Group Ia primary afferent terminal defect in cats with acrylamide neuropathy

Group la primary afferent terminal (PAT) function was assessed in cats with acrylamide neuropathy. Spinal monosynaptic input-output relationships, critical input, the ability to maintain repetitive discharge at low frequencies, and apparent transmitter turnover parameters were determined in animals with subthreshold, moderate and severe degrees of acrylamide neuropathy (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The monosynaptic pathways of the soleus and medial gastrocnemius motoneuron pools were elicited by stimulation of their respective muscle nerves. The threshold for activation of the monosynaptic reflex (MSR) evoked by both SOL and MG nerves was increased 50% (critical input), regardless of dose regimen. Repetitive stimulation of the MSR at low frequencies (2-10 Hz) produces a slow decline in amplitude until it reaches a plateau. The height of the plateau attained in neuropathic cats was considerably lower than the controls. Determination of apparent transmitter turnover parameters in neuropathic cats showed that the constant fraction of neurotransmitter released from group la PAT remained the same while the rate of replenishment of transmitter available for release was attenuated in both SOL-VR and MG-VR pathways. The increase in the critical input and decrease in the rate of replenishment points up a functional defect in a group la PAT in cats with acrylamide neuropathy.