Adrenergic modulation of sharp wave-ripple activity in rat hippocampal slices.

Norepinephrine (NE) has been shown to facilitate learning and memory by modulating synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus in vivo. During memory consolidation, transiently stored information is transferred from the hippocampus into the cortical mantle. This process is believed to depend on the generation of sharp wave-ripple complexes (SPW-Rs), during which previously stored information might be replayed. Here, we used rat hippocampal slices to investigate neuromodulatory effects of NE on SPW-Rs, induced by a standard long-term potentiation (LTP) protocol, in the CA3 and CA1. NE (10-50 µM) dose-dependently and reversibly suppressed the generation of SPW-Rs via activation of α1 adrenoreceptors, as indicated by the similar effects of phenylephrine (100 µM). In contrast, the unspecific ß adrenoreceptor agonist isoproterenol (2 µM) significantly increased the incidence of SPW-Rs. Furthermore, ß adrenoreceptor activation significantly facilitated induction of both LTP and SPW-Rs within the CA3 network. Suppression of SPW-Rs by NE was associated with a moderate hyperpolarization in the majority of CA3 pyramidal cells and with a reduction of presynaptic Ca(2+) uptake in the stratum radiatum. This was indicated by activity-dependent changes in [Ca(2+) ](o) and Ca(2+) fluorescence signals, by changes in the paired pulse ratio of evoked EPSPs and by analysis of the coefficient of variance. In the presence of NE, repeated high frequency stimulation (high-frequency stimulation (HFS)) failed to induce SPW-Rs, although SPW-Rs appeared following washout of NE. Together, our data indicate that the NE-mediated suppression of hippocampal SPW-Rs depends on α1 adrenoreceptor activation, while their expression and activity-dependent induction is facilitated via ß1-adrenoreceptors.

Activities of infection control practitioners during an outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium. Task Force of Association for Practitioners in Infection Control.

ICPs played an invaluable role, and their activities resulted in minimal nosocomial incidence. The survey reported two cases of nosocomial infection in patients, one in the medical service and one in the pediatric unit, as well as the reported employee cases. Two nosocomial employee cases were reported, a laboratory technologist and medical student. Implementation of these recommendations will make the job of the ICP easier during any outbreak. We believe that our interventions, interactions, and assistance positively affected the course of the epidemic. In the final analysis the activities of surveillance, supervision of isolation, education and consultation, employee health, and public relations served to strengthen the positive image of ICPs.