LONG TERM RECORDING FROM AFFERENT TASTE FIBERS

这项研究的主要目标是开发一种可植入的 允许未切割的电生理研究的记录电极， 非麻醉动物长时间的单一味觉纤维。一个 可植入电极，由带有筛状筛子的硅片组成 阵列的小孔和相关电极，将放置在小的 管子。然后将电极和管子通过外科手术植入 大鼠颈部，切断的舌咽神经位于舌咽神经的两端 管子。再生纤维通过硅片上的孔洞生长 与电极对位。随后，将从以下位置进行录制 慢性制剂中的单一味觉纤维。因此，技术将被 可以用来探讨关于细胞生物学的一个基本问题 味觉系统：单一传入纤维的反应有多大 在味蕾细胞周转和突触的持续过程中保持稳定 改建？此外，我们建议使用这种可植入的装置来 检查和分析跨纤维对化学物质的响应模式 刺激舌头。这些研究将提供基本信息 关于单次传入反应的稳定性问题 味觉细胞周转和突触变化。此信息将提供 关于味觉系统细胞生物学的重要新数据 应用于味觉的神经编码问题。此外，发展 植入式电极可以在技术上有重要的应用 以恢复再生周围神经的功能。

The primary objective of this research is to develop an implantable recording electrode that will permit electrophysiological study of uncut, single taste fibers for long time periods in unanesthetized animals. An implantable electrode, that consists of a silicon chip with a sieve-like array of small holes and associated electrodes, will be placed in small tubes. The electrode and tube will then be surgically implanted in the neck of rats, with the cut glossopharyngeal nerve positioned in each end of the tube. Regenerated fibers grow through the holes in the silicon chip in apposition to electrodes. Subsequently, recordings will be made from single taste fibers in chronic preparations. Thus, techniques will be available to approach a fundamental question about the cell biology of the taste system: to what extent is the response from a single afferent fiber stable during the ongoing processes of taste bud cell turnover and synaptic remodeling? In addition we propose to use this implantable device to examine and analyze the response patterns across fibers to chemical stimulation of the tongue. These studies will contribute basic information about the stability of the single afferent response during processes of taste cell turnover and synaptic changes. This information will provide important new data about the cell biology of the taste system that can be applied to questions of neural coding in taste. In addition, development of the implantable electrode can have important applications in technology to restore function in regenerating peripheral nerves.