPV1 stimulation.
