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Sasaki A, Kawai E, Watanabe K, Yamano E, Oba C, Nakamura K, Natsume M, Mizuno K, Watanabe Y. Cacao Polyphenol-Rich Dark Chocolate Intake Contributes to Efficient Brain Activity during Cognitive Tasks: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Crossover, and Dose-Comparison fMRI Study. Nutrients 2023; 16:41. [PMID: 38201871 PMCID: PMC10780455 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cacao polyphenol-enriched dark chocolate may have beneficial effects on human health, such as facilitating maintaining good performance in long-lasting cognitive tasks. This study examined the effects of dark chocolate intake on improving brain function during cognitive tasks using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this randomized, single-blinded, crossover, and dose-comparison study, 26 healthy middle-aged participants ingested dark chocolate (25 g) either with a low concentration (LC) (211.7 mg) or a high concentration (HC) (635 mg) of cacao polyphenols. Thereafter, their brain activities were analyzed during continuous and effortful cognitive tasks relevant to executive functioning using fMRI in two consecutive 15 min sessions (25 and 50 min after ingestion). We observed significant interaction effects between chocolate consumption and brain activity measurement sessions in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and left inferior parietal lobule. After HC chocolate ingestion, these areas showed lower brain activity in the second session than in the first session; however, these areas showed higher activity in the second session after LC chocolate ingestion. These results suggest that cacao polyphenol-enriched dark chocolate enhances the efficient use of cognitive resources by reducing the effort of brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Sasaki
- Laboratory for Pathophysiological and Health Science, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan; (E.K.); (K.W.); (E.Y.); (K.M.); (Y.W.)
- RIKEN Compass to Healthy Life Research Complex Program, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan
- Center for Health Science Innovation, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eriko Kawai
- Laboratory for Pathophysiological and Health Science, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan; (E.K.); (K.W.); (E.Y.); (K.M.); (Y.W.)
- Center for Health Science Innovation, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Watanabe
- Laboratory for Pathophysiological and Health Science, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan; (E.K.); (K.W.); (E.Y.); (K.M.); (Y.W.)
- RIKEN Compass to Healthy Life Research Complex Program, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan
- Center for Health Science Innovation, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011, Osaka, Japan
| | - Emi Yamano
- Laboratory for Pathophysiological and Health Science, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan; (E.K.); (K.W.); (E.Y.); (K.M.); (Y.W.)
- RIKEN Compass to Healthy Life Research Complex Program, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan
- Center for Health Science Innovation, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chisato Oba
- Food Microbiology Research Laboratories, R&D Division, Meiji Co., Ltd., 1-29-1 Nanakuni, Hachioji 192-0919, Tokyo, Japan; (K.N.); (M.N.)
| | - Kentaro Nakamura
- Food Microbiology Research Laboratories, R&D Division, Meiji Co., Ltd., 1-29-1 Nanakuni, Hachioji 192-0919, Tokyo, Japan; (K.N.); (M.N.)
| | - Midori Natsume
- Food Microbiology Research Laboratories, R&D Division, Meiji Co., Ltd., 1-29-1 Nanakuni, Hachioji 192-0919, Tokyo, Japan; (K.N.); (M.N.)
| | - Kei Mizuno
- Laboratory for Pathophysiological and Health Science, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan; (E.K.); (K.W.); (E.Y.); (K.M.); (Y.W.)
- RIKEN Compass to Healthy Life Research Complex Program, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan
- Center for Health Science Innovation, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Watanabe
- Laboratory for Pathophysiological and Health Science, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan; (E.K.); (K.W.); (E.Y.); (K.M.); (Y.W.)
- RIKEN Compass to Healthy Life Research Complex Program, 6-7-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan
- Center for Health Science Innovation, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011, Osaka, Japan
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Cyrcadian Rhythm, Mood, and Temporal Patterns of Eating Chocolate: A Scoping Review of Physiology, Findings, and Future Directions. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153113. [PMID: 35956290 PMCID: PMC9370573 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper discusses the effect of chrononutrition on the regulation of circadian rhythms; in particular, that of chocolate on the resynchronization of the human internal biological central and peripheral clocks with the main external synchronizers, light–dark cycle and nutrition-fasting cycle. The desynchronization of internal clocks with external synchronizers, which is so frequent in our modern society due to the tight rhythms imposed by work, social life, and technology, has a negative impact on our psycho-physical performance, well-being, and health. Taking small amounts of chocolate, in the morning at breakfast at the onset of the active phase, helps speed up resynchronization time. The high flavonoid contents in chocolate promote cardioprotection, metabolic regulation, neuroprotection, and neuromodulation with direct actions on brain function, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and mood. Although the mechanisms of action of chocolate compounds on brain function and mood as well as on the regulation of circadian rhythms have yet to be fully understood, data from the literature currently available seem to agree in suggesting that chocolate intake, in compliance with chrononutrition, could be a strategy to reduce the negative effects of desynchronization. This strategy appears to be easily implemented in different age groups to improve work ability and daily life.
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Veldhuizen MG, Cecchetto C, Fjaeldstad AW, Farruggia MC, Hartig R, Nakamura Y, Pellegrino R, Yeung AWK, Fischmeister FPS. Future Directions for Chemosensory Connectomes: Best Practices and Specific Challenges. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:885304. [PMID: 35707745 PMCID: PMC9190244 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.885304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecological chemosensory stimuli almost always evoke responses in more than one sensory system. Moreover, any sensory processing takes place along a hierarchy of brain regions. So far, the field of chemosensory neuroimaging is dominated by studies that examine the role of brain regions in isolation. However, to completely understand neural processing of chemosensation, we must also examine interactions between regions. In general, the use of connectivity methods has increased in the neuroimaging field, providing important insights to physical sensory processing, such as vision, audition, and touch. A similar trend has been observed in chemosensory neuroimaging, however, these established techniques have largely not been rigorously applied to imaging studies on the chemical senses, leaving network insights overlooked. In this article, we first highlight some recent work in chemosensory connectomics and we summarize different connectomics techniques. Then, we outline specific challenges for chemosensory connectome neuroimaging studies. Finally, we review best practices from the general connectomics and neuroimaging fields. We recommend future studies to develop or use the following methods we perceive as key to improve chemosensory connectomics: (1) optimized study designs, (2) reporting guidelines, (3) consensus on brain parcellations, (4) consortium research, and (5) data sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Veldhuizen
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Cinzia Cecchetto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Alexander W. Fjaeldstad
- Flavour Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Regional Hospital West Jutland, Holstebro, Denmark
| | - Michael C. Farruggia
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Renée Hartig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany,Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany,Functional and Comparative Neuroanatomy Laboratory, Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yuko Nakamura
- The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Andy W. K. Yeung
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Florian Ph. S. Fischmeister
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria,Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria,*Correspondence: Florian Ph. S. Fischmeister,
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Samara Z, Evers EAT, Goulas A, Uylings HBM, Rajkowska G, Ramaekers JG, Stiers P. Human orbital and anterior medial prefrontal cortex: Intrinsic connectivity parcellation and functional organization. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:2941-2960. [PMID: 28255676 PMCID: PMC5581738 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The orbital and medial prefrontal cortex (OMPFC) has been implicated in decision-making, reward and emotion processing, and psychopathology, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Human and monkey anatomical studies indicate the presence of various cortical subdivisions and suggest that these are organized in two extended networks, a medial and an orbital one. Attempts have been made to replicate these neuroanatomical findings in vivo using MRI techniques for imaging connectivity. These revealed several consistencies, but also many inconsistencies between reported results. Here, we use fMRI resting-state functional connectivity (FC) and data-driven modularity optimization to parcellate the OMPFC to investigate replicability of in vivo parcellation more systematically. By collecting two resting-state data sets per participant, we were able to quantify the reliability of the observed modules and their boundaries. Results show that there was significantly more than chance overlap in modules and their boundaries at the level of individual data sets. Moreover, some of these consistent boundaries significantly co-localized across participants. Hierarchical clustering showed that the whole-brain FC profiles of the OMPFC subregions separate them in two networks, a medial and orbital one, which overlap with the organization proposed by Barbas and Pandya (J Comp Neurol 286:353-375, 1989) and Ongür and Price (Cereb Cortex 10:206-219, 2000). We conclude that in vivo resting-state FC can delineate reliable and neuroanatomically plausible subdivisions that agree with established cytoarchitectonic trends and connectivity patterns, while other subdivisions do not show the same consistency across data sets and studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Samara
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40 (East), 6229, ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth A T Evers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40 (East), 6229, ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandros Goulas
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Max Planck Research Group: Neuroanatomy and Connectivity, Stephanstrasse 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Harry B M Uylings
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Grazyna Rajkowska
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216-4505, USA
| | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40 (East), 6229, ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Stiers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40 (East), 6229, ER Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
It is well known that cocoa and dark chocolate possess polyphenols as major constituents whose dietary consumption has been associated to beneficial effects. In fact, cocoa and dark chocolate polyphenols exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities switching on some important signaling pathways such as toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor κB/signal transducer and activator of transcription. In particular, cocoa polyphenols induce release of nitric oxide (NO) through activation of endothelial NO synthase which, in turn, accounts for vasodilation and cardioprotective effects. In the light of the above described properties, a number of clinical trials based on the consumption of cocoa and dark chocolate have been conducted in healthy subjects as well as in different categories of patients, such as those affected by cardiovascular, neurological, intestinal, and metabolic pathologies. Even if data are not always concordant, modifications of biomarkers of disease are frequently associated to improvement of clinical manifestations. Quite interestingly, following cocoa and dark chocolate ingestion, cocoa polyphenols also modulate intestinal microbiota, thus leading to the growth of bacteria that trigger a tolerogenic anti-inflammatory pathway in the host. Finally, many evidences encourage the consumption of cocoa and dark chocolate by aged people for the recovery of the neurovascular unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Magrone
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Antonio Russo
- MEBIC Consortium, San Raffaele Open University of Rome and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Jirillo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Fondazione San Raffaele, Ceglie Messapica, Italy
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Montmorency Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) modulate vascular function acutely, in the absence of improvement in cognitive performance. Br J Nutr 2016; 116:1935-1944. [PMID: 27989253 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114516004177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral blood volume and metabolism of oxygen decline as part of human ageing, and this has been previously shown to be related to cognitive decline. There is some evidence to suggest that polyphenol-rich foods can play an important role in delaying the onset or halting the progression of age-related health disorders such as CVD and Alzheimer's disease and to improve cognitive function. In the present study, an acute, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, cross-over, randomised Latin-square design study with a washout period of at least 14 d was conducted on twenty-seven, middle-aged (defined as 45-60 years) volunteers. Participants received either a 60 ml dose of Montmorency tart cherry concentrate (MC), which contained 68·0 (sd 0·26) mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/l, 160·75 (sd 0·55) mean gallic acid equivalent/l and 0·59 (sd 0·02) mean Trolox equivalent/l, respectively, or a placebo. Cerebrovascular responses, cognitive performance and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 5 h following consumption. There were significant differences in concentrations of total Hb and oxygenated Hb during the task period 1 h after MC consumption (P≤0·05). Furthermore, MC consumption significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (P≤0·05) over a period of 3 h, with peak reductions of 6±2 mmHg at 1 h after MC consumption relative to the placebo. Cognitive function and mood were not affected. These results show that a single dose of MC concentrate can modulate certain variables of vascular function; however, this does not translate to improvements in cognition or mood.
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Nehlig A. The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2013; 75:716-27. [PMID: 22775434 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04378.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocoa powder and chocolate contain numerous substances among which there is a quite large percentage of antioxidant molecules, mainly flavonoids, most abundantly found in the form of epicatechin. These substances display several beneficial actions on the brain. They enter the brain and induce widespread stimulation of brain perfusion. They also provoke angiogenesis, neurogenesis and changes in neuron morphology, mainly in regions involved in learning and memory. Epicatechin improves various aspects of cognition in animals and humans. Chocolate also induces positive effects on mood and is often consumed under emotional stress. In addition, flavonoids preserve cognitive abilities during ageing in rats, lower the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease and decrease the risk of stroke in humans. In addition to their beneficial effects on the vascular system and on cerebral blood flow, flavonoids interact with signalization cascades involving protein and lipid kinases that lead to the inhibition of neuronal death by apoptosis induced by neurotoxicants such as oxygen radicals, and promote neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. The present review intends to review the data available on the effects of cocoa and chocolate on brain health and cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Nehlig
- Faculty of Medicine, INSERM U 666, Strasbourg, France.
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Nakamura Y, Tokumori K, Tanabe HC, Yoshiura T, Kobayashi K, Nakamura Y, Honda H, Yoshiura K, Goto TK. Localization of the primary taste cortex by contrasting passive and attentive conditions. Exp Brain Res 2013; 227:185-97. [PMID: 23604572 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-013-3499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The primary taste cortex is located in the insula. However, exactly where in the insula the human primary taste cortex is located remains a controversial issue. Human neuroimaging studies have shown prominent variation concerning the location of taste-responsive activation within the insula. A standard protocol for gustatory testing in neuroimaging studies has not been developed, which might underlie such variations. In order to localize the primary taste cortex in an fMRI experiment, we used a taste delivery system to suppress non-taste stimuli and psychological effects. Then, we compared brain response to taste solution during a passive tasting task condition and a taste quality identification task condition to verify whether this cognitive task affected the location of taste-responsive activation within the insula. To examine which part of insula is the primary taste area, we performed dynamic causal modeling (DCM) to verify the neural network of the taste coding-related region and random-effects Bayesian model selection (BMS) at the family level to reveal the optimal input region. Passive tasting resulted in activation of the right middle insula (MI), and the most favorable model selected by DCM analysis showed that taste effect directly influenced the MI. Additionally, BMS results at the family level suggested that the taste inputs entered into the MI. Taken together, our results suggest that the human primary taste cortex is located in the MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Nakamura
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
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Sörös P, Inamoto Y, Martin RE. Functional brain imaging of swallowing: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis. Hum Brain Mapp 2009; 30:2426-39. [PMID: 19107749 PMCID: PMC6871071 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2008] [Revised: 09/09/2008] [Accepted: 09/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A quantitative, voxel-wise meta-analysis was performed to investigate the cortical control of water and saliva swallowing. Studies that were included in the meta-analysis (1) examined water swallowing, saliva swallowing, or both, and (2) reported brain activation as coordinates in standard space. Using these criteria, a systematic literature search identified seven studies that examined water swallowing and five studies of saliva swallowing. An activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis of these studies was performed with GingerALE. For water swallowing, clusters with high activation likelihood were found in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex, right inferior parietal lobule, and right anterior insula. For saliva swallowing, clusters with high activation likelihood were found in the left sensorimotor cortex, right motor cortex, and bilateral cingulate gyrus. A between-condition meta-analysis revealed clusters with higher activation likelihood for water than for saliva swallowing in the right inferior parietal lobule, right postcentral gyrus, and right anterior insula. Clusters with higher activation likelihood for saliva than for water swallowing were found in the bilateral supplementary motor area, bilateral anterior cingulate gyrus, and bilateral precentral gyrus. This meta-analysis emphasizes the distributed and partly overlapping cortical networks involved in the control of water and saliva swallowing. Water swallowing is associated with right inferior parietal activation, likely reflecting the sensory processing of intraoral water stimulation. Saliva swallowing more strongly involves premotor areas, which are crucial for the initiation and control of movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sörös
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Okamoto M, Dan H, Clowney L, Yamaguchi Y, Dan I. Activation in ventro-lateral prefrontal cortex during the act of tasting: An fNIRS study. Neurosci Lett 2009; 451:129-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Revised: 12/05/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kami YN, Goto TK, Tokumori K, Yoshiura T, Kobayashi K, Nakamura Y, Honda H, Ninomiya Y, Yoshiura K. The development of a novel automated taste stimulus delivery system for fMRI studies on the human cortical segregation of taste. J Neurosci Methods 2008; 172:48-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2008] [Revised: 04/01/2008] [Accepted: 04/06/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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García-Cabezas MA, Martínez-Sánchez P, Sánchez-González MA, Garzón M, Cavada C. Dopamine innervation in the thalamus: monkey versus rat. Cereb Cortex 2008; 19:424-34. [PMID: 18550594 PMCID: PMC2638784 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhn093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently identified the thalamic dopaminergic system in the human and macaque monkey brains, and, based on earlier reports on the paucity of dopamine in the rat thalamus, hypothesized that this dopaminergic system was particularly developed in primates. Here we test this hypothesis using immunohistochemistry against the dopamine transporter (DAT) in adult macaque and rat brains. The extent and density of DAT-immunoreactive (-ir) axons were remarkably greater in the macaque dorsal thalamus, where the mediodorsal association nucleus and the ventral motor nuclei held the densest immunolabeling. In contrast, sparse DAT immunolabeling was present in the rat dorsal thalamus; it was mainly located in the mediodorsal, paraventricular, ventral medial, and ventral lateral nuclei. The reticular nucleus, zona incerta, and lateral habenular nucleus held numerous DAT-ir axons in both species. Ultrastructural analysis in the macaque mediodorsal nucleus revealed that thalamic interneurons are a main postsynaptic target of DAT-ir axons; this suggests that the marked expansion of the dopamine innervation in the primate in comparison to the rodent thalamus may be related to the presence of a sizable interneuron population in primates. We remark that it is important to be aware of brain species differences when using animal models of human brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel García-Cabezas
- Departamento de Anatomía, Histología y Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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