Role of electrical coupling via connexin 36 containing gap junctions in sympathetic preganglionic neurons

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dc.contributor.authorTavakoli, Hossein
dc.contributor.examiningcommitteeCowley, Kristine (Physiology and Pathophysiology) Chopek, Jeremy (Physiology and Pathophysiology) MacNeil, Brian (Physical Therapy)en_US
dc.contributor.supervisorNagy, James (Physiology and Pathophysiology) Stecina, Katinka (Physiology and Pathophysiology)en_US
dc.date.accessioned2020-09-02T21:11:17Z
dc.date.available2020-09-02T21:11:17Z
dc.date.copyright2020-08-27
dc.date.issued2020-08en_US
dc.date.submitted2020-08-27T06:19:38Zen_US
dc.degree.disciplinePhysiology and Pathophysiologyen_US
dc.degree.levelMaster of Science (M.Sc.)en_US
dc.description.abstractGap junctions are cluster of channels on the plasma membrane formed by connexin proteins that connect cytoplasm of adjacent cells. Connexins are essential to normal development and function in neonatal and adult mammals by forming electrical synapses between cells, including neurons within the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, we documented the distribution of connexin 36, (Cx36) in sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) in the intermediolateral column (IML), lateral funiculus, intercalatus and central autonomic area in adult and neonatal mice and rats. Additionally, we examined the functional role of Cx36 in SPNs by comparing response of Cx36 wild-type (Cx36wt) and Cx36 knockout (Cx36ko) mice to colorectal distension (CRD) as noxious stimulation. We also provided evidence for glutamatergic and GABAergic innervation of SPNs by other electrically coupled neurons in spinal cord. Our study showed that Cx36wt and Cx36ko mice respond to CRD by an increase and a decrease in BP respectively. Spinalized wildtype mice showed an increase in BP. In addition, we attempted to compare the expression of Cx36 among SPNs in intact and spinalized mice and study the organization of electrical coupling in these neurons utilizing dye coupling methods. All results taken together, this work further supports the evidence for SPN electrical coupling via Cx36 and provides more detailed understanding of its organization. It also broadens our knowledge about sympathetic activity in general.en_US
dc.description.noteOctober 2020en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1993/34941
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsopen accessen_US
dc.subjectConnexin36en_US
dc.subjectElectrical synapsesen_US
dc.subjectGap junctionsen_US
dc.subjectSpinal sympathetic neuronsen_US
dc.subjectSpinal cord injuryen_US
dc.titleRole of electrical coupling via connexin 36 containing gap junctions in sympathetic preganglionic neuronsen_US
dc.typemaster thesisen_US
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