Abstract
Neuronal activity was recorded in 7 awake cats (3 animals 11-15 years and 4 animals 1-3 years of age) to determine if the ability of caudate neurons to process facial somatosensory information was impaired in aged animals. Proportionately fewer neurons responded to somatosensory stimuli and facial receptive fields were larger in the aged cats. In addition, proportionately fewer caudate neurons responded to cortical activation, there were fewer excitatory responses and spontaneous firing decreased in aged cats. These results provide additional evidence that excitability of caudate neurons is reduced in aged cats.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 389-394 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Brain Research |
Volume | 405 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 10 1987 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Supported by USPHS Grants AG 01558 and HD 05958.
Keywords
- Aged cat
- Caudate nucleus
- Chronic recording
- Neurophysiology
- Reduced excitability