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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

In-Vivo Calcium Imaging of Sensory Neurons in the Rat Trigeminal Ganglion
Published on: February 9, 2024
A review of burst generation by trigeminal main sensory neurons
Arlette Kolta1, Frédéric Brocard, Dorly Verdier
1Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université de Montréal, Canada. arlette.kolta@umontreal.ca
Abstract:
In this paper, we present evidence that neurons in the dorsal part of the trigeminal main sensory nucleus participate in the patterning of mastication. These neurons have special membrane properties that allow them to generate rhythmical bursts of action potentials in the frequency range of natural mastication even when cut off from synaptic inputs. These properties mature during the third postnatal week in rats at the same time as mastication begins. Finally, we present evidence that a reduction on extracellular calcium concentration is an important step in the initiation of mastication.
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