Bidirectional amygdaloid control of neuropathic hypersensitivity mediated by descending serotonergic pathways acting on spinal 5-HT3 and 5-HT1A receptors.

Amygdala is involved in processing of primary emotions and particularly its central nucleus (CeA) also in pain control. Here we studied mechanisms mediating the descending control of mechanical hypersensitivity by the CeA in rats with a peripheral neuropathy in the left hind limb. For drug administrations, the animals had a guide cannula in the right CeA and an intrathecal catheter or another guide cannula in the medullary raphe.

[Differences between cerebellum and hippocampus in antioxidant system].

The effect of portacaval shunting on the antioxidant status of the cerebellum and hippocampus was studied in rats using standard methods of enzymatic analysis. Endogenous ammonia levels and activities of eight antioxidant enzymes were shown to be unequal in two brain regions and to respond differently upon portal-systemic shunt surgery.