bioRxiv Science⌕ Search

Biology subjects

Esmaeili, V.

Publications and source records attributed to Esmaeili, V..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Learning-related congruent and incongruent changes of excitation and inhibition in distinct cortical areas

Excitatory and inhibitory neurons in diverse cortical regions are likely to contribute differentially to the transformation of sensory information into goal-directed motor plans. Here, we investigate the relative changes across mouse sensorimotor cortex in the activity of putative excitatory and inhibitory neurons - categorized as regular or fast spiking according to their action potential waveform - comparing before and after learning of a whisker detection task with delayed licking as perceptual report. Surprisingly, we found that the whisker-evoked activity of regular versus fast spiking neurons changed in opposite directions after learning in primary and secondary whisker motor cortices, while it changed similarly in primary and secondary orofacial motor cortices. Our results suggest that changes in the balance of excitation and inhibition in local circuits concurrent with changes in the long-range synaptic inputs in distinct cortical regions might contribute to performance of delayed sensory-to-motor transformation.

neuroscience↗

The Effect of post Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection treatment on Reactive Oxygen Species and Sperm Parameters of Infertile Men

BackgroundChlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is often mentioned as a silent disease. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can also cause Sperm apoptosis and have negative impact on Sperm parameters. The objectives of this study were to elucidate the association between Sperm parameters and ROS caused by CT infections resulting in male Infertility as well as evaluating the role of antibiotic therapy. Materials and methodsA total of 848 infertile males having normal and abnormal Sperm parameters were included. After Semen sampling, the CT IgA were measured by Elisa and confirmed by Nested PCR. ROS was determined by Chemiluminescence. After treatment under the direct supervision of the private urologists. Then, the second Semen samples were taken and subjected to tests on Sperm parameters and ROS levels as assessed again. ResultsThe levels of ROS and morphology were improved following the treatments (P<0.05). Antibiotic therapy due to CT infection, could reduce ROS, improve normal morphology and recover some of Semen parameters. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that CT infection and Sperm parameters were associated with the rate of ROS in infertile men. However, after treatment, ROS value dropped allowing the recovery of certain Sperm parameters. Antibiotic therapy can improve some Semen quality parameters and treat the male Infertility. Reza Azmakan, rezaazmakan@yahoo.com, Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6718-3348.

microbiology↗

Divergent sensory processing converges in frontal cortex for a planned motor response

The neuronal mechanisms generating a delayed motor response initiated by a sensory cue remain elusive. Here, we tracked the precise sequence of cortical activity in mice transforming a brief whisker stimulus into delayed licking using wide-field calcium imaging, multi-region high-density electrophysiology and time-resolved optogenetic manipulation. Rapid activity evoked by whisker deflection acquired two prominent features for task performance: i) an enhanced excitation of secondary whisker motor cortex, suggesting its important role connecting whisker sensory processing to lick motor planning, and ii) a transient reduction of activity in orofacial sensorimotor cortex, which contributed to suppressing premature licking. Subsequent widespread cortical activity during the delay period largely correlated with anticipatory movements, but when these were accounted for, a focal sustained activity remained in frontal cortex, which was causally essential for licking in the response period. Our results demonstrate key cortical nodes for motor plan generation and timely execution in delayed goal-directed licking.

neuroscience↗