Dear Editor,The importance of the medial entorhinal cortex(MEC)for memory and spatial navigation has been shown repeatedly in many species,including mice and humans[1,2].It is,therefore,not surprising that the connect...Dear Editor,The importance of the medial entorhinal cortex(MEC)for memory and spatial navigation has been shown repeatedly in many species,including mice and humans[1,2].It is,therefore,not surprising that the connectivity of this structure has been studied extensively over the past century,mainly using a range of anterograde and retrograde anatomical tracers[3].展开更多
Social behaviors are crucial for gregarious animals,including humans.In order to exhibit appropriate behaviors in a complex social context,such as mating,aggression,avoidance,and cooperation,individuals need to rememb...Social behaviors are crucial for gregarious animals,including humans.In order to exhibit appropriate behaviors in a complex social context,such as mating,aggression,avoidance,and cooperation,individuals need to remember their previous experiences with other members and accurately recognize them when they meet again.This ability is called“social memory”[1].Many psychiatric disorders in humans,such as autism spectrum disorder,attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,and schizophrenia,are characterized by social memory impairments.Patients with these disorders,along with corresponding animal models,often show defects associated with the thalamic reticular nucleus(TRN).The TRN,a thin layer of neurons surrounding the thalamus,mainly regulates and coordinates the transfer of information between the cortex and the thalamus,playing a role in higher brain functions such as consciousness,attention,and sensory processing.However,whether the TRN is involved in social memory remains unknown.展开更多
Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a common functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and visceral hypersensitivity.Reducing visceral hypersensitivity is the key to effectively relieving abdominal pain in...Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a common functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and visceral hypersensitivity.Reducing visceral hypersensitivity is the key to effectively relieving abdominal pain in IBS.Increasing evidence has confirmed that the thalamic nucleus reuniens(Re)and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)neurotransmitter system play an important role in the development of colorectal visceral pain,whereas the exact mechanisms remain largely unclear.In this study,we found that high expression of the 5-HT2B receptors in the Re glutamatergic neurons promoted colorectal visceral pain.Specifically,we found that neonatal maternal deprivation(NMD)mice exhibited visceral hyperalgesia and enhanced spontaneous synaptic transmission in the Re brain region.Colorectal distension(CRD)stimulation induced a large amount of c-Fos expression in the Re brain region of NMD mice,predominantly in glutamatergic neurons.Furthermore,optogenetic manipulation of glutamatergic neuronal activity in the Re altered colorectal visceral pain responses in CON and NMD mice.In addition,we demonstrated that 5-HT2B receptor expression on the Re glutamatergic neurons was upregulated and ultimately promoted colorectal visceral pain in NMD mice.These findings suggest a critical role of the 5HT2B receptors on the Re glutamatergic neurons in the regulation of colorectal visceral pain.展开更多
Objective To explore predictors of the 6-month clinical outcome ofthalamic hemorrhage, and evaluate if minimally invasive thalamic hematoma drainage （THD） could improve its prognosis. Methods A total of 54 patients ...Objective To explore predictors of the 6-month clinical outcome ofthalamic hemorrhage, and evaluate if minimally invasive thalamic hematoma drainage （THD） could improve its prognosis. Methods A total of 54 patients with spontaneous thalamic hemorrhage were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical data, including demographics, stroke risk factors, neuroimaging variables, Glasgow Coma Score （GCS） on admission, surgical strategy, and outcome, were collected. Clinical outcome was assessed using a modified Rankin Scale, six months after onset. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine predictors of a poor outcome. Results Conservative treatnaent was performed for five patients （9.3%）, external ventricular drainage （EVD） for 20 patients （37.0%）, THD for four patients （7.4%）, and EVD combined with THD for 25 patients （46.3%）. At six months after onset, 21 （38.9%） patients achieved a favorable outcome, while 33 （61.1%） had a poor outcome. In the univariate analysis, predictors of poor 6-month outcome were lower GCS on admis- sion （P = 0.001）, larger hematoma volume （P 〈 0.001）, midline shift （P = 0.035）, acute hydrocephalus （P = 0.039）, and no THD （P = 0.037）. The independent predictors of poor outcome, according to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, were no THD and larger hematoma volume. Conclusions Minimally invasive THD, which removes most of the hematoma within a few days, with limited damage to perihematomal brain tissue, improved the 6-month outcome of thalamic hemorrhage. Thus, THD can be widely applied to treat patients with thalamic hemorrhage.展开更多
Objective To study the feasibility of the crossover trial design and the minimal imbalance index random distribution method in the clinical small-sample-size randomized controlled trial（RCT） research of thalamic pai...Objective To study the feasibility of the crossover trial design and the minimal imbalance index random distribution method in the clinical small-sample-size randomized controlled trial（RCT） research of thalamic pain treated with acupuncture under the guidance of evidence-based medicine（EBM）.Methods The crossover trial design was adopted.Eleven cases with the definite diagnosis were randomized into a program-I group（6 cases,treated with acupuncture before western medicine） and a program-II group（5 cases,treated with western medicine before acupuncture） according to the minimal imbalance index method.In the statistical analysis,the groups were named as an acupuncture group and a western medicine group separately,11 cases in each one.Acupuncture was applied to Xìmén（郄门 PC 4）,Yīnxì（阴郄 HT 6）,Xuèhǎi（血海 SP 10）,etc.In the control treatment,Carbamazepine was prescribed for oral administration.Either the duration of treatment or the wash-out period was 10 days.The visual analogue scale（VAS） was adopted for the efficacy assessment.Results The total effective was 100.0%（11/11） after treatment in either group.The remarkably effective rates were 63.6%（7/11） and 36.4%（4/11） in the acupuncture group and the western medicine group separately,without statistically significant difference in comparison.Conclusion The crossover trial design and the minimal imbalance index distribution method can accomplish RCT of the clinical acupuncture and moxibustion research with the small sample size involved.They can provide the high-quality evidences for clinical acupuncture research.Acupuncture therapy can achieve the same therapeutic effect as Carbamazepine,the common western medicine,and the efficacy of it is potentially superior to that of western medicine.展开更多
In order to characterize sleep and the cognitive patterns in patients with acute minor thalamic infarction （AMTI）, we enrolled 27 patients with AMTI and 12 mat- ched healthy individuals. Questionnaires about sleep a...In order to characterize sleep and the cognitive patterns in patients with acute minor thalamic infarction （AMTI）, we enrolled 27 patients with AMTI and 12 mat- ched healthy individuals. Questionnaires about sleep and cognition as well as polysomnography （PSG） were performed on days 14 and 90 post-stroke. Compared to heal- thy controls, in patients with AMTI, hyposomnia was more prevalent; sleep architecture was disrupted as indicated by decreased sleep efficiency, increased sleep latency, and decreased non-rapid eye movement sleep stages 2 and 3; more sleep-related breathing disorders occurred; and cog- nitive functions were worse, especially memory. While sleep apnea and long-delay memory recovered to a large extent in the patients, other sleep and cognitive function deficit often persisted. Patients with AMTI are at an increased risk for hyposomnia, sleep structure disturbance, sleep apnea, and memory deficits. Although these abnormalities improved over time, the slow and incomplete improvement suggest that early management should be considered in these patients.展开更多
The thalamostriatal pathway is implicated in Parkinson's disease(PD); however, PD-related changes in the relationship between oscillatory activity in the centromedian-parafascicular complex(CM/Pf, or the Pf in rod...The thalamostriatal pathway is implicated in Parkinson's disease(PD); however, PD-related changes in the relationship between oscillatory activity in the centromedian-parafascicular complex(CM/Pf, or the Pf in rodents) and the dorsal striatum(DS) remain unclear.Therefore, we simultaneously recorded local field potentials(LFPs) in both the Pf and DS of hemiparkinsonian and control rats during epochs of rest or treadmill walking. The dopamine-lesioned rats showed increased LFP power in the beta band(12 Hz–35 Hz) in the Pf and DS during both epochs, but decreased LFP power in the delta(0.5 Hz–3 Hz) band in the Pf during rest epochs and in the DS during both epochs, compared to control rats. In addition,exaggerated low gamma(35 Hz–70 Hz) oscillations after dopamine loss were restricted to the Pf regardless of the behavioral state. Furthermore, enhanced synchronization of LFP oscillations was found between the Pf and DS after the dopamine lesion. Significant increases occurred in the mean coherence in both theta(3 Hz–7 Hz) and beta bands,and a significant increase was also noted in the phase coherence in the beta band between the Pf and DS during rest epochs. During the treadmill walking epochs, significant increases were found in both the alpha(7 Hz–12 Hz)and beta bands for two coherence measures. Collectively,dramatic changes in the relative LFP power and coherence in the thalamostriatal pathway may underlie the dysfunction of the basal ganglia-thalamocortical network circuits in PD, contributing to some of the motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease.展开更多
BACKGROUND Stress-induced gastric ulcer(SGU) is one of the most common visceral complications after trauma. Restraint water-immersion stress(RWIS) can cause serious gastrointestinal dysfunction and has been widely use...BACKGROUND Stress-induced gastric ulcer(SGU) is one of the most common visceral complications after trauma. Restraint water-immersion stress(RWIS) can cause serious gastrointestinal dysfunction and has been widely used to study the pathogenesis of SGU to identify medications that can cure the disease. The mediodorsal thalamic nucleus(MD) is the centre integrating visceral and physical activity and contributes to SGU induced by RWIS. Hence, the role of the MD during RWIS needs to be studied.AIM To screen for differentially expressed proteins in the MD of the RWIS rats to further elucidate molecular mechanisms of SGU.METHODS Male Wistar rats were selected randomly and divided into two groups, namely, a control group and an RWIS group. Gastric mucosal lesions of the sacrificed rats were measured using the erosion index and the proteomic profiles of the MD were generated through isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation(iTRAQ) coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, iTRAQ results were verified by Western blot analysis.RESULTS A total of 2853 proteins were identified, and these included 65 dysregulated(31 upregulated and 34 downregulated) proteins(fold change ratio ≥ 1.2). Gene Ontology(GO) analysis showed that most of the upregulated proteins are primarily related to cell division, whereas most of the downregulated proteins are related to neuron morphogenesis and neurotransmitter regulation. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the dysregulated proteins are mainly involved in the neurological disease signalling pathways. Furthermore, our results indicated that glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta might be related to the central mechanismthrough which RWIS gives rise to SGU.CONCLUSION Quantitative proteomic analysis elucidated the molecular targets associated with the production of SGU and provides insights into the role of the MD. The underlying molecular mechanisms need to be further dissected.展开更多
The dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex is associated with affective disorders and non-motor features in Parkinson’s disease.However,the exact role of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus in the function of the p...The dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex is associated with affective disorders and non-motor features in Parkinson’s disease.However,the exact role of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus in the function of the prefrontal cortex remains unclear.To study the possible effects of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus on the neurological function of the medial prefrontal cortex,a model of Parkinson’s disease was established by injecting 8μg 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra compacta of rats.After 1 or 3 weeks,0.3μg ibotenic acid was injected into the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus of the midbrain.At 3 or 5 weeks after the initial injury,neuronal discharge in medial prefrontal cortex of rat brain was determined electrophysiologically.The numbers of dopamine-positive neurons and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in substantia nigra compacta and ventral tegmental area were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Results demonstrated that after injury,the immunoreactivity of dopamine neurons and tyrosine hydroxylase decreased in the substantia nigra compacta and ventral tegmental areas of rats.Compared with normal medial prefrontal cortical neurons,at 3 and 5 weeks after substantia nigra compacta injury,the discharge frequency of pyramidal neurons increased and the discharge pattern of these neurons tended to be a burst-discharge,with an increased discharge interval.The discharge frequency of interneurons decreased and the discharge pattern also tended to be a burst-discharge,but the discharge interval was only higher at 3 weeks.At 3 weeks after the combined lesions,the discharge frequency,discharge pattern and discharge interval were restored to a normal level in pyramidal neurons and interneurons in medial prefrontal cortex.These findings have confirmed that mediodorsal thalamic nucleus is involved in regulating neuronal activities of the medial prefrontal cortex.The changes in the function of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus may be associated with the abnormal discharge activity of the medial prefrontal cortex neurons after substantia nigra compacta injury.All experimental procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Xi’an Jiaotong University,China(approval No.XJTULAC2017-067)on August 26,2017.展开更多
BACKGROUND Patients with thalamic infarction experience abnormal blockages of multinuc-leated vessels,affecting the body and thereby the thalamus.Most patients with thalamic infarction have an adverse prognosis,which ...BACKGROUND Patients with thalamic infarction experience abnormal blockages of multinuc-leated vessels,affecting the body and thereby the thalamus.Most patients with thalamic infarction have an adverse prognosis,which seriously affects their safety.Therefore,it is essential to analyze the independent risk factors that influence the prognosis of patients with thalamic infarction and develop corresponding preventive measures.AIM To explore the effect of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(non-HDL-C)and Homocysteine(Hcy)levels in cognitive impairment in thalamic infarction.METHODS From March 2019 to March 2022,80 patients with thalamic infarction were divided into a group with cognitive impairment[Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)score<26;35 patients]and a group with normal cognitive function(MoCA score of 26-30;45 patients)according to the MoCA score.In addition,50 healthy people in the same period were selected as the control group.A correlation between the non-HDL-C and Hcy levels and the MoCA score and receiver operating characteristic curve was observed,and the serum non-HDL-C and Hcy levels were analyzed for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction.According to the Modified Rankin Scale(MRS)score,80 patients with thalamic infarction were divided into a good prognosis group(MRS score≤2)and a poor prognosis group(MRS score>2).RESULTS The non-HDL-C and Hcy levels were significantly higher in the group with cognitive impairment than in the group with normal cognitive function(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the non-HDL-C level between the control group and the group with normal cognitive function(P>0.05).The MoCA scores of the group with cognitive impairment were significantly lower than those of the group with normal cognitive function and the control group(P<0.05).There was a significant difference between the control group and the group with normal cognitive function(P<0.05).The non-HDL-C and Hcy levels were correlated with the MoCA score(P<0.05),cognitive impairment[areas under the curve(AUC)=0.709,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.599-0.816],the non-HDL-C level,and could predict cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction(AUC=0.738,95%CI:0.618-0.859).Hcy combined with non-HDL-C levels can predict cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction(AUC=0.769,95%CI:0.721-0.895).RESULTS There were 50 patients in the good prognosis group and 30 patients in the poor prognosis group.Compared with the good prognosis group,in the poor prognosis group,the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score,non-HDL-C level,Hcy level,large-area cerebral infarction,atrial fibrillation,and activated partial prothrombin time were statistically significant(P<0.05).The non-HDL-C level,the Hcy level,the NIHSS score,extensive cerebral serum,and atrial fibrillation may all be independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with thalamic infarction(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Non-HDL-C and Hcy levels are positively correlated with cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction.Non-HDL-C and Hcy levels can be used in the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction,and the combined detection effect is better.The main factors affecting the prognosis of patients with thalamic infarction are the non-HDL-C level,the Hcy level,the NIHSS score,large-area cerebral infarction,and atrial fibrillation.Clinically,corresponding preventive measures can be formulated based on the above factors to prevent poor prognosis and reduce mortality.展开更多
BACKGROUND A growing body of literature indicates that the occurrence of thalamic lesions could lead to various dysfunctions,such as somatosensory disturbances,hemiparesis,language deficits,and movement disorders.Howe...BACKGROUND A growing body of literature indicates that the occurrence of thalamic lesions could lead to various dysfunctions,such as somatosensory disturbances,hemiparesis,language deficits,and movement disorders.However,clinical cases describing the coexistence of these types of manifestations have not been reported.Herein,we report a patient who exhibited these rare complications secondary to thalamic hemorrhage.CASE SUMMARY A 53-year-old right-handed man experienced sudden left hemiparesis,numbness of the left side of body,and language alterations due to an acute hemorrhage located in the right basal ganglia and thalamus 18 mo ago.Approximately 17 mo after the onset of stroke,he exhibited rare complications including dysphasia,kinetic tremor confined to the left calf,and mirror movement of the left arm which are unique and interesting,and a follow-up computed tomography scan revealed an old hemorrhagic lesion in the right thalamus and posterior limb of the internal capsule.CONCLUSION Hypophonia may be a recognizable clinical sign of thalamus lesions;thalamus injury could cause tremor confined to the lower extremity and mimicking extremity movements.展开更多
BACKGROUND：Glutamate acid ionotropic receptor N-methyl-D-aspartic acid （NMDA） takes part in long-term potentiation, thereby influencing the process of learning and memory. OBJECTIVE： To verify expression of NMDA 2...BACKGROUND：Glutamate acid ionotropic receptor N-methyl-D-aspartic acid （NMDA） takes part in long-term potentiation, thereby influencing the process of learning and memory. OBJECTIVE： To verify expression of NMDA 2A/B and 2B receptors in the anterior thalamic nucleus and subiculum complex of rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A single-sample observation was performed at Department of Anatomy in Dalian Medical University （Dalian, Liaoning, China） from April to September in 2007. MATERIALS： Ten adult Wistar rats were used for this study, as well as rabbit anti-NMDA 2A/B and 2B antibodies. METHODS： The rats were anesthetized and perfused, followed by brain resection and coronal sectioning of the brain tissue. A 1：3 series was selected for immunohistochemistry, using antibodies specific to NMDA 2A/B and 2B receptors. Photos were taken using the Nikon image analysis system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression and distribution of immunohistochemistry staining of NMDA 2A/B and 2B receptor subunits. RESULTS： There were a large number of NMDA 2A/B and 2B receptor-positive neurons distributed throughout the anterior dorsal thalamic nucleus. In the anterior ventral thalamic nucleus, distribution of positive neurons was rare, staining intensity was lighter, and cell bodies were smaller compared with the anterior dorsal thalamic nucleus. In the subiculum complex, staining intensity of NMDA 2A/B and 2B-positive neurons was weakest in the molecular layer and stronger in the pyramidal layer, in particular the region with large cell bodies adjacent to the molecular layer. In the multiform layer, more positive neurons of various sizes were detected. CONCLUSION： NMDA 2A/B and 2B receptor subunits were richly distributed in the anterior thalamic nucleus, with a small difference existing between the anterior dorsal nucleus and anterior ventral nucleus. These neurons were also differentially distributed within the three layers of the subiculum complex.展开更多
The thalamus is the gate of the cerebral cortex, the ultimate target for the neural networks controlling behavioral states and cognitive functions. According to the reticular theory initially proposed by Moruzzi and M...The thalamus is the gate of the cerebral cortex, the ultimate target for the neural networks controlling behavioral states and cognitive functions. According to the reticular theory initially proposed by Moruzzi and Magoun, excitatory inputs from large reticular zones of the brainstem via widespread intra- and extra-thalamocortical systems finally activate the cerebral cortex to cause generalized cortical activation and wakefulness [1]. This theory proposes a central relay role to the thalamus for cortical activation as supported by early studies using neurodegeneration techniques and by the elegant work of Steriade’s group and other investigators illustrating the electrophysiological mechanisms of the thalamocortical system at the cellular level during wakefulness, rapid eye-movement sleep (REMs) and non-REM sleep (NREMs)[2].展开更多
BACKGROUND： Following ischemia, apoptosis is observed at the ipsilateral ventropostenor thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra, which are distant from, but connected to, the ischemic cerebral cortex, in animals with n...BACKGROUND： Following ischemia, apoptosis is observed at the ipsilateral ventropostenor thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra, which are distant from, but connected to, the ischemic cerebral cortex, in animals with normotension. However, secondary brain damage in hypertension has not been clearly investigated. OBJECTIVE： The present study determined whether neuronal apoptosis is associated with neuronal loss in the ipsilateral ventroposterior thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra following cortical ischemia in adult hypertensive rats. Results should provide options for determining a time window for anti-apoptotic therapy. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： All experimental procedures in this randomized, controlled trial were conducted at the Neurological Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University of China between October 2006 and July 2008. MATERIALS： Monoclonal primary antibodies specific to mouse anti-rat microtubule-associated protein 2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were respectively purchased from Sigma Chemical, USA and BD Pharmingen, USA. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling （TUNEL） detection kits were purchased from Roche Applied Science, Switzerland and Upstate, USA, respectively. METHODS： A total of 64 male, Sprague Dawiey rats, aged 60-90 days, were equally and randomly divided into middle cerebral artery occlusion and sham surgery groups. Renovascular hypertension was established in both groups by renal artery occlusion. Right distal middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed by electrocoagulation in the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Microtubule-associated protein 2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were detected by immunohistochemistry, and apoptotic cells were observed by TUNEL assay. The stainings were separately detected in the ipsilateral ventroposterior thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra. RESULTS： During the 4 weeks following distal middle cerebral artery occlusion in renovascular hypertensive rats, microtubule-associated protein 2 expression gradually, but significantly, decreased （P 〈 0.05）. Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein increased significantly in the ipsilateral ventroposterior thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra （P 〈 0.05） and reached a peak at 4 weeks. In addition, number of apoptotic cells was significantly increased in both areas compared with the sham controls （P 〈 0.05）, with a peak at 2 weeks. CONCLUSION： Results suggested that neuronal loss in the ipsilateral ventroposterior thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra following distal middle cerebral artery occlusion in hypertensive rats could be a secondary event resulting from apoptosis. The temporal apoptosis profile provides options for determining a time window for anti-apoptotic therapy at 2 weeks after stroke.展开更多
Major depressive disorder(MDD),characterized by anhedonia,loss of motivation,behavioral despair,and cognitive abnormalities[1],stands as the second leading cause of disability worldwide[2]owing to its heightened preva...Major depressive disorder(MDD),characterized by anhedonia,loss of motivation,behavioral despair,and cognitive abnormalities[1],stands as the second leading cause of disability worldwide[2]owing to its heightened prevalence,suicide rates,and recurrence[3].Empirical evidence and clinical observations have substantiated the notion that patients with MDD often exhibit compromised auditory perception[4].展开更多
Stimulus-specific adaptation(SSA),defined as a decrease in responses to a common stimulus that only partially generalizes to other rare stimuli,is a widespread phenomenon in the brain that is believed to be related to...Stimulus-specific adaptation(SSA),defined as a decrease in responses to a common stimulus that only partially generalizes to other rare stimuli,is a widespread phenomenon in the brain that is believed to be related to novelty detection.Although cross-modal sensory processing is also a widespread phenomenon,the interaction between the two phenomena is not well understood.In this study,the thalamic reticular nucleus(TRN),which is regarded as a hub of the attentional system that contains multi-modal neurons,was investigated.The results showed that SSA existed in an interactive oddball stimulation,which mimics stimulation changes from one modality to another.In the bimodal integration,SSA to bimodal stimulation was stronger than to visual stimulation alone but similar to auditory stimulation alone,which indicated a limited integrative effect.Collectively,the present results provide evidence for independent cross-modal processing in bimodal TRN neurons.展开更多
The ventral part of the anteromedial thalamic nucleus(AMv)is in a position to convey information to the cortico-hippocampal-amygdalar circuit involved in the processing of fear memory.Corticotropin-releasing-factor(CR...The ventral part of the anteromedial thalamic nucleus(AMv)is in a position to convey information to the cortico-hippocampal-amygdalar circuit involved in the processing of fear memory.Corticotropin-releasing-factor(CRF)neurons are closely associated with the regulation of stress and fear.However,few studies have focused on the role of thalamic CRF neurons in fear memory.In the present study,using a conditioned fear paradigm in CRF transgenic mice,we found that the c-Fos protein in the AMv CRF neurons was significantly increased after cued fear expression.Chemogenetic activation of AMv CRF neurons enhanced cued fear expression,whereas inhibition had the opposite effect on the cued fear response.Moreover,chemogenetic manipulation of AMv CRF neurons did not affect fear acquisition or contextual fear expression.In addition,anterograde tracing of projections revealed that AMv CRF neurons project to wide areas of the cerebral cortex and the limbic system.These results uncover a critical role of AMv CRF neurons in the regulation of conditioned fear memory.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hemichorea usually results from vascular lesions of the basal ganglia.Most often,the lesion is contralateral to the affected limb but rarely,it may be ipsilateral.The pathophysiology of ipsilateral hemichor...BACKGROUND Hemichorea usually results from vascular lesions of the basal ganglia.Most often,the lesion is contralateral to the affected limb but rarely,it may be ipsilateral.The pathophysiology of ipsilateral hemichorea is still poorly understood.We review the literature on hemichorea due to ipsilateral cerebral infarction and explore possible mechanisms for its occurrence.CASE SUMMARY A 72-year-old woman presented with complaints of involuntary movements of the muscles of the left side of the face and mild weakness of the right limbs.Her symptoms had started suddenly 1 d earlier.After admission to the hospital,the involuntary movements spread to involve the left limbs also.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left thalamic infarction.The patient’s hemichorea subsided after treatment with haloperidol(2 mg per time,3 times/d)for 3 d;the hemiparesis resolved with rehabilitation physiotherapy.She is presently symptom free and on treatment for prevention of secondary stroke.We review the literature on the occurrence of ipsilateral hemichorea following thalamic infarction and discuss the possible pathomechanisms of this unusual presentation.CONCLUSION Ipsilateral hemichorea following a thalamic stroke is rare but it can be explained by structure of the extrapyramidal system.The thalamus is a relay station that exerts a bilateral control of motor function.展开更多
The aim of the study was to assess the neurophysiological and behavioural effects of a stroke rehabilitation involving Treatment As Usual (TAU) combined with Social Cognitive Training (SCT) in a right-handed patient s...The aim of the study was to assess the neurophysiological and behavioural effects of a stroke rehabilitation involving Treatment As Usual (TAU) combined with Social Cognitive Training (SCT) in a right-handed patient suffered from tuberothalamic infarct compared to healthy controls (HCs) (n = 13). Methods: Both HCs and the patient were assessed by means of the following measures: Penn Emotion Perception Battery (ER40, EmoDiff40, PEAT40, PFMT), Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale alongside clinical scales (Mini Mental State Examination, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Hamilton Depression Scale). The SCT was delivered individually for 60 minutes weekly in a 12-week program (12 sessions). The subject participated twice in a fMRI scanning session including the event-related task of implicit processing of 100% fearful expressions to detect physiological changes after TAU plus SCT and compared them with HCS who underwent the same assessment once. Results: Compared with HCs, the patient before therapy revealed lower scores in emotion recognition;particularly perception of anger was affected alongside worse performance on both emotion discrimination and acuity tests. After therapy, B.D. showed improvement in emotional processing. B.D. had less post-therapy activation maps compared with pretherapy ones and more significantly activated pre-and post-central gyrus and right cerebellum in response to fearful faces. Interestingly, no amygdala was significantly activated as the response to fearful stimuli before or after therapy was completed. Conclusions: Further research was needed to increase understanding about efficacy of SCT and the theory of neuroplasticity, thus helping rehabilitation programs.展开更多
Diaschisis refers to a disturbance （inhibition or facilitation） of function in an area remote from the site of a primary brain lesion. Previous studies have confirmed that regional cerebral blood flow and metabolism...Diaschisis refers to a disturbance （inhibition or facilitation） of function in an area remote from the site of a primary brain lesion. Previous studies have confirmed that regional cerebral blood flow and metabolism are noticeably decreased in an infarct region. Transient excessive perfusion appears in the ischemic penumbra, and diaschisis occurs in an area remote from the lesion site, showing decreased regional cerebral blood flow and metabolism. Mirror diaschisis refers to a decrease in oxygen metabolism and blood flow in the ＂mirror image area＂ to the infarct regions in the contralateral hemisphere. In this study, a patient with right thalamic hemorrhage was affected with right arm and leg numbness. At 4 months before onset, magnetic resonance imaging of the head demonstrated lacunar infarcts in the left thalamus; therefore the right arm and leg numbness was not associated with lacunar infarcts in the left thalamus. At 8 days following onset, magnetic resonance imaging reexamination did not reveal the focus that could induce right arm and leg numbness and weakness. Thus, it is suggested in this study that the onset of this disease can be explained by mirror diaschisis. That is, right thalamic hemorrhage leads to decreased blood flow and metabolic disturbance in the contralateral thalamus, resulting in right arm and leg numbness.展开更多
文摘Dear Editor,The importance of the medial entorhinal cortex(MEC)for memory and spatial navigation has been shown repeatedly in many species,including mice and humans[1,2].It is,therefore,not surprising that the connectivity of this structure has been studied extensively over the past century,mainly using a range of anterograde and retrograde anatomical tracers[3].
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32125018 and 32071005)Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LD24H090002)+3 种基金Nanhu Brain-computer Interface Institute(010904008)Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai(SHSMUZDCX20211102)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(226-2024-00133)the MOE Frontiers Science Center for Brain Science&Brain-Machine Integration of Zhejiang University.
文摘Social behaviors are crucial for gregarious animals,including humans.In order to exhibit appropriate behaviors in a complex social context,such as mating,aggression,avoidance,and cooperation,individuals need to remember their previous experiences with other members and accurately recognize them when they meet again.This ability is called“social memory”[1].Many psychiatric disorders in humans,such as autism spectrum disorder,attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,and schizophrenia,are characterized by social memory impairments.Patients with these disorders,along with corresponding animal models,often show defects associated with the thalamic reticular nucleus(TRN).The TRN,a thin layer of neurons surrounding the thalamus,mainly regulates and coordinates the transfer of information between the cortex and the thalamus,playing a role in higher brain functions such as consciousness,attention,and sensory processing.However,whether the TRN is involved in social memory remains unknown.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81920108016 and 32230041)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of Chinathe Chinese Red Cross Foundation National Brain Nutrition Research Fund.
文摘Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a common functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and visceral hypersensitivity.Reducing visceral hypersensitivity is the key to effectively relieving abdominal pain in IBS.Increasing evidence has confirmed that the thalamic nucleus reuniens(Re)and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)neurotransmitter system play an important role in the development of colorectal visceral pain,whereas the exact mechanisms remain largely unclear.In this study,we found that high expression of the 5-HT2B receptors in the Re glutamatergic neurons promoted colorectal visceral pain.Specifically,we found that neonatal maternal deprivation(NMD)mice exhibited visceral hyperalgesia and enhanced spontaneous synaptic transmission in the Re brain region.Colorectal distension(CRD)stimulation induced a large amount of c-Fos expression in the Re brain region of NMD mice,predominantly in glutamatergic neurons.Furthermore,optogenetic manipulation of glutamatergic neuronal activity in the Re altered colorectal visceral pain responses in CON and NMD mice.In addition,we demonstrated that 5-HT2B receptor expression on the Re glutamatergic neurons was upregulated and ultimately promoted colorectal visceral pain in NMD mice.These findings suggest a critical role of the 5HT2B receptors on the Re glutamatergic neurons in the regulation of colorectal visceral pain.
基金This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China （81501054）, and Kejihuimin Project of Shandong Province （2014kjhm0101）.
文摘Objective To explore predictors of the 6-month clinical outcome ofthalamic hemorrhage, and evaluate if minimally invasive thalamic hematoma drainage （THD） could improve its prognosis. Methods A total of 54 patients with spontaneous thalamic hemorrhage were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical data, including demographics, stroke risk factors, neuroimaging variables, Glasgow Coma Score （GCS） on admission, surgical strategy, and outcome, were collected. Clinical outcome was assessed using a modified Rankin Scale, six months after onset. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine predictors of a poor outcome. Results Conservative treatnaent was performed for five patients （9.3%）, external ventricular drainage （EVD） for 20 patients （37.0%）, THD for four patients （7.4%）, and EVD combined with THD for 25 patients （46.3%）. At six months after onset, 21 （38.9%） patients achieved a favorable outcome, while 33 （61.1%） had a poor outcome. In the univariate analysis, predictors of poor 6-month outcome were lower GCS on admis- sion （P = 0.001）, larger hematoma volume （P 〈 0.001）, midline shift （P = 0.035）, acute hydrocephalus （P = 0.039）, and no THD （P = 0.037）. The independent predictors of poor outcome, according to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, were no THD and larger hematoma volume. Conclusions Minimally invasive THD, which removes most of the hematoma within a few days, with limited damage to perihematomal brain tissue, improved the 6-month outcome of thalamic hemorrhage. Thus, THD can be widely applied to treat patients with thalamic hemorrhage.
基金Supported by research project of "Innovation Engineering" of The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of TCM:Academy 0804
文摘Objective To study the feasibility of the crossover trial design and the minimal imbalance index random distribution method in the clinical small-sample-size randomized controlled trial（RCT） research of thalamic pain treated with acupuncture under the guidance of evidence-based medicine（EBM）.Methods The crossover trial design was adopted.Eleven cases with the definite diagnosis were randomized into a program-I group（6 cases,treated with acupuncture before western medicine） and a program-II group（5 cases,treated with western medicine before acupuncture） according to the minimal imbalance index method.In the statistical analysis,the groups were named as an acupuncture group and a western medicine group separately,11 cases in each one.Acupuncture was applied to Xìmén（郄门 PC 4）,Yīnxì（阴郄 HT 6）,Xuèhǎi（血海 SP 10）,etc.In the control treatment,Carbamazepine was prescribed for oral administration.Either the duration of treatment or the wash-out period was 10 days.The visual analogue scale（VAS） was adopted for the efficacy assessment.Results The total effective was 100.0%（11/11） after treatment in either group.The remarkably effective rates were 63.6%（7/11） and 36.4%（4/11） in the acupuncture group and the western medicine group separately,without statistically significant difference in comparison.Conclusion The crossover trial design and the minimal imbalance index distribution method can accomplish RCT of the clinical acupuncture and moxibustion research with the small sample size involved.They can provide the high-quality evidences for clinical acupuncture research.Acupuncture therapy can achieve the same therapeutic effect as Carbamazepine,the common western medicine,and the efficacy of it is potentially superior to that of western medicine.
基金supported by the Health Industry Key Research Project of Tianjin Municipality,China(12KG132)the Science and Technology Plan Project of Tianjin Municipality,China(13ZCZDSY01900)
文摘In order to characterize sleep and the cognitive patterns in patients with acute minor thalamic infarction （AMTI）, we enrolled 27 patients with AMTI and 12 mat- ched healthy individuals. Questionnaires about sleep and cognition as well as polysomnography （PSG） were performed on days 14 and 90 post-stroke. Compared to heal- thy controls, in patients with AMTI, hyposomnia was more prevalent; sleep architecture was disrupted as indicated by decreased sleep efficiency, increased sleep latency, and decreased non-rapid eye movement sleep stages 2 and 3; more sleep-related breathing disorders occurred; and cog- nitive functions were worse, especially memory. While sleep apnea and long-delay memory recovered to a large extent in the patients, other sleep and cognitive function deficit often persisted. Patients with AMTI are at an increased risk for hyposomnia, sleep structure disturbance, sleep apnea, and memory deficits. Although these abnormalities improved over time, the slow and incomplete improvement suggest that early management should be considered in these patients.
基金supported by the Science Technological Project of Shandong Province (2018CXGC1502 and 2016GSF201058)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31571104 and 81501149)
文摘The thalamostriatal pathway is implicated in Parkinson's disease(PD); however, PD-related changes in the relationship between oscillatory activity in the centromedian-parafascicular complex(CM/Pf, or the Pf in rodents) and the dorsal striatum(DS) remain unclear.Therefore, we simultaneously recorded local field potentials(LFPs) in both the Pf and DS of hemiparkinsonian and control rats during epochs of rest or treadmill walking. The dopamine-lesioned rats showed increased LFP power in the beta band(12 Hz–35 Hz) in the Pf and DS during both epochs, but decreased LFP power in the delta(0.5 Hz–3 Hz) band in the Pf during rest epochs and in the DS during both epochs, compared to control rats. In addition,exaggerated low gamma(35 Hz–70 Hz) oscillations after dopamine loss were restricted to the Pf regardless of the behavioral state. Furthermore, enhanced synchronization of LFP oscillations was found between the Pf and DS after the dopamine lesion. Significant increases occurred in the mean coherence in both theta(3 Hz–7 Hz) and beta bands,and a significant increase was also noted in the phase coherence in the beta band between the Pf and DS during rest epochs. During the treadmill walking epochs, significant increases were found in both the alpha(7 Hz–12 Hz)and beta bands for two coherence measures. Collectively,dramatic changes in the relative LFP power and coherence in the thalamostriatal pathway may underlie the dysfunction of the basal ganglia-thalamocortical network circuits in PD, contributing to some of the motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31501861Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China,No.ZR2015CM013
文摘BACKGROUND Stress-induced gastric ulcer(SGU) is one of the most common visceral complications after trauma. Restraint water-immersion stress(RWIS) can cause serious gastrointestinal dysfunction and has been widely used to study the pathogenesis of SGU to identify medications that can cure the disease. The mediodorsal thalamic nucleus(MD) is the centre integrating visceral and physical activity and contributes to SGU induced by RWIS. Hence, the role of the MD during RWIS needs to be studied.AIM To screen for differentially expressed proteins in the MD of the RWIS rats to further elucidate molecular mechanisms of SGU.METHODS Male Wistar rats were selected randomly and divided into two groups, namely, a control group and an RWIS group. Gastric mucosal lesions of the sacrificed rats were measured using the erosion index and the proteomic profiles of the MD were generated through isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation(iTRAQ) coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, iTRAQ results were verified by Western blot analysis.RESULTS A total of 2853 proteins were identified, and these included 65 dysregulated(31 upregulated and 34 downregulated) proteins(fold change ratio ≥ 1.2). Gene Ontology(GO) analysis showed that most of the upregulated proteins are primarily related to cell division, whereas most of the downregulated proteins are related to neuron morphogenesis and neurotransmitter regulation. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the dysregulated proteins are mainly involved in the neurological disease signalling pathways. Furthermore, our results indicated that glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta might be related to the central mechanismthrough which RWIS gives rise to SGU.CONCLUSION Quantitative proteomic analysis elucidated the molecular targets associated with the production of SGU and provides insights into the role of the MD. The underlying molecular mechanisms need to be further dissected.
基金supported by the Key Research Project of Science and Technology of Henan Province of China,No.14B180007(to LLF)the Development Project of Science and Technology of Luoyang Municipality of China,No.1401087A-5(to LLF)
文摘The dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex is associated with affective disorders and non-motor features in Parkinson’s disease.However,the exact role of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus in the function of the prefrontal cortex remains unclear.To study the possible effects of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus on the neurological function of the medial prefrontal cortex,a model of Parkinson’s disease was established by injecting 8μg 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra compacta of rats.After 1 or 3 weeks,0.3μg ibotenic acid was injected into the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus of the midbrain.At 3 or 5 weeks after the initial injury,neuronal discharge in medial prefrontal cortex of rat brain was determined electrophysiologically.The numbers of dopamine-positive neurons and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in substantia nigra compacta and ventral tegmental area were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Results demonstrated that after injury,the immunoreactivity of dopamine neurons and tyrosine hydroxylase decreased in the substantia nigra compacta and ventral tegmental areas of rats.Compared with normal medial prefrontal cortical neurons,at 3 and 5 weeks after substantia nigra compacta injury,the discharge frequency of pyramidal neurons increased and the discharge pattern of these neurons tended to be a burst-discharge,with an increased discharge interval.The discharge frequency of interneurons decreased and the discharge pattern also tended to be a burst-discharge,but the discharge interval was only higher at 3 weeks.At 3 weeks after the combined lesions,the discharge frequency,discharge pattern and discharge interval were restored to a normal level in pyramidal neurons and interneurons in medial prefrontal cortex.These findings have confirmed that mediodorsal thalamic nucleus is involved in regulating neuronal activities of the medial prefrontal cortex.The changes in the function of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus may be associated with the abnormal discharge activity of the medial prefrontal cortex neurons after substantia nigra compacta injury.All experimental procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Xi’an Jiaotong University,China(approval No.XJTULAC2017-067)on August 26,2017.
基金The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chaohu Hospital Affiliated to AnhuiMedical University,Approval No.KYXM-202208-011.
文摘BACKGROUND Patients with thalamic infarction experience abnormal blockages of multinuc-leated vessels,affecting the body and thereby the thalamus.Most patients with thalamic infarction have an adverse prognosis,which seriously affects their safety.Therefore,it is essential to analyze the independent risk factors that influence the prognosis of patients with thalamic infarction and develop corresponding preventive measures.AIM To explore the effect of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(non-HDL-C)and Homocysteine(Hcy)levels in cognitive impairment in thalamic infarction.METHODS From March 2019 to March 2022,80 patients with thalamic infarction were divided into a group with cognitive impairment[Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)score<26;35 patients]and a group with normal cognitive function(MoCA score of 26-30;45 patients)according to the MoCA score.In addition,50 healthy people in the same period were selected as the control group.A correlation between the non-HDL-C and Hcy levels and the MoCA score and receiver operating characteristic curve was observed,and the serum non-HDL-C and Hcy levels were analyzed for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction.According to the Modified Rankin Scale(MRS)score,80 patients with thalamic infarction were divided into a good prognosis group(MRS score≤2)and a poor prognosis group(MRS score>2).RESULTS The non-HDL-C and Hcy levels were significantly higher in the group with cognitive impairment than in the group with normal cognitive function(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the non-HDL-C level between the control group and the group with normal cognitive function(P>0.05).The MoCA scores of the group with cognitive impairment were significantly lower than those of the group with normal cognitive function and the control group(P<0.05).There was a significant difference between the control group and the group with normal cognitive function(P<0.05).The non-HDL-C and Hcy levels were correlated with the MoCA score(P<0.05),cognitive impairment[areas under the curve(AUC)=0.709,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.599-0.816],the non-HDL-C level,and could predict cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction(AUC=0.738,95%CI:0.618-0.859).Hcy combined with non-HDL-C levels can predict cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction(AUC=0.769,95%CI:0.721-0.895).RESULTS There were 50 patients in the good prognosis group and 30 patients in the poor prognosis group.Compared with the good prognosis group,in the poor prognosis group,the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score,non-HDL-C level,Hcy level,large-area cerebral infarction,atrial fibrillation,and activated partial prothrombin time were statistically significant(P<0.05).The non-HDL-C level,the Hcy level,the NIHSS score,extensive cerebral serum,and atrial fibrillation may all be independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with thalamic infarction(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Non-HDL-C and Hcy levels are positively correlated with cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction.Non-HDL-C and Hcy levels can be used in the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction,and the combined detection effect is better.The main factors affecting the prognosis of patients with thalamic infarction are the non-HDL-C level,the Hcy level,the NIHSS score,large-area cerebral infarction,and atrial fibrillation.Clinically,corresponding preventive measures can be formulated based on the above factors to prevent poor prognosis and reduce mortality.
文摘BACKGROUND A growing body of literature indicates that the occurrence of thalamic lesions could lead to various dysfunctions,such as somatosensory disturbances,hemiparesis,language deficits,and movement disorders.However,clinical cases describing the coexistence of these types of manifestations have not been reported.Herein,we report a patient who exhibited these rare complications secondary to thalamic hemorrhage.CASE SUMMARY A 53-year-old right-handed man experienced sudden left hemiparesis,numbness of the left side of body,and language alterations due to an acute hemorrhage located in the right basal ganglia and thalamus 18 mo ago.Approximately 17 mo after the onset of stroke,he exhibited rare complications including dysphasia,kinetic tremor confined to the left calf,and mirror movement of the left arm which are unique and interesting,and a follow-up computed tomography scan revealed an old hemorrhagic lesion in the right thalamus and posterior limb of the internal capsule.CONCLUSION Hypophonia may be a recognizable clinical sign of thalamus lesions;thalamus injury could cause tremor confined to the lower extremity and mimicking extremity movements.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30470551a Category Project of the Education Department of Liaoning Province, No. 05L1021
文摘BACKGROUND：Glutamate acid ionotropic receptor N-methyl-D-aspartic acid （NMDA） takes part in long-term potentiation, thereby influencing the process of learning and memory. OBJECTIVE： To verify expression of NMDA 2A/B and 2B receptors in the anterior thalamic nucleus and subiculum complex of rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A single-sample observation was performed at Department of Anatomy in Dalian Medical University （Dalian, Liaoning, China） from April to September in 2007. MATERIALS： Ten adult Wistar rats were used for this study, as well as rabbit anti-NMDA 2A/B and 2B antibodies. METHODS： The rats were anesthetized and perfused, followed by brain resection and coronal sectioning of the brain tissue. A 1：3 series was selected for immunohistochemistry, using antibodies specific to NMDA 2A/B and 2B receptors. Photos were taken using the Nikon image analysis system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression and distribution of immunohistochemistry staining of NMDA 2A/B and 2B receptor subunits. RESULTS： There were a large number of NMDA 2A/B and 2B receptor-positive neurons distributed throughout the anterior dorsal thalamic nucleus. In the anterior ventral thalamic nucleus, distribution of positive neurons was rare, staining intensity was lighter, and cell bodies were smaller compared with the anterior dorsal thalamic nucleus. In the subiculum complex, staining intensity of NMDA 2A/B and 2B-positive neurons was weakest in the molecular layer and stronger in the pyramidal layer, in particular the region with large cell bodies adjacent to the molecular layer. In the multiform layer, more positive neurons of various sizes were detected. CONCLUSION： NMDA 2A/B and 2B receptor subunits were richly distributed in the anterior thalamic nucleus, with a small difference existing between the anterior dorsal nucleus and anterior ventral nucleus. These neurons were also differentially distributed within the three layers of the subiculum complex.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81471347, 81771426, and 31500853)the Talent-Introducing Project of State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs of China (X2017008)
文摘The thalamus is the gate of the cerebral cortex, the ultimate target for the neural networks controlling behavioral states and cognitive functions. According to the reticular theory initially proposed by Moruzzi and Magoun, excitatory inputs from large reticular zones of the brainstem via widespread intra- and extra-thalamocortical systems finally activate the cerebral cortex to cause generalized cortical activation and wakefulness [1]. This theory proposes a central relay role to the thalamus for cortical activation as supported by early studies using neurodegeneration techniques and by the elegant work of Steriade’s group and other investigators illustrating the electrophysiological mechanisms of the thalamocortical system at the cellular level during wakefulness, rapid eye-movement sleep (REMs) and non-REM sleep (NREMs)[2].
基金Chinese Medical Board of USA, No.CMB00-730the Na-tional Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30770764, 30973108the Fund of Health Department of Guangdong Province Department of China, No.A2009172
文摘BACKGROUND： Following ischemia, apoptosis is observed at the ipsilateral ventropostenor thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra, which are distant from, but connected to, the ischemic cerebral cortex, in animals with normotension. However, secondary brain damage in hypertension has not been clearly investigated. OBJECTIVE： The present study determined whether neuronal apoptosis is associated with neuronal loss in the ipsilateral ventroposterior thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra following cortical ischemia in adult hypertensive rats. Results should provide options for determining a time window for anti-apoptotic therapy. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： All experimental procedures in this randomized, controlled trial were conducted at the Neurological Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University of China between October 2006 and July 2008. MATERIALS： Monoclonal primary antibodies specific to mouse anti-rat microtubule-associated protein 2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were respectively purchased from Sigma Chemical, USA and BD Pharmingen, USA. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling （TUNEL） detection kits were purchased from Roche Applied Science, Switzerland and Upstate, USA, respectively. METHODS： A total of 64 male, Sprague Dawiey rats, aged 60-90 days, were equally and randomly divided into middle cerebral artery occlusion and sham surgery groups. Renovascular hypertension was established in both groups by renal artery occlusion. Right distal middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed by electrocoagulation in the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Microtubule-associated protein 2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were detected by immunohistochemistry, and apoptotic cells were observed by TUNEL assay. The stainings were separately detected in the ipsilateral ventroposterior thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra. RESULTS： During the 4 weeks following distal middle cerebral artery occlusion in renovascular hypertensive rats, microtubule-associated protein 2 expression gradually, but significantly, decreased （P 〈 0.05）. Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein increased significantly in the ipsilateral ventroposterior thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra （P 〈 0.05） and reached a peak at 4 weeks. In addition, number of apoptotic cells was significantly increased in both areas compared with the sham controls （P 〈 0.05）, with a peak at 2 weeks. CONCLUSION： Results suggested that neuronal loss in the ipsilateral ventroposterior thalamic nucleus and substantia nigra following distal middle cerebral artery occlusion in hypertensive rats could be a secondary event resulting from apoptosis. The temporal apoptosis profile provides options for determining a time window for anti-apoptotic therapy at 2 weeks after stroke.
基金supported by the Open Project of State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines(SKLNMKF202209)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos:82074110 and 82274193)。
文摘Major depressive disorder(MDD),characterized by anhedonia,loss of motivation,behavioral despair,and cognitive abnormalities[1],stands as the second leading cause of disability worldwide[2]owing to its heightened prevalence,suicide rates,and recurrence[3].Empirical evidence and clinical observations have substantiated the notion that patients with MDD often exhibit compromised auditory perception[4].
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31872768,32171044,and 32100827)Zhejiang University K.P.Chao's High Technology Development Foundation.
文摘Stimulus-specific adaptation(SSA),defined as a decrease in responses to a common stimulus that only partially generalizes to other rare stimuli,is a widespread phenomenon in the brain that is believed to be related to novelty detection.Although cross-modal sensory processing is also a widespread phenomenon,the interaction between the two phenomena is not well understood.In this study,the thalamic reticular nucleus(TRN),which is regarded as a hub of the attentional system that contains multi-modal neurons,was investigated.The results showed that SSA existed in an interactive oddball stimulation,which mimics stimulation changes from one modality to another.In the bimodal integration,SSA to bimodal stimulation was stronger than to visual stimulation alone but similar to auditory stimulation alone,which indicated a limited integrative effect.Collectively,the present results provide evidence for independent cross-modal processing in bimodal TRN neurons.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32000716 and 91732304)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB02030001).
文摘The ventral part of the anteromedial thalamic nucleus(AMv)is in a position to convey information to the cortico-hippocampal-amygdalar circuit involved in the processing of fear memory.Corticotropin-releasing-factor(CRF)neurons are closely associated with the regulation of stress and fear.However,few studies have focused on the role of thalamic CRF neurons in fear memory.In the present study,using a conditioned fear paradigm in CRF transgenic mice,we found that the c-Fos protein in the AMv CRF neurons was significantly increased after cued fear expression.Chemogenetic activation of AMv CRF neurons enhanced cued fear expression,whereas inhibition had the opposite effect on the cued fear response.Moreover,chemogenetic manipulation of AMv CRF neurons did not affect fear acquisition or contextual fear expression.In addition,anterograde tracing of projections revealed that AMv CRF neurons project to wide areas of the cerebral cortex and the limbic system.These results uncover a critical role of AMv CRF neurons in the regulation of conditioned fear memory.
基金Department of Education Zhejiang Province Scientific Research Project,No.Y201942038and Zhejiang Province Medical Science and Technology Project,No.2020RC061.
文摘BACKGROUND Hemichorea usually results from vascular lesions of the basal ganglia.Most often,the lesion is contralateral to the affected limb but rarely,it may be ipsilateral.The pathophysiology of ipsilateral hemichorea is still poorly understood.We review the literature on hemichorea due to ipsilateral cerebral infarction and explore possible mechanisms for its occurrence.CASE SUMMARY A 72-year-old woman presented with complaints of involuntary movements of the muscles of the left side of the face and mild weakness of the right limbs.Her symptoms had started suddenly 1 d earlier.After admission to the hospital,the involuntary movements spread to involve the left limbs also.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left thalamic infarction.The patient’s hemichorea subsided after treatment with haloperidol(2 mg per time,3 times/d)for 3 d;the hemiparesis resolved with rehabilitation physiotherapy.She is presently symptom free and on treatment for prevention of secondary stroke.We review the literature on the occurrence of ipsilateral hemichorea following thalamic infarction and discuss the possible pathomechanisms of this unusual presentation.CONCLUSION Ipsilateral hemichorea following a thalamic stroke is rare but it can be explained by structure of the extrapyramidal system.The thalamus is a relay station that exerts a bilateral control of motor function.
文摘The aim of the study was to assess the neurophysiological and behavioural effects of a stroke rehabilitation involving Treatment As Usual (TAU) combined with Social Cognitive Training (SCT) in a right-handed patient suffered from tuberothalamic infarct compared to healthy controls (HCs) (n = 13). Methods: Both HCs and the patient were assessed by means of the following measures: Penn Emotion Perception Battery (ER40, EmoDiff40, PEAT40, PFMT), Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale alongside clinical scales (Mini Mental State Examination, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Hamilton Depression Scale). The SCT was delivered individually for 60 minutes weekly in a 12-week program (12 sessions). The subject participated twice in a fMRI scanning session including the event-related task of implicit processing of 100% fearful expressions to detect physiological changes after TAU plus SCT and compared them with HCS who underwent the same assessment once. Results: Compared with HCs, the patient before therapy revealed lower scores in emotion recognition;particularly perception of anger was affected alongside worse performance on both emotion discrimination and acuity tests. After therapy, B.D. showed improvement in emotional processing. B.D. had less post-therapy activation maps compared with pretherapy ones and more significantly activated pre-and post-central gyrus and right cerebellum in response to fearful faces. Interestingly, no amygdala was significantly activated as the response to fearful stimuli before or after therapy was completed. Conclusions: Further research was needed to increase understanding about efficacy of SCT and the theory of neuroplasticity, thus helping rehabilitation programs.
文摘Diaschisis refers to a disturbance （inhibition or facilitation） of function in an area remote from the site of a primary brain lesion. Previous studies have confirmed that regional cerebral blood flow and metabolism are noticeably decreased in an infarct region. Transient excessive perfusion appears in the ischemic penumbra, and diaschisis occurs in an area remote from the lesion site, showing decreased regional cerebral blood flow and metabolism. Mirror diaschisis refers to a decrease in oxygen metabolism and blood flow in the ＂mirror image area＂ to the infarct regions in the contralateral hemisphere. In this study, a patient with right thalamic hemorrhage was affected with right arm and leg numbness. At 4 months before onset, magnetic resonance imaging of the head demonstrated lacunar infarcts in the left thalamus; therefore the right arm and leg numbness was not associated with lacunar infarcts in the left thalamus. At 8 days following onset, magnetic resonance imaging reexamination did not reveal the focus that could induce right arm and leg numbness and weakness. Thus, it is suggested in this study that the onset of this disease can be explained by mirror diaschisis. That is, right thalamic hemorrhage leads to decreased blood flow and metabolic disturbance in the contralateral thalamus, resulting in right arm and leg numbness.
