[Age factors in the background electrical activity of the superior cervical ganglion neurons in rats]

Background discharges of single neurons were studied from the superior cervical ganglion in newborn, 10-, 20-day-old, 1-, 2- and 6-month-old rats. In all age groups, the largest proportion of neurons exhibited aperiodic activity. The percentage of neurons with respiratory rhythmic was less. In newborn and 10-day-old rats, the frequency of discharges was low. Discharge frequency increased in 20-day-old rats. In 20-day-old and more adult rats, we found neurons bursting with cardiac frequency. The means of frequency did not statistically differ in 1-, 2- and 6-month-old rats. Thus, the pattern of neuronal activity is formed during the development in 20-day-old rats. Final maturation of this pattern is observed in 1-month-old rats.