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Michel L, Molina P, Mameli M. The behavioral relevance of a modular organization in the lateral habenula. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00287-3. [PMID: 38772374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Behavioral strategies for survival rely on the updates the brain continuously makes based on the surrounding environment. External stimuli-neutral, positive, and negative-relay core information to the brain, where a complex anatomical network rapidly organizes actions, including approach or escape, and regulates emotions. Human neuroimaging and physiology in nonhuman primates, rodents, and teleosts suggest a pivotal role of the lateral habenula in translating external information into survival behaviors. Here, we review the literature describing how discrete habenular modules-reflecting the molecular signatures, anatomical connectivity, and functional components-are recruited by environmental stimuli and cooperate to prompt specific behavioral outcomes. We argue that integration of these findings in the context of valence processing for reinforcing or discouraging behaviors is necessary, offering a compelling model to guide future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Michel
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Molina
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mameli
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; Inserm, UMR-S 839, 75005 Paris, France.
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2
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Deloulme JC, Leclercq M, Deschaux O, Flore G, Capellano L, Tocco C, Braz BY, Studer M, Lahrech H. Structural interhemispheric connectivity defects in mouse models of BBSOAS: Insights from high spatial resolution 3D white matter tractography. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106455. [PMID: 38408685 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
White matter (WM) tract formation and axonal pathfinding are major processes in brain development allowing to establish precise connections between targeted structures. Disruptions in axon pathfinding and connectivity impairments will lead to neural circuitry abnormalities, often associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Among several neuroimaging methodologies, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that has the advantage of visualizing in 3D the WM tractography of the whole brain non-invasively. DTI is particularly valuable in unpinning structural tract connectivity defects of neural networks in NDDs. In this study, we used 3D DTI to unveil brain-specific tract defects in two mouse models lacking the Nr2f1 gene, which mutations in patients have been proven to cause an emerging NDD, called Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy (BBSOAS). We aimed to investigate the impact of the lack of cortical Nr2f1 function on WM morphometry and tract microstructure quantifications. We found in both mutant mice partial loss of fibers and severe misrouting of the two major cortical commissural tracts, the corpus callosum, and the anterior commissure, as well as the two major hippocampal efferent tracts, the post-commissural fornix, and the ventral hippocampal commissure. DTI tract malformations were supported by 2D histology, 3D fluorescent imaging, and behavioral analyses. We propose that these interhemispheric connectivity impairments are consistent in explaining some cognitive defects described in BBSOAS patients, particularly altered information processing between the two brain hemispheres. Finally, our results highlight 3DDTI as a relevant neuroimaging modality that can provide appropriate morphometric biomarkers for further diagnosis of BBSOAS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olivier Deschaux
- University Côte d'Azur (UCA), CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV), Nice, France
| | - Gemma Flore
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Laetitia Capellano
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institute Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Chiara Tocco
- University Côte d'Azur (UCA), CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV), Nice, France
| | - Barbara Yael Braz
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institute Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Michèle Studer
- University Côte d'Azur (UCA), CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV), Nice, France.
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3
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Saleem KS, Avram AV, Glen D, Schram V, Basser PJ. The Subcortical Atlas of the Marmoset ("SAM") monkey based on high-resolution MRI and histology. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae120. [PMID: 38647221 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae120] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive three-dimensional digital brain atlas of cortical and subcortical regions based on MRI and histology has a broad array of applications in anatomical, functional, and clinical studies. We first generated a Subcortical Atlas of the Marmoset, called the "SAM," from 251 delineated subcortical regions (e.g. thalamic subregions, etc.) derived from high-resolution Mean Apparent Propagator-MRI, T2W, and magnetization transfer ratio images ex vivo. We then confirmed the location and borders of these segmented regions in the MRI data using matched histological sections with multiple stains obtained from the same specimen. Finally, we estimated and confirmed the atlas-based areal boundaries of subcortical regions by registering this ex vivo atlas template to in vivo T1- or T2W MRI datasets of different age groups (single vs. multisubject population-based marmoset control adults) using a novel pipeline developed within Analysis of Functional NeuroImages software. Tracing and validating these important deep brain structures in 3D will improve neurosurgical planning, anatomical tract tracer injections, navigation of deep brain stimulation probes, functional MRI and brain connectivity studies, and our understanding of brain structure-function relationships. This new ex vivo template and atlas are available as volumes in standard NIFTI and GIFTI file formats and are intended for use as a reference standard for marmoset brain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadharbatcha S Saleem
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institute of Health (NIH), 13, South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
- Military Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (MTBI2), Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817, United States
| | - Alexandru V Avram
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institute of Health (NIH), 13, South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Daniel Glen
- Scientific and Statistical Computing Core, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817, United States
| | - Vincent Schram
- Microscopy and Imaging Core (MIC), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Peter J Basser
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institute of Health (NIH), 13, South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
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Piper JA, Musumeci G, Castorina A. The Neuroanatomy of the Habenular Complex and Its Role in the Regulation of Affective Behaviors. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:14. [PMID: 38249091 PMCID: PMC10801627 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The habenular complex is a diencephalic structure divided into the medial and lateral divisions that lie within the epithalamus of most vertebrates. This brain structure, whose activities are mainly regulated via inputs/outputs from and to the stria medullaris and the fasciculus retroflexus, plays a significant role in the modulation of anti-reward behaviors in both the rodent and human brain. Such anti-reward circuits are regulated by dopaminergic and serotonergic projections with several other subcortical and cortical regions; therefore, it is plausible that impairment to this key subcortical structure or its connections contributes to the pathogenesis of affective disorders. Current literature reveals the existence of structural changes in the habenula complex in individuals afflicted by such disorders; however, there is a need for more comprehensive investigations to elucidate the underlying neuroanatomical connections that underpin disease development. In this review article, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of the neuroanatomical differences between the rodent and human habenular complex, the main circuitries, and provide an update on the emerging roles of this understudied subcortical structure in the control of affective behaviors, with special emphasis to morbid conditions of the affective sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Allan Piper
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania (Sydney), Sydney, NSW 2040, Australia;
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience (LCMN), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical & Biotechnological Sciences, Anatomy, Histology & Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Castorina
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience (LCMN), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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Saleem KS, Avram AV, Yen CCC, Magdoom KN, Schram V, Basser PJ. Multimodal anatomical mapping of subcortical regions in marmoset monkeys using high-resolution MRI and matched histology with multiple stains. Neuroimage 2023; 281:120311. [PMID: 37634884 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Subcortical nuclei and other deep brain structures play essential roles in regulating the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, many of these nuclei and their subregions are challenging to identify and delineate in conventional MRI due to their small size, hidden location, and often subtle contrasts compared to neighboring regions. To address these limitations, we scanned the whole brain of the marmoset monkeys in ex vivo using a clinically feasible diffusion MRI method, called the mean apparent propagator (MAP)-MRI, along with T2W and MTR (T1-like contrast) images acquired at 7 Tesla. Additionally, we registered these multimodal MRI volumes to the high-resolution images of matched whole-brain histology sections with seven different stains obtained from the same brain specimens. At high spatial resolution, the microstructural parameters and fiber orientation distribution functions derived with MAP-MRI can distinguish the subregions of many subcortical and deep brain structures, including fiber tracts of different sizes and orientations. The good correlation with multiple but distinct histological stains from the same brain serves as a thorough validation of the structures identified with MAP-MRI and other MRI parameters. Moreover, the anatomical details of deep brain structures found in the volumes of MAP-MRI parameters are not visible in conventional T1W or T2W images. The high-resolution mapping using novel MRI contrasts, combined and correlated with histology, can elucidate structures that were previously invisible radiologically. Thus, this multimodal approach offers a roadmap toward identifying salient brain areas in vivo in future neuroradiological studies. It also provides a useful anatomical standard reference for the region definition of subcortical targets and the generation of a 3D digital template atlas for the marmoset brain research (Saleem et al., 2023). Additionally, we conducted a cross-species comparison between marmoset and macaque monkeys using results from our previous studies (Saleem et al., 2021). We found that the two species had distinct patterns of iron distribution in subregions of the basal ganglia, red nucleus, and deep cerebellar nuclei, confirmed with T2W MRI and histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadharbatcha S Saleem
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, United States.
| | - Alexandru V Avram
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, United States
| | - Cecil Chern-Chyi Yen
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kulam Najmudeen Magdoom
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, United States
| | - Vincent Schram
- Microscopy and Imaging Core (MIC), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Peter J Basser
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
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Asghar A, Narayan RK, Kumar P, Ravi KS, Tubbs RS, Patra A, Naaz S. Absence of the interthalamic adhesion (ITA) as a neuroanatomical association or risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Indian J Psychiatry 2023; 65:985-994. [PMID: 38108053 PMCID: PMC10725209 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_744_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to provide an up-to-date account of the frequency of "the absence of interthalamic adhesion (AITA) as a risk factor or association" in healthy subjects and neuropsychiatric patients. Owing to the increased interest in the contribution of ITA to neurological function in previous literature, a meta-analysis of its frequency and sex dependency is required. Aim This study aimed to study whether the AITA is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Settings and Design This study is a meta-analysis and systemic review. Methods and Material Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the keywords "interthalamic adhesion," "massa intermedia," "adhesio interthalamica," and "adhesion" along with the Boolean operators (OR, AND, and NOT). Three reviewers independently assessed the abstracts and full texts for validation based on the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019 for descriptive studies and RevMan 5.2 for comparative studies. Results The incidence of absent ITA was 15.3% in healthy subjects and 28.76% in neuropsychiatric subjects. The relative probability of AITA was 2.30 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.96-2.70] in neuropsychiatric illness. Healthy men were 1.91 times more likely, and men with neuropsychiatric disorders were 1.82 times more likely to have absent ITA than women. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, a consistent association of AITA with psychiatric disorders was observed, rendering the condition to be treated as an associated risk factor affecting the function of the habenula nuclear complex via the stria medullaris thalami. A cohort or longitudinal study is needed to compare the incidence of psychiatric disorders in individuals with or without ITA and to calculate the attributed risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Asghar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Ravi K. Narayan
- Department of Anatomy, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Bihta, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Kumar S. Ravi
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - R. Shane Tubbs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Neurology, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University School of Medicine, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Apurba Patra
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Shagufta Naaz
- Department of Anaesthesiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
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Kamali A, Milosavljevic S, Gandhi A, Lano KR, Shobeiri P, Sherbaf FG, Sair HI, Riascos RF, Hasan KM. The Cortico-Limbo-Thalamo-Cortical Circuits: An Update to the Original Papez Circuit of the Human Limbic System. Brain Topogr 2023; 36:371-389. [PMID: 37148369 PMCID: PMC10164017 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-00955-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The Papez circuit, first proposed by James Papez in 1937, is a circuit believed to control memory and emotions, composed of the cingulate cortex, entorhinal cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and thalamus. Pursuant to James Papez, Paul Yakovlev and Paul MacLean incorporated the prefrontal/orbitofrontal cortex, septum, amygdalae, and anterior temporal lobes into the limbic system. Over the past few years, diffusion-weighted tractography techniques revealed additional limbic fiber connectivity, which incorporates multiple circuits to the already known complex limbic network. In the current review, we aimed to comprehensively summarize the anatomy of the limbic system and elaborate on the anatomical connectivity of the limbic circuits based on the published literature as an update to the original Papez circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Kamali
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, University of Texas at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | | | - Anusha Gandhi
- Baylor College of Medicine Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kinsey R Lano
- McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Parnian Shobeiri
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University Medical School, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Ghazi Sherbaf
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Neuroradiology, The Russell H. Morgan, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haris I Sair
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Neuroradiology, The Russell H. Morgan, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Roy F Riascos
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, University of Texas at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Khader M Hasan
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, University of Texas at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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8
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Saleem KS, Avram AV, Yen CCC, Magdoom KN, Schram V, Basser PJ. Multimodal anatomical mapping of subcortical regions in Marmoset monkeys using high-resolution MRI and matched histology with multiple stains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.30.534950. [PMID: 37034636 PMCID: PMC10081239 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.30.534950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Subcortical nuclei and other deep brain structures play essential roles in regulating the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, many of these nuclei and their subregions are challenging to identify and delineate in conventional MRI due to their small size, hidden location, and often subtle contrasts compared to neighboring regions. To address these limitations, we scanned the whole brain of the marmoset monkeys in ex vivo using a clinically feasible diffusion MRI method, called the mean apparent propagator (MAP)-MRI, along with T2W and MTR (T1-like contrast) images acquired at 7 Tesla. Additionally, we registered these multimodal MRI volumes to the high-resolution images of matched whole-brain histology sections with seven different stains obtained from the same brain specimens. At high spatial resolution, the microstructural parameters and fiber orientation distribution functions derived with MAP-MRI can distinguish the subregions of many subcortical and deep brain structures, including fiber tracts of different sizes and orientations. The good correlation with multiple but distinct histological stains from the same brain serves as a thorough validation of the structures identified with MAP-MRI and other MRI parameters. Moreover, the anatomical details of deep brain structures found in the volumes of MAP-MRI parameters are not visible in conventional T1W or T2W images. The high-resolution mapping using novel MRI contrasts, combined and correlated with histology, can elucidate structures that were previously invisible radiologically. Thus, this multimodal approach offers a roadmap toward identifying salient brain areas in vivo in future neuroradiological studies. It also provides a useful anatomical standard reference for the region definition of subcortical targets and the generation of a 3D digital template atlas for the marmoset brain research (Saleem et al., 2023). Additionally, we conducted a cross-species comparison between marmoset and macaque monkeys using results from our previous studies (Saleem et al., 2021). We found that the two species had distinct patterns of iron distribution in subregions of the basal ganglia, red nucleus, and deep cerebellar nuclei, confirmed with T2W MRI and histology.
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9
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Lecourtier L, Durieux L, Mathis V. Alteration of Lateral Habenula Function Prevents the Proper Exploration of a Novel Environment. Neuroscience 2023; 514:56-66. [PMID: 36716915 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is an epithalamic brain region viewed as a converging hub, integrating information from a large connectome and then projecting to few critical midbrain monoaminergic systems. Numerous studies have explored the roles of the LHb, notably in aversion and avoidance. An important recurring finding when manipulating the LHb is the induction of anxiety-related behaviours. However, its exact role in such behaviours remains poorly understood. In the present study, we used two pharmacological approaches altering LHb activity, intra-LHb infusion of either the GABA-A receptor agonist, Muscimol, or the glutamatergic AMPA receptor antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) and exposed rats to three consecutive open field (OF) sessions. We found that both pharmacological treatments prevented rats to explore the centre of the OF, considered as the most anxiogenic part of the apparatus, across the three OF sessions. In addition, during the first, but not the two consecutive sessions, both treatments prevented a thorough exploration of the OF. Altogether, these results confirm the crucial role played by the LHb in anxiety-related behaviours and further suggest its implication in the exploration of new anxiogenic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lecourtier
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, UMR 7364 Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura Durieux
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, UMR 7364 Strasbourg, France
| | - Victor Mathis
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, UMR 7364 Strasbourg, France.
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10
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Wullimann MF. The Neuromeric/Prosomeric Model in Teleost Fish Neurobiology. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2022; 97:336-360. [PMID: 35728561 PMCID: PMC9808694 DOI: 10.1159/000525607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The neuromeric/prosomeric model has been rejuvenated by Puelles and Rubenstein [Trends Neurosci. 1993;16(11):472-9]. Here, its application to the (teleostean) fish brain is detailed, beginning with a historical account. The second part addresses three main issues with particular interest for fish neuroanatomy and looks at the impact of the neuromeric model on their understanding. The first one is the occurrence of four early migrating forebrain areas (M1 through M4) in teleosts and their comparative interpretation. The second issue addresses the complex development and neuroanatomy of the teleostean alar and basal hypothalamus. The third topic is the vertebrate dopaminergic system, with the focus on some teleostean peculiarities. Most of the information will be coming from zebrafish studies, although the general ductus is a comparative one. Throughout the manuscript, comparative developmental and organizational aspects of the teleostean amygdala are discussed. One particular focus is cellular migration streams into the medial amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario F. Wullimann
- Division of Neurobiology, Department Biologie II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Martinsried, Germany,Department Genes-Circuits-Behavior, Max-Planck-Institute for Biological Intelligence (i.F.), Martinsried, Germany,*Mario F. Wullimann,
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11
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Dai D, Li W, Chen A, Gao XF, Xiong L. Lateral Habenula and Its Potential Roles in Pain and Related Behaviors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1108-1118. [PMID: 35412792 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is a tiny structure that acts as a hub, relaying signals from the limbic forebrain structures and basal ganglia to the brainstem modulatory area. Facilitated by updated knowledge and more precise manipulation of circuits, the progress in figuring out the neural circuits and functions of the LHb has increased dramatically over the past decade. Importantly, LHb is found to play an integrative role and has profound effects on a variety of behaviors associated with pain, including depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors, antireward or aversion, aggression, defensive behavior, and substance use disorder. Thus, LHb is a potential target for improving pain management and related disorders. In this review, we focused on the functions, related circuits, and neurotransmissions of the LHb in pain processing and related behaviors. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the LHb and pain will help to find new pain treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Dai
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Wanrong Li
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Aiwen Chen
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Gao
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Lize Xiong
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
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12
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Nasa A, Mosley O, Roman E, Kelliher A, Gaughan C, Levins KJ, Coppinger D, O'Hanlon E, Cannon M, Roddy DW. MRI volumetric changes in hippocampal subfields in psychosis: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2022; 11:44. [PMID: 35292116 PMCID: PMC8925181 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-022-01916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hippocampus has for long been known for its ability to form new, declarative memory. However, emerging findings across conditions in the psychosis spectrum also implicate its role in emotional regulation. Systematic reviews have demonstrated consistent volume atrophic changes in the hippocampus. The aim of the systematic review and metanalysis which will follow from this protocol will be to investigate the volume-based neuroimaging findings across each of the subfields of the hippocampus in psychosis independent of diagnosis. METHODS Volume changes across subfields of the hippocampus in psychotic illnesses will be assessed by systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). MRI neuroimaging studies of patients with a definitive diagnosis of psychosis (including brief pre-diagnostic states) will be included. Studies lacking adequate controls, illicit drug use, medical psychosis, history of other significant psychiatric comorbidities, or emphasis on age groups above 65 or below 16 will be excluded. Subfields investigated will include the CA1, CA2/3, CA4, subiculum, presubiculum, parasubiculum, dentate gyrus, stratum, molecular layer, granular cell layer, entorhinal cortex, and fimbria. Two people will independently screen abstracts from the output of the search to select suitable studies. This will be followed by the two reviewers performing a full-text review of the studies which were selected based on suitable abstracts. One reviewer will independently perform all the data extraction, and another reviewer will then systemically check all the extracted information using the original articles to ensure accuracy. Statistical analysis will be performed using the metafor and meta-packages in R Studio with the application of the random-effects model. DISCUSSION This study will provide insight into the volumetric changes in psychosis of the subfields of the hippocampus, independent of diagnosis. This may shed light on the intricate neural pathology which encompasses psychosis and will open avenues for further exploration of the structures identified as potential drivers of volume change. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020199558.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Nasa
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Lloyd Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Olivia Mosley
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Lloyd Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Elena Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Lloyd Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Allison Kelliher
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Lloyd Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Caoimhe Gaughan
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Lloyd Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kirk J Levins
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - David Coppinger
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Erik O'Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Mary Cannon
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Darren William Roddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Lloyd Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. .,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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13
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Baker PM, Mathis V, Lecourtier L, Simmons SC, Nugent FS, Hill S, Mizumori SJY. Lateral Habenula Beyond Avoidance: Roles in Stress, Memory, and Decision-Making With Implications for Psychiatric Disorders. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:826475. [PMID: 35308564 PMCID: PMC8930415 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.826475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this Perspective review, we highlight some of the less explored aspects of lateral habenula (LHb) function in contextual memory, sleep, and behavioral flexibility. We provide evidence that LHb is well-situated to integrate different internal state and multimodal sensory information from memory-, stress-, motivational-, and reward-related circuits essential for both survival and decision making. We further discuss the impact of early life stress (ELS) on LHb function as an example of stress-induced hyperactivity and dysregulation of neuromodulatory systems within the LHb that promote anhedonia and motivational deficits following ELS. We acknowledge that recent technological advancements in manipulation and recording of neural circuits in simplified and well-controlled behavioral paradigms have been invaluable in our understanding of the critical role of LHb in motivation and emotional regulation as well as the involvement of LHb dysfunction in stress-induced psychopathology. However, we also argue that the use of ethologically-relevant behaviors with consideration of complex aspects of decision-making is warranted for future studies of LHb contributions in a wide range of psychiatric illnesses. We conclude this Perspective with some of the outstanding issues for the field to consider where a multi-systems approach is needed to investigate the complex nature of LHb circuitry interactions with environmental stimuli that predisposes psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M. Baker
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Phillip M. Baker,
| | - Victor Mathis
- CNRS UPR 3212, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Center National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucas Lecourtier
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Lucas Lecourtier,
| | - Sarah C. Simmons
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fereshteh S. Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Fereshteh S. Nugent,
| | - Sierra Hill
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sheri J. Y. Mizumori
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Sheri J. Y. Mizumori,
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14
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Murphy F, Nasa A, Cullinane D, Raajakesary K, Gazzaz A, Sooknarine V, Haines M, Roman E, Kelly L, O'Neill A, Cannon M, Roddy DW. Childhood Trauma, the HPA Axis and Psychiatric Illnesses: A Targeted Literature Synthesis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:748372. [PMID: 35599780 PMCID: PMC9120425 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.748372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of early life stress (ELS) demonstrate the long-lasting effects of acute and chronic stress on developmental trajectories. Such experiences can become biologically consolidated, creating individual vulnerability to psychological and psychiatric issues later in life. The hippocampus, amygdala, and the medial prefrontal cortex are all important limbic structures involved in the processes that undermine mental health. Hyperarousal of the sympathetic nervous system with sustained allostatic load along the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis and its connections has been theorized as the basis for adult psychopathology following early childhood trauma. In this review we synthesize current understandings and hypotheses concerning the neurobiological link between childhood trauma, the HPA axis, and adult psychiatric illness. We examine the mechanisms at play in the brain of the developing child and discuss how adverse environmental stimuli may become biologically incorporated into the structure and function of the adult brain via a discussion of the neurosequential model of development, sensitive periods and plasticity. The HPA connections and brain areas implicated in ELS and psychopathology are also explored. In a targeted review of HPA activation in mood and psychotic disorders, cortisol is generally elevated across mood and psychotic disorders. However, in bipolar disorder and psychosis patients with previous early life stress, blunted cortisol responses are found to awakening, psychological stressors and physiological manipulation compared to patients without previous early life stress. These attenuated responses occur in bipolar and psychosis patients on a background of increased cortisol turnover. Although cortisol measures are generally raised in depression, the evidence for a different HPA activation profile in those with early life stress is inconclusive. Further research is needed to explore the stress responses commonalities between bipolar disorder and psychosis in those patients with early life stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felim Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anurag Nasa
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Kesidha Raajakesary
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Areej Gazzaz
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vitallia Sooknarine
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Madeline Haines
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elena Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Linda Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling O'Neill
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary Cannon
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren William Roddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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15
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High-resolution mapping and digital atlas of subcortical regions in the macaque monkey based on matched MAP-MRI and histology. Neuroimage 2021; 245:118759. [PMID: 34838750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Subcortical nuclei and other deep brain structures are known to play an important role in the regulation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. It can be difficult to identify and delineate many of these nuclei and their finer subdivisions in conventional MRI due to their small size, buried location, and often subtle contrast compared to neighboring tissue. To address this problem, we applied a multi-modal approach in ex vivo non-human primate (NHP) brain that includes high-resolution mean apparent propagator (MAP)-MRI and five different histological stains imaged with high-resolution microscopy in the brain of the same subject. By registering these high-dimensional MRI data to high-resolution histology data, we can map the location, boundaries, subdivisions, and micro-architectural features of subcortical gray matter regions in the macaque monkey brain. At high spatial resolution, diffusion MRI in general, and MAP-MRI in particular, can distinguish a large number of deep brain structures, including the larger and smaller white matter fiber tracts as well as architectonic features within various nuclei. Correlation with histology from the same brain enables a thorough validation of the structures identified with MAP-MRI. Moreover, anatomical details that are evident in images of MAP-MRI parameters are not visible in conventional T1-weighted images. We also derived subcortical template "SC21" from segmented MRI slices in three-dimensions and registered this volume to a previously published anatomical template with cortical parcellation (Reveley et al., 2017; Saleem and Logothetis, 2012), thereby integrating the 3D segmentation of both cortical and subcortical regions into the same volume. This newly updated three-dimensional D99 digital brain atlas (V2.0) is intended for use as a reference standard for macaque neuroanatomical, functional, and connectional imaging studies, involving both cortical and subcortical targets. The SC21 and D99 digital templates are available as volumes and surfaces in standard NIFTI and GIFTI formats.
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16
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Company V, Moreno-Cerdá A, Andreu-Cervera A, Murcia-Ramón R, Almagro-García F, Echevarría D, Martínez S, Puelles E. Wnt1 Role in the Development of the Habenula and the Fasciculus Retroflexus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:755729. [PMID: 34722541 PMCID: PMC8551717 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.755729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt1 is one of the morphogenes that controls the specification and differentiation of neuronal populations in the developing central nervous system. The habenula is a diencephalic neuronal complex located in the most dorsal aspect of the thalamic prosomere. This diencephalic neuronal population is involved in the limbic system and its malfunction is related with several psychiatric disorders. Our aim is to elucidate the Wnt1 role in the habenula and its main efferent tract, the fasciculus retroflexus, development. In order to achieve these objectives, we analyzed these structures development in a Wnt1 lack of function mouse model. The habenula was generated in our model, but it presented an enlarged volume. This alteration was due to an increment in habenular neuroblasts proliferation rate. The fasciculus retroflexus also presented a wider and disorganized distribution and a disturbed final trajectory toward its target. The mid-hindbrain territories that the tract must cross were miss-differentiated in our model. The specification of the habenula is Wnt1 independent. Nevertheless, it controls its precursors proliferation rate. Wnt1 expressed in the isthmic organizer is vital to induce the midbrain and rostral hindbrain territories. The alteration of these areas is responsible for the fasciculus retroflexus axons misroute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Company
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Ana Moreno-Cerdá
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Abraham Andreu-Cervera
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Raquel Murcia-Ramón
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Francisca Almagro-García
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Diego Echevarría
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Salvador Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Eduardo Puelles
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
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17
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Müller UJ, Ahrens M, Vasilevska V, Dobrowolny H, Schiltz K, Schlaaff K, Mawrin C, Frodl T, Bogerts B, Gos T, Truebner K, Bernstein HG, Steiner J. Reduced habenular volumes and neuron numbers in male heroin addicts: a post-mortem study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 271:835-845. [PMID: 33001272 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-020-01195-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Habenula is increasingly being investigated in addiction. Reduced volumes of other relevant brain regions in addiction, such as nucleus accumbens, globus pallidus and hypothalamus have been reported. Reduced volumes of the habenula as well as reduced neuronal cell count in the habenula have also been reported in mood disorders and an overlap between mood disorders and addiction is clinically widely recognized. Thus, our aim was to investigate possible volume and neuronal cell count differences in heroin addicts compared to healthy controls. Volumes of the medial (MHB) and lateral habenula (LHB) in heroin addicts (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 12) were assessed by morphometry of 20 µm serial whole brain sections. Total brain volume was larger in the heroin group (mean 1466.6 ± 58.5 cm3 vs. mean 1331.5 ± 98.8 cm3), possibly because the heroin group was about 15 years younger (p = 0.001). Despite larger mean whole brain volume, the mean relative volume of the MHB was smaller than in healthy non-addicted controls (6.94 ± 2.38 × 10-6 vs.10.64 ± 3.22 × 10-6; p = 0.004). A similar finding was observed regarding relative volumes of the LHB (46.62 ± 10.90 × 10-6 vs. 63.05 ± 16.42 × 10-6 p = 0.009). In parallel, neuronal cell numbers were reduced in the MHB of heroin-addicted subjects (395,966 ± 184,178 vs. 644,149 ± 131,140; p < 0.001). These findings were not significantly confounded by age and duration of autolysis. Our results provide further evidence for brain-structural deficits in heroin addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf J Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Forensic Psychiatric State Hospital of Saxony-Anhalt, Stendal-Uchtspringe, Germany.
| | - Moritz Ahrens
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Veronika Vasilevska
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Dobrowolny
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kolja Schiltz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Konstantin Schlaaff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian Mawrin
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Frodl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Bogerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Salus Institute, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tomasz Gos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Kurt Truebner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hans-Gert Bernstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johann Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany.
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18
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Shepard RD, Nugent FS. Targeting Endocannabinoid Signaling in the Lateral Habenula as an Intervention to Prevent Mental Illnesses Following Early Life Stress: A Perspective. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:689518. [PMID: 34122037 PMCID: PMC8194269 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.689518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse events and childhood trauma increase the susceptibility towards developing psychiatric disorders (substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, etc.) in adulthood. Although there are treatment strategies that have utility in combating these psychiatric disorders, little attention is placed on how to therapeutically intervene in children exposed to early life stress (ELS) to prevent the development of later psychopathology. The lateral habenula (LHb) has been a topic of extensive investigation in mental health disorders due to its prominent role in emotion and mood regulation through modulation of brain reward and motivational neural circuits. Importantly, rodent models of ELS have been shown to promote LHb dysfunction. Moreover, one of the potential mechanisms contributing to LHb neuronal and synaptic dysfunction involves endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling, which has been observed to critically regulate emotion/mood and motivation. Many pre-clinical studies targeting eCB signaling suggest that this neuromodulatory system could be exploited as an intervention therapy to halt maladaptive processes that promote dysfunction in reward and motivational neural circuits involving the LHb. In this perspective article, we report what is currently known about the role of eCB signaling in LHb function and discuss our opinions on new research directions to determine whether the eCB system is a potentially attractive therapeutic intervention for the prevention and/or treatment of ELS-associated psychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Shepard
- Department of Pharmacology, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fereshteh S Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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