Long-range GABAergic projections from the nucleus of the solitary tract.

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) plays a crucial role in integrating peripheral information regarding visceral functions. Glutamate decarboxylase 2 (GAD2) inhibitory neurons are abundant in the NTS, and are known to form local and short-range projections within the NTS and nearby hindbrain areas. Here we performed whole-brain mapping of outputs from GAD2 neurons in the NTS using cell-type specific viral labeling together with ultrahigh-speed 3D imaging at 1-µm resolution. In addition to well-known targets of NTS GAD2 neurons including the principle sensory nucleus of the trigeminal (PSV), spinal nucleus of the trigeminal (SPV), and other short-range targets within the hindbrain, the high sensitivity of our system helps reveal previously unknown long-range projections that target forebrain regions, including the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (BST) involved in stress and fear responses, and the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH) involved in energy balance and stress-related neuroendocrine responses. The long-range projections were further verified by retrograde labeling of NTS GAD2 neurons with cholera toxin B (CTB) injections in the BST and PVH, and by Cre-dependent retrograde tracing with rAAV2-retro injections in the two regions of GAD2-Cre mice. Finally, we performed complete morphological reconstruction of several sparsely labeled neurons projecting to the forebrain and midbrain. These results provide new insights about how NTS might participate in physiological and emotional modulation.

[Analysis of tongue color under natural daylight based on chromatic aberration correction].

OBJECTIVE: To establish an analytical method for tongue image acquisition under natural daylight based on L*a*b* error correction, and to observe the classification rules of tongue color using color error correction. METHODS: The tongue images in 413 cases were collected under natural indoor daylight by using Nikon D70 digital SLR camera, and then the color error was adjusted by using Nikon Capture NX software correction according to Kodak Q-13 grey card. The classification and quantitative analysis of the tongue color after software correction was carried out depending on L*a*b* color space. RESULTS: The software correction method had good effects in adjusting the tongue color image error. The L* values of light red, deep red and cyanosis tongues decreased as compared with that of light white tongue (P<0.01), while the a* values of light red, deep red and cyanosis tongues increased as compared with light white tongue (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in L* value between deep red tongue and cyanosis tongue, and there was also no significant difference in a* value between light red tongue and cyanosis tongue. The b* values of light red and deep red tongues increased as compared with that of light white tongue (P<0.01), while the b* value of cyanosis tongue decreased as compared with light red and deep red tongues (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in b* value between light white tongue and cyanosis tongue, and there was also no significant difference in b* value between light red tongue and deep red tongue. The a* value of white fur was higher than that of yellow fur (P<0.01), while the b* value of white fur was lower than that of yellow fur (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in L* value between white fur and yellow fur. CONCLUSION: The analytical method for tongue image acquisition under natural daylight based on L*a*b* error correction is accurate in color restoration and feasible to operate.

[Correlation analysis of infrared radiant intensity between hyperplastic breast tissue and tongue surface in patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a supplementary diagnostic indicator (infrared radiant intensity) in tongue diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands through correlation analysis of infrared radiant intensity between hyperplastic breast tissue and tongue surface. METHODS: Infrared radiant intensity of the hyperplastic breast tissue and different points on tongue surface in 20 cases of hyperplasia of mammary glands with liver-energy stagnation and phlegm retention syndrome and 16 cases of hyperplasia of mammary glands with irregular thoroughfare and conception vessels syndrome were measured with external infrared spectrometer PHE-201 made by Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics. Correlation of infrared radiant intensity between the hyperplastic breast tissue and the different points on tongue surface was assessed by using bivariate correlation analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the numbers of positive correlated wave bands of infrared radiant intensity between the hyperplastic breast tissue and different detected points on tongue surface in the patients with liver-energy stagnation and phlegm retention syndrome and irregular thoroughfare and conception vessels syndrome were 127 (83.55%) and 71 (46.71%), respectively. Infrared radiant intensity between the hyperplastic breast tissue and the tongue surface had a positive correlation. CONCLUSION: Infrared radiant intensity can be used as one of supplementary diagnostic indicators in TCM tongue diagnosis of hyperplasia of mammary glands.