The effect of concussive XXXX on central cholinergic neurons.

@entity542 @entity1617 @entity51 @entity35 @entity130 @entity934
This study examined the effect of fluid percussion @entity542 on the activity of cholinergic neurons in specific brain areas of the @entity35 12 min, 4 h and 24 h following injury. @entity934 ( @entity1617 ) turnover, used as an index of cholinergic neuronal activity, was determined using a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric technique. The most striking changes in cholinergic activity were observed in the dorsal pontine tegmentum, where concussive @entity542 produced an increase in @entity1617 turnover 12 min and 4 h following injury. This area has been previously associated with behavioral changes observed following @entity130 . @entity1617 turnover in the thalamus, a region to which pontine cholinergic neurons project, also tended to increase 4 h following injury. On the other hand, @entity1617 turnover tended to decrease in the amygdala 4 h following injury. Although there were no significant changes in hippocampal @entity1617 content or turnover following injury. @entity1617 content did tend to increase in that brain region 12 min following injury. There were no significant effects of injury on cholinergic neurons in the cingulate/frontal cortex. These changes in cholinergic neuronal activity may contribute to the @entity51 following @entity130 . In particular, activation of cholinergic neurons in the pontine region may contribute to components of behavioral suppression associated with reversible traumatic unconsciousness. More generalized changes in cholinergic function may lead to the production of more @entity51 .
