Characterization of primary visual cortex input to specific cell types in the superior colliculus
The superior colliculus is a critical brain region involved in processing visual information. It receives visual input directly from the retina, as well as via a projection from primary visual cortex. Here we determine which cell types in the superficial superior colliculus receive visual input from primary visual cortex in mice. Neurons in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus were classified into four groups – Wide-field, narrow-field, horizontal and stellate – based on their morphological and electrophysiological properties. To determine functional connections between V1 and these four different cell typ...
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - November 10, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Proportions of four distinct classes of sensory neurons are retained even when axon regeneration is enhanced following peripheral nerve injury
IntroductionRecovery from peripheral nerve injuries is poor because axon regeneration is slow and inefficient. Experimental therapies that increase signaling of neuronal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through its TrkB receptor or through its downstream effectors enhance axon regeneration, increasing the number of motor and sensory neurons whose axons successfully regenerate and reinnervate muscle targets. The goal of this study was to compare the proportions of four different classes of sensory (dorsal root ganglion, DRG) neurons that successfully reinnervate two different muscle targets in control mice and mice ...
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - November 6, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Twelve protections evolved for the brain, and their roles in extending its functional life
As human longevity has increased, we have come to understand the ability of the brain to function into advanced age, but also its vulnerability with age, apparent in the age-related dementias. Against that background of success and vulnerability, this essay reviews how the brain is protected by (by our count) 12 mechanisms, including: the cranium, a bony helmet; the hydraulic support given by the cerebrospinal fluid; the strategically located carotid body and sinus, which provide input to reflexes that protect the brain from blood-gas imbalance and extremes of blood pressure; the blood brain barrier, an essential sealing o...
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - November 6, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Brain plasticity following corpus callosum agenesis or loss: a review of the Probst bundles
The corpus callosum is the largest axonal tract in the human brain, connecting the left and right cortical hemipheres. This structure is affected in myriad human neurodevelopmental disorders, and can be entirely absent as a result of congenital or surgical causes. The age when callosal loss occurs, for example via surgical section in cases of refractory epilepsy, correlates with resulting brain morphology and neuropsychological outcomes, whereby an earlier loss generally produces relatively improved interhemispheric connectivity compared to a loss in adulthood (known as the “Sperry’s paradox”). However, the mechanism...
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - November 6, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
A technology platform for standardized cryoprotection and freezing of large-volume brain tissues for high-resolution histology
This study addresses the problem of freezing large brains in aligned neuroanatomical coordinates with minimal tissue damage, facilitating large-scale distortion-free cryosectioning. We report the most effective and stable freezing technique utilizing an appropriate choice of cryoprotection and leveraging engineering tools such as brain master patterns, custom-designed molds, and a continuous temperature monitoring system. This standardized approach to freezing enables high-quality, distortion-free histology, allowing researchers worldwide to explore the complexities of the human brain at a cellular level. Our approach comb...
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - November 2, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Secretagogin as a marker to distinguish between different neuron types in human frontal and temporal cortex
We examined the degree of colocalization of SCGN with parvalbumin (PV) and calretinin (CR), as well as with nitric oxide synthase (nNOS; the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of nitric oxide by neurons) by triple immunostaining. We looked for possible similarities or differences in the coexpression patterns of SCGN with PV, CR and nNOS between BA10 and BA21 throughout the different cortical layers (I–VI). The percentage of colocalization was estimated by counting the number of all labeled cells through columns (1,100–1,400 μm wide) across the entire thickness of the cortex (from the pial surface to the white matt...
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - November 1, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
The importance of pre-operative neuroanatomical study in the surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia associated with multiple sclerosis
(Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy)
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - October 31, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
The anatomy of the four streams of the prefrontal cortex. Preliminary evidence from a population based high definition tractography study
We report the structural connectivity of BA 8 with BA 6, BA 9 with the insula, BA 10 with the hippocampus, BA 11 with the temporal pole, and BA 11 with the amygdala. The 4 streams of the prefrontal cortex are subserved by a structural neural network encompassing fibers of the anterior part of the superior longitudinal fasciculus-I and II, corona radiata, cingulum, frontal aslant tract, and uncinate fasciculus. The identified neural network of the four streams of the PFC will allow the comprehensive analysis of these networks in normal and pathological brain function. (Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy)
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - October 24, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Behavioral evidence of the functional interaction between the main and accessory olfactory system suggests a large olfactory system with a high plastic capability
Olfaction is fundamental in many species of mammals. In rodents, the integrity of this system is required for the expression of parental and sexual behavior, mate recognition, identification of predators, and finding food. Different anatomical and physiological evidence initially indicated the existence of two anatomically distinct chemosensory systems: The main olfactory system (MOS) and the accessory olfactory system (AOS). It was originally conceived that the MOS detected volatile odorants related to food, giving the animal information about the environment. The AOS, on the other hand, detected non-volatile sexually rel...
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - October 16, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Endoscopic transorbital resection of the temporal lobe: anatomic qualitative and quantitative study
ConclusionThis anatomic study provides qualitative and quantitative details about the resection of the temporal lobe via an endoscopic transorbital approach. Our results showed that the resection of more than half of the temporal lobe is possible through this surgical corridor. While the anterior, inferior, and mesial portions of the temporal lobe were easily accessible, the most superior and lateral segment was more difficult to reach and resect. Our study serves as an integration to the current anatomic knowledge and clinical practice knowledge highlighting and also as a starting point for further anatomic studies addres...
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - September 25, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Immunohistochemical distribution of secretagogin in the mouse brain
DiscussionSecretagogin can provide a more complete vision of calcium-buffering mechanisms in the brain, and can be a useful neuronal marker in different brain areas for specific populations. (Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy)
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - August 30, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Editorial: Methods and applications in frontiers in neuroanatomy
(Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy)
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - August 29, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Neuroanatomical and neurochemical effects of prolonged social isolation in adult mice
ConclusionThese studies show that isolation that begins in adulthood imparts a significant change on the homeostasis of brain structure and chemistry. (Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy)
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - August 17, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Macroscopic brain gray matter staining: historical protocol overview and neuroanatomy learning applications in second-year medical students
In conclusion, macroscopic staining of brain tissue continues to be a valuable tool for comprehensively studying the brain. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of stained specimens as teaching tools. (Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy)
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - August 17, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Cerebellar and basal ganglia inputs define three main nuclei in the mouse ventral motor thalamus
The thalamus is a central link between cortical and subcortical brain motor systems. Axons from the deep nuclei of the cerebellum (DCN), or the output nuclei of the basal ganglia system (substantia nigra reticulata, SNr; and internal pallidum GPi/ENT) monosynaptically innervate the thalamus, prominently some nuclei of the ventral nuclear group. In turn, axons from these ventral nuclei innervate the motor and premotor areas of the cortex, where their input is critical for planning, execution and learning of rapid and precise movements. Mice have in recent years become a widely used model in motor system research. However, i...
Source: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy - August 14, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
