1
|
Wang Y, Zhan M, Roebroeck A, De Weerd P, Kashyap S, Roberts MJ. Inconsistencies in atlas-based volumetric measures of the human nucleus basalis of Meynert: A need for high-resolution alternatives. Neuroimage 2022; 259:119421. [PMID: 35779763 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119421] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM) is the major source of cortical acetylcholine (ACh) and has been related to cognitive processes and to neurological disorders. However, spatially delineating the human nbM in MRI studies remains challenging. Due to the absence of a functional localiser for the human nbM, studies to date have localised it using nearby neuroanatomical landmarks or using probabilistic atlases. To understand the feasibility of MRI of the nbM we set our four goals; our first goal was to review current human nbM region-of-interest (ROI) selection protocols used in MRI studies, which we found have reported highly variable nbM volume estimates. Our next goal was to quantify and discuss the limitations of existing atlas-based volumetry of nbM. We found that the identified ROI volume depends heavily on the atlas used and on the probabilistic threshold set. In addition, we found large disparities even for data/studies using the same atlas and threshold. To test whether spatial resolution contributes to volume variability, as our third goal, we developed a novel nbM mask based on the normalized BigBrain dataset. We found that as long as the spatial resolution of the target data was 1.3 mm isotropic or above, our novel nbM mask offered realistic and stable volume estimates. Finally, as our last goal we tried to discern nbM using publicly available and novel high resolution structural MRI ex vivo MRI datasets. We find that, using an optimised 9.4T quantitative T2⁎ ex vivo dataset, the nbM can be visualised using MRI. We conclude caution is needed when applying the current methods of mapping nbM, especially for high resolution MRI data. Direct imaging of the nbM appears feasible and would eliminate the problems we identify, although further development is required to allow such imaging using standard (f)MRI scanning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Wang
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.
| | - Minye Zhan
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; U992 (Cognitive neuroimaging unit), NeuroSpin, INSERM-CEA, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Alard Roebroeck
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Peter De Weerd
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sriranga Kashyap
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark J Roberts
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nolze-Charron G, Dufort-Rouleau R, Houde JC, Dumont M, Castellano CA, Cunnane S, Lorrain D, Fülöp T, Descoteaux M, Bocti C. Tractography of the external capsule and cognition: A diffusion MRI study of cholinergic fibers. Exp Gerontol 2019; 130:110792. [PMID: 31778753 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.110792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION White matter changes (WMC) in the cholinergic tracts contribute to executive dysfunction in the context of cognitive aging. WMC in the external capsule have been associated with executive dysfunction. The objectives of this study were to: 1) Characterize the lateral cholinergic tracts (LCT) and the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). 2) Evaluate the association between diffusion measures within those tracts and cognitive performance. METHODS Neuropsychological testing and high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) of 34 healthy elderly participants was done, followed by anatomically constrained probabilistic tractography reconstruction robust to crossing fibers. The external capsule was manually segmented on a mean T1 image then merged with an atlas, allowing extraction of the LCT. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and HARDI-based measures were obtained. RESULTS Correlations between diffusion measures in the LCT and the time of completion of Stroop (left LCT radial and medial diffusivity), the Symbol Search score (right LCT apparent fiber density) and the motor part of Trail-B (left LCT axial and radial diffusivity) were observed. Correlations were also found with diffusion measures in the SLF. WMC burden was low, and no correlation was found with diffusion measures or cognitive performance. DISCUSSION DTI and HARDI, with isolation of strategic white matter tracts for cognitive functions, represent complimentary tools to better understand the complex process of brain aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Nolze-Charron
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Hôpital de Rouyn-Noranda - CISSS de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue, 4, 9e Rue, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec J9X 2B2, Canada.
| | - Raphaël Dufort-Rouleau
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada.
| | - Jean-Christophe Houde
- Sherbrooke Connectivity Imaging Lab (SCIL), Computer Science Department, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1K 0A5, Canada.
| | - Matthieu Dumont
- Sherbrooke Connectivity Imaging Lab (SCIL), Computer Science Department, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1K 0A5, Canada.
| | - Christian-Alexandre Castellano
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada; Research Centre on Aging, CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS, 1036 rue Belvédère Sud, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 4C4, Canada.
| | - Stephen Cunnane
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada; Research Centre on Aging, CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS, 1036 rue Belvédère Sud, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 4C4, Canada.
| | - Dominique Lorrain
- Research Centre on Aging, CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS, 1036 rue Belvédère Sud, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 4C4, Canada.
| | - Tamàs Fülöp
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada; Research Centre on Aging, CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS, 1036 rue Belvédère Sud, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 4C4, Canada.
| | - Maxime Descoteaux
- Sherbrooke Connectivity Imaging Lab (SCIL), Computer Science Department, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1K 0A5, Canada.
| | - Christian Bocti
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada; Research Centre on Aging, CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS, 1036 rue Belvédère Sud, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 4C4, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, CIUSSS de l'Estrie-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reduced substantia innominata volume mediates contributions of microvascular and macrovascular disease to cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 66:23-31. [PMID: 29505952 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The relationships between cholinergic system damage and cerebrovascular disease are not entirely understood. Here, we investigate associations between atrophy of the substantia innominata (SI; the origin of cortical cholinergic projections) and measures of large and small vessel disease; specifically, elongation of the juxtaposed internal carotid artery termination and Cholinergic Pathways Hyperintensity scores (CHIPS). The study (n = 105) consisted of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and/or subcortical ischemic vasculopathy, and elderly controls. AD and subcortical ischemic vasculopathy groups showed greater impingement of the carotid termination on the SI and smaller SI volumes. Both carotid termination elongation and CHIPS were associated independently with smaller SI volumes in those with and without AD. Atrophy of the SI mediated effects of carotid termination elongation on language and memory functions and the effect of CHIPS on attention/working memory. In conclusion, SI atrophy was related to cerebrovascular disease of the large and small vessels and to cognitive deficits in people with and without AD.
Collapse
|
4
|
Grothe MJ, Kilimann I, Grinberg L, Heinsen H, Teipel S. In Vivo Volumetry of the Cholinergic Basal Forebrain. NEUROMETHODS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7674-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
5
|
Swardfager W, Black SE. Coronary Artery Calcification: A Canary in the Cognitive Coalmine. J Am Coll Cardiol 2016; 67:1023-1026. [PMID: 26940920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Swardfager
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, University Health Network Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra E Black
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine (Neurology), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre & University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cholinergic basal forebrain structure influences the reconfiguration of white matter connections to support residual memory in mild cognitive impairment. J Neurosci 2015; 35:739-47. [PMID: 25589767 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3617-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The fornix and hippocampus are critical to recollection in the healthy human brain. Fornix degeneration is a feature of aging and Alzheimer's disease. In the presence of fornix damage in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a recognized prodrome of Alzheimer's disease, recall shows greater dependence on other tracts, notably the parahippocampal cingulum (PHC). The current aims were to determine whether this shift is adaptive and to probe its relationship to cholinergic signaling, which is also compromised in Alzheimer's disease. Twenty-five human participants with MCI and 20 matched healthy volunteers underwent diffusion MRI, behavioral assessment, and volumetric measurement of the basal forebrain. In a regression model for recall, there was a significant group × fornix interaction, indicating that the association between recall and fornix structure was weaker in patients. The opposite trend was present for the left PHC. To further investigate this pattern, two regression models were generated to account for recall performance: one based on fornix microstructure and the other on both fornix and left PHC. The realignment to PHC was positively correlated with free recall but not non-memory measures, implying a reconfiguration that is beneficial to residual memory. There was a positive relationship between realignment to PHC and basal forebrain gray matter volume despite this region demonstrating atrophy at a group level, i.e., the cognitive realignment to left PHC was most apparent when cholinergic areas were relatively spared. Therefore, cholinergic systems appear to enable adaptation to injury even as they degenerate, which has implications for functional restoration.
Collapse
|
7
|
Grothe MJ, Heinsen H, Amaro E, Grinberg LT, Teipel SJ. Cognitive Correlates of Basal Forebrain Atrophy and Associated Cortical Hypometabolism in Mild Cognitive Impairment. Cereb Cortex 2015; 26:2411-2426. [PMID: 25840425 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhv062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic nuclei is associated with cognitive decline, and this effect is believed to be mediated by neuronal dysfunction in the denervated cortical areas. MRI-based measurements of BF atrophy are increasingly being used as in vivo surrogate markers for cholinergic degeneration, but the functional implications of reductions in BF volume are not well understood. We used high-resolution MRI, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET), and neuropsychological test data of 132 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 177 cognitively normal controls to determine associations between BF atrophy, cortical hypometabolism, and cognitive deficits. BF atrophy in MCI correlated with both impaired memory function and attentional control deficits, whereas hippocampus volume was more specifically associated with memory deficits. BF atrophy was also associated with widespread cortical hypometabolism, and path analytic models indicated that hypometabolism in domain-specific cortical networks mediated the association between BF volume and cognitive dysfunction. The presence of cortical amyloid pathology, as assessed using AV45-PET, did not significantly interact with the observed associations. These data underline the potential of multimodal imaging markers to study structure-function-cognition relationships in the living human brain and provide important in vivo evidence for an involvement of the human BF in cortical activity and cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michel J Grothe
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock, Germany
| | - Helmut Heinsen
- Laboratory of Morphological Brain Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Lea T Grinberg
- Aging Brain Study Group, LIM-22, Department of Pathology, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,UCSF Memory and Aging Center, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefan J Teipel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock, Germany.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wolf D, Grothe M, Fischer FU, Heinsen H, Kilimann I, Teipel S, Fellgiebel A. Association of basal forebrain volumes and cognition in normal aging. Neuropsychologia 2013; 53:54-63. [PMID: 24269297 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS) is known to undergo moderate neurodegenerative alterations during normal aging and severe atrophy in Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has been suggested that functional and structural alterations of the BFCS mediate cognitive performance in normal aging and AD. But, it is still unclear to what extend age-associated cognitive decline can be related to BFCS in normal aging. We analyzed the relationship between BFCS volume and cognition using MRI and a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery in a cohort of 43 healthy elderly subjects spanning the age range from 60 to 85 years. Most notably, we found significant associations between general intelligence and BFCS volumes, specifically within areas corresponding to posterior nuclei of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (Ch4p) and the nucleus subputaminalis (NSP). Associations between specific cognitive domains and BFCS volumes were less pronounced. Supplementary analyses demonstrated that especially the volume of NSP but also the volume of Ch4p was related to the volume of widespread temporal, frontal, and parietal gray and white matter regions. Volumes of these gray and white matter regions were also related to general intelligence. Higher volumes of Ch4p and NSP may enhance the effectiveness of acetylcholine supply in related gray and white matter regions underlying general intelligence and hence explain the observed association between the volume of Ch4p as well as NSP and general intelligence. Since general intelligence is known to attenuate the degree of age-associated cognitive decline and the risk of developing late-onset AD, the BFCS might, besides the specific contribution to the pathophysiology in AD, constitute a mechanism of brain resilience in normal aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Wolf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - M Grothe
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - F U Fischer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - H Heinsen
- Morphological Brain Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - I Kilimann
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 18147 Rostock, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - S Teipel
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 18147 Rostock, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - A Fellgiebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|