Dendritic morphology of callosal and ipsilateral projection neurons in monkey prefrontal cortex

Cell Type-Specific Profiles and Developmental Trajectories of Transcriptomes in Primate Prefrontal Layer 3 Pyramidal Neurons: Implications for Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

In schizophrenia, impaired working memory is associated with transcriptome alterations in layer 3 pyramidal neurons (L3PNs) in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Distinct subtypes of L3PNs that send axonal projections to the DLPFC in the opposite hemisphere (callosal projection [CP] neurons) or the parietal cortex in the same hemisphere (ipsilateral projection [IP] neurons) play critical roles in working memory. However, how the transcriptomes of these L3PN subtypes might shift during late postnatal development when working memory impairments emerge in individuals later diagnosed with schizophrenia is not known. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the transcriptome profiles of CP and IP L3PNs across developmental transitions from prepuberty to adulthood in macaque monkeys.

METHODS

The authors used retrograde labeling to identify CP and IP L3PNs in the DLPFC of prepubertal, postpubertal, and adult macaque monkeys, and used laser microdissection to capture these neurons for RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

At all three ages, CP and IP L3PNs had distinct transcriptomes, with the number of genes differentially expressed between neuronal subtypes increasing with age. For IP L3PNs, age-related shifts in gene expression were most prominent between prepubertal and postpubertal animals, whereas for CP L3PNs such shifts were most prominent between postpubertal and adult animals.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate the presence of cell type-specific profiles and developmental trajectories of the transcriptomes of PPC-projecting IP and DLPFC-projecting CP L3PNs in monkey DLPFC. The evidence that IP L3PNs reach a mature transcriptome earlier than CP L3PNs suggests that these two subtypes differentially contribute to the maturation of working memory performance across late postnatal development and that they may be differentially vulnerable to the disease process of schizophrenia at specific stages of postnatal development.

Intrinsic organization of the corpus callosum

The corpus callosum-the largest commissural fiber system connecting the two cerebral hemispheres-is considered essential for bilateral sensory integration and higher cognitive functions. Most studies exploring the corpus callosum have examined either the anatomical, physiological, and neurochemical organization of callosal projections or the functional and/or behavioral aspects of the callosal connections after complete/partial callosotomy or callosal lesion. There are no works that address the intrinsic organization of the corpus callosum. We review the existing information on the activities that take place in the commissure in three sections: I) the topographical and neurochemical organization of the intracallosal fibers, II) the role of glia in the corpus callosum, and III) the role of the intracallosal neurons.

Differential gene expression between callosal and ipsilateral projection neurons in the monkey dorsolateral prefrontal and posterior parietal cortices

Reciprocal connections between primate dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) and posterior parietal (PPC) cortices, furnished by subsets of layer 3 pyramidal neurons (PNs), contribute to cognitive processes including working memory (WM). A different subset of layer 3 PNs in each region projects to the homotopic region of the contralateral hemisphere. These ipsilateral (IP) and callosal (CP) projections, respectively, appear to be essential for the maintenance and transfer of information during WM. To determine if IP and CP layer 3 PNs in each region differ in their transcriptomes, fluorescent retrograde tracers were used to label IP and CP layer 3 PNs in the DLPFC and PPC from macaque monkeys. Retrogradely-labeled PNs were captured by laser microdissection and analyzed by RNAseq. Numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between IP and CP neurons in each region and the functional pathways containing many of these DEGs were shared across regions. However, DLPFC and PPC displayed opposite patterns of DEG enrichment between IP and CP neurons. Cross-region analyses indicated that the cortical area targeted by IP or CP layer 3 PNs was a strong correlate of their transcriptome profile. These findings suggest that the transcriptomes of layer 3 PNs reflect regional, projection type and target region specificity.

Difference in axon diameter and myelin thickness between excitatory and inhibitory callosally projecting axons in mice

Synchronization of network oscillation in spatially distant cortical areas is essential for normal brain activity. Precision in synchronization between hemispheres depends on the axonal conduction velocity, which is determined by physical parameters of the axons involved, including diameter, and extent of myelination. To compare these parameters in long-projecting excitatory and inhibitory axons in the corpus callosum, we used genetically modified mice and virus tracing to separately label CaMKIIα expressing excitatory and GABAergic inhibitory axons. Using electron microscopy analysis, we revealed that (i) the axon diameters of excitatory fibers (myelinated axons) are significantly larger than those of nonmyelinated excitatory axons; (ii) the diameters of bare axons of excitatory myelinated fibers are significantly larger than those of their inhibitory counterparts; and (iii) myelinated excitatory fibers are significantly larger than myelinated inhibitory fibers. Also, the thickness of myelin ensheathing inhibitory axons is significantly greater than for excitatory axons, with the ultrastructure of the myelin around excitatory and inhibitory fibers also differing. We generated a computational model to investigate the functional consequences of these parameter divergences. Our simulations indicate that impulses through inhibitory and excitatory myelinated fibers reach the target almost simultaneously, whereas action potentials conducted by nonmyelinated axons reach target cells with considerable delay.

Distinct Properties of Layer 3 Pyramidal Neurons from Prefrontal and Parietal Areas of the Monkey Neocortex

In primates, working memory function depends on activity in a distributed network of cortical areas that display different patterns of delay task-related activity. These differences are correlated with, and might depend on, distinctive properties of the neurons located in each area. For example, layer 3 pyramidal neurons (L3PNs) differ significantly between primary visual and dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) cortices. However, to what extent L3PNs differ between DLPFC and other association cortical areas is less clear. Hence, we compared the properties of L3PNs in monkey DLPFC versus posterior parietal cortex (PPC), a key node in the cortical working memory network. Using patch-clamp recordings and biocytin cell filling in acute brain slices, we assessed the physiology and morphology of L3PNs from monkey DLPFC and PPC. The L3PN transcriptome was studied using laser microdissection combined with DNA microarray or quantitative PCR. We found that in both DLPFC and PPC, L3PNs were divided into regular spiking (RS-L3PNs) and bursting (B-L3PNs) physiological subtypes. Whereas regional differences in single-cell excitability were modest, B-L3PNs were rare in PPC (RS-L3PN:B-L3PN, 94:6), but were abundant in DLPFC (50:50), showing greater physiological diversity. Moreover, DLPFC L3PNs display larger and more complex basal dendrites with higher dendritic spine density. Additionally, we found differential expression of hundreds of genes, suggesting a transcriptional basis for the differences in L3PN phenotype between DLPFC and PPC. These data show that the previously observed differences between DLPFC and PPC neuron activity during working memory tasks are associated with diversity in the cellular/molecular properties of L3PNs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the human and nonhuman primate neocortex, layer 3 pyramidal neurons (L3PNs) differ significantly between dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) and sensory areas. Hence, L3PN properties reflect, and may contribute to, a greater complexity of computations performed in DLPFC. However, across association cortical areas, L3PN properties are largely unexplored. We studied the physiology, dendrite morphology and transcriptome of L3PNs from macaque monkey DLPFC and posterior parietal cortex (PPC), two key nodes in the cortical working memory network. L3PNs from DLPFC had greater diversity of physiological properties and larger basal dendrites with higher spine density. Moreover, transcriptome analysis suggested a molecular basis for the differences in the physiological and morphological phenotypes of L3PNs from DLPFC and PPC.

The Protracted Maturation of Associative Layer IIIC Pyramidal Neurons in the Human Prefrontal Cortex During Childhood: A Major Role in Cognitive Development and Selective Alteration in Autism

The human specific cognitive shift starts around the age of 2 years with the onset of self-awareness, and continues with extraordinary increase in cognitive capacities during early childhood. Diffuse changes in functional connectivity in children aged 2-6 years indicate an increase in the capacity of cortical network. Interestingly, structural network complexity does not increase during this time and, thus, it is likely to be induced by selective maturation of a specific neuronal subclass. Here, we provide an overview of a subclass of cortico-cortical neurons, the associative layer IIIC pyramids of the human prefrontal cortex. Their local axonal collaterals are in control of the prefrontal cortico-cortical output, while their long projections modulate inter-areal processing. In this way, layer IIIC pyramids are the major integrative element of cortical processing, and changes in their connectivity patterns will affect global cortical functioning. Layer IIIC neurons have a unique pattern of dendritic maturation. In contrast to other classes of principal neurons, they undergo an additional phase of extensive dendritic growth during early childhood, and show characteristic molecular changes. Taken together, circuits associated with layer IIIC neurons have the most protracted period of developmental plasticity. This unique feature is advanced but also provides a window of opportunity for pathological events to disrupt normal formation of cognitive circuits involving layer IIIC neurons. In this manuscript, we discuss how disrupted dendritic and axonal maturation of layer IIIC neurons may lead into global cortical disconnectivity, affecting development of complex communication and social abilities. We also propose a model that developmentally dictated incorporation of layer IIIC neurons into maturing cortico-cortical circuits between 2 to 6 years will reveal a previous (perinatal) lesion affecting other classes of principal neurons. This "disclosure" of pre-existing functionally silent lesions of other neuronal classes induced by development of layer IIIC associative neurons, or their direct alteration, could be found in different forms of autism spectrum disorders. Understanding the gene-environment interaction in shaping cognitive microcircuitries may be fundamental for developing rehabilitation and prevention strategies in autism spectrum and other cognitive disorders.

Wiring and Molecular Features of Prefrontal Ensembles Representing Distinct Experiences

A major challenge in understanding the cellular diversity of the brain has been linking activity during behavior with standard cellular typology. For example, it has not been possible to determine whether principal neurons in prefrontal cortex active during distinct experiences represent separable cell types, and it is not known whether these differentially active cells exert distinct causal influences on behavior. Here, we develop quantitative hydrogel-based technologies to connect activity in cells reporting on behavioral experience with measures for both brain-wide wiring and molecular phenotype. We find that positive and negative-valence experiences in prefrontal cortex are represented by cell populations that differ in their causal impact on behavior, long-range wiring, and gene expression profiles, with the major discriminant being expression of the adaptation-linked gene NPAS4. These findings illuminate cellular logic of prefrontal cortex information processing and natural adaptive behavior and may point the way to cell-type-specific understanding and treatment of disease-associated states.

Statistical analysis and data mining of digital reconstructions of dendritic morphologies

Neuronal morphology is diverse among animal species, developmental stages, brain regions, and cell types. The geometry of individual neurons also varies substantially even within the same cell class. Moreover, specific histological, imaging, and reconstruction methodologies can differentially affect morphometric measures. The quantitative characterization of neuronal arbors is necessary for in-depth understanding of the structure-function relationship in nervous systems. The large collection of community-contributed digitally reconstructed neurons available at NeuroMorpho.Org constitutes a “big data” research opportunity for neuroscience discovery beyond the approaches typically pursued in single laboratories. To illustrate these potential and related challenges, we present a database-wide statistical analysis of dendritic arbors enabling the quantification of major morphological similarities and differences across broadly adopted metadata categories. Furthermore, we adopt a complementary unsupervised approach based on clustering and dimensionality reduction to identify the main morphological parameters leading to the most statistically informative structural classification. We find that specific combinations of measures related to branching density, overall size, tortuosity, bifurcation angles, arbor flatness, and topological asymmetry can capture anatomically and functionally relevant features of dendritic trees. The reported results only represent a small fraction of the relationships available for data exploration and hypothesis testing enabled by sharing of digital morphological reconstructions.

Rethinking schizophrenia in the context of normal neurodevelopment

The schizophrenia brain is differentiated from the normal brain by subtle changes, with significant overlap in measures between normal and disease states. For the past 25 years, schizophrenia has increasingly been considered a neurodevelopmental disorder. This frame of reference challenges biological researchers to consider how pathological changes identified in adult brain tissue can be accounted for by aberrant developmental processes occurring during fetal, childhood, or adolescent periods. To place schizophrenia neuropathology in a neurodevelopmental context requires solid, scrutinized evidence of changes occurring during normal development of the human brain, particularly in the cortex; however, too often data on normative developmental change are selectively referenced. This paper focuses on the development of the prefrontal cortex and charts major molecular, cellular, and behavioral events on a similar time line. We first consider the time at which human cognitive abilities such as selective attention, working memory, and inhibitory control mature, emphasizing that attainment of full adult potential is a process requiring decades. We review the timing of neurogenesis, neuronal migration, white matter changes (myelination), and synapse development. We consider how molecular changes in neurotransmitter signaling pathways are altered throughout life and how they may be concomitant with cellular and cognitive changes. We end with a consideration of how the response to drugs of abuse changes with age. We conclude that the concepts around the timing of cortical neuronal migration, interneuron maturation, and synaptic regression in humans may need revision and include greater emphasis on the protracted and dynamic changes occurring in adolescence. Updating our current understanding of post-natal neurodevelopment should aid researchers in interpreting gray matter changes and derailed neurodevelopmental processes that could underlie emergence of psychosis.

Using diffusion anisotropy to characterize neuronal morphology in gray matter: the orientation distribution of axons and dendrites in the NeuroMorpho.org database

Accurate mathematical modeling is integral to the ability to interpret diffusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data in terms of cellular structure in brain gray matter (GM). In previous work, we derived expressions to facilitate the determination of the orientation distribution of axonal and dendritic processes from diffusion MR data. Here we utilize neuron reconstructions available in the NeuroMorpho database (www.neuromorpho.org) to assess the validity of the model we proposed by comparing morphological properties of the neurons to predictions based on diffusion MR simulations using the reconstructed neuron models. Initially, the method for directly determining neurite orientation distributions is shown to not depend on the line length used to quantify cylindrical elements. Further variability in neuron morphology is characterized relative to neuron type, species, and laboratory of origin. Subsequently, diffusion MR signals are simulated based on human neocortical neuron reconstructions. This reveals a bias in which diffusion MR data predict neuron orientation distributions to have artificially low anisotropy. This bias is shown to arise from shortcomings (already at relatively low diffusion weighting) in the Gaussian approximation of diffusion, in the presence of restrictive barriers, and data analysis methods involving higher moments of the cumulant expansion are shown to be capable of reducing the magnitude of the observed bias.

Principal component and cluster analysis of layer V pyramidal cells in visual and non-visual cortical areas projecting to the primary visual cortex of the mouse

The long-distance corticocortical connections between visual and nonvisual sensory areas that arise from pyramidal neurons located within layer V can be considered as a subpopulation of feedback connections. The purpose of the present study is to determine if layer V pyramidal neurons from visual and nonvisual sensory cortical areas that project onto the visual cortex (V1) constitute a homogeneous population of cells. Additionally, we ask whether dendritic arborization relates to the target, the sensory modality, the hierarchical level, or laterality of the source cortical area. Complete 3D reconstructions of dendritic arbors of retrogradely labeled layer V pyramidal neurons were performed for neurons of the primary auditory (A1) and somatosensory (S1) cortices and from the lateral (V2L) and medial (V2M) parts of the secondary visual cortices of both hemispheres. The morphological parameters extracted from these reconstructions were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. The PCA showed that neurons are distributed within a continuous range of morphologies and do not form discrete groups. Nevertheless, the cluster analysis defines neuronal groups that share similar features. Each cortical area includes neurons belonging to several clusters. We suggest that layer V feedback connections within a single cortical area comprise several cell types.

Cognitive consilience: primate non-primary neuroanatomical circuits underlying cognition

Interactions between the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and basal ganglia form the basis of cognitive information processing in the mammalian brain. Understanding the principles of neuroanatomical organization in these structures is critical to understanding the functions they perform and ultimately how the human brain works. We have manually distilled and synthesized hundreds of primate neuroanatomy facts into a single interactive visualization. The resulting picture represents the fundamental neuroanatomical blueprint upon which cognitive functions must be implemented. Within this framework we hypothesize and detail 7 functional circuits corresponding to psychological perspectives on the brain: consolidated long-term declarative memory, short-term declarative memory, working memory/information processing, behavioral memory selection, behavioral memory output, cognitive control, and cortical information flow regulation. Each circuit is described in terms of distinguishable neuronal groups including the cerebral isocortex (9 pyramidal neuronal groups), parahippocampal gyrus and hippocampus, thalamus (4 neuronal groups), basal ganglia (7 neuronal groups), metencephalon, basal forebrain, and other subcortical nuclei. We focus on neuroanatomy related to primate non-primary cortical systems to elucidate the basis underlying the distinct homotypical cognitive architecture. To display the breadth of this review, we introduce a novel method of integrating and presenting data in multiple independent visualizations: an interactive website (http://www.frontiersin.org/files/cognitiveconsilience/index.html) and standalone iPhone and iPad applications. With these tools we present a unique, annotated view of neuroanatomical consilience (integration of knowledge).

Pyramidal cells in prefrontal cortex of primates: marked differences in neuronal structure among species

The most ubiquitous neuron in the cerebral cortex, the pyramidal cell, is characterized by markedly different dendritic structure among different cortical areas. The complex pyramidal cell phenotype in granular prefrontal cortex (gPFC) of higher primates endows specific biophysical properties and patterns of connectivity, which differ from those in other cortical regions. However, within the gPFC, data have been sampled from only a select few cortical areas. The gPFC of species such as human and macaque monkey includes more than 10 cortical areas. It remains unknown as to what degree pyramidal cell structure may vary among these cortical areas. Here we undertook a survey of pyramidal cells in the dorsolateral, medial, and orbital gPFC of cercopithecid primates. We found marked heterogeneity in pyramidal cell structure within and between these regions. Moreover, trends for gradients in neuronal complexity varied among species. As the structure of neurons determines their computational abilities, memory storage capacity and connectivity, we propose that these specializations in the pyramidal cell phenotype are an important determinant of species-specific executive cortical functions in primates.

Changes in dendritic complexity and spine morphology in transgenic mice expressing human wild-type tau

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are composed of insoluble, hyperphosphorylated aggregates of the microtubule-associated protein tau and are present in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). To investigate how tau affects neuronal function during NFT formation and subsequent neurodegeneration, we examined the morphology, spine density, spine type, and spine volume of layer III pyramidal neurons from the prefrontal cortex of mice expressing wild-type human tau (htau) over time. There were no significant alterations in apical dendritic arbor length in 3-, 6-, and 12-month-old htau mice; however, 12-month-old mice exhibited more complex arborization patterns. In addition, we observed a shift in spine morphology with fewer mushroom and more thin spines in both apical and basal dendrites as a function of htau accumulation. Interestingly, there was an overall decrease in volume of spines from 3 to 12 months. However, the volume of mushroom spines decreased from 3 to 6 months and increased from 6 to 12 months. This increase in complexity and branching in 12-month-old mice and the increase of volume of mushroom spines may represent compensatory mechanisms in the remaining intact neurons. As such, the accumulation of phosphorylated tau over time may contribute to the cognitive decline observed in AD by affecting neuronal structure and synaptic properties. Such alterations in dendrites and spines may result in the deterioration of neuronal function observed in AD, and provide a morphologic substrate for the relationship between synaptic integrity and cognitive decline.

Deprivation-induced dendritic shrinkage might be oppositely affected by the expression of wild-type and mutated human amyloid precursor protein

The physiological role of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its proteolytic fragments in the brain is associated with neuronal survival, neurite outgrowth, synaptic formation, and neuronal plasticity. However, malregulation of APP processing leads to disordered balance of fragments, which may results in opposite, degenerative neuronal effects. In the present study, we analyzed in vivo effects of the expression of wild-type or mutated human APP on afferent deprivation-induced changes of dendritic morphology. After vibrissectomy, expression of wild-type human APP prevented diameter shrinkage of dendritic segments as well as dendritic rarefaction of apical arbors. In contrast, mutant human APP expression exacerbated degenerative changes of deprived barrel neurons. Degradation of apical arbors was especially pronounced. Results demonstrate for the first time opposite effects of the expression of wild-type and mutated human APP on deprivation-induced dendritic restructuring in vivo.

Neural networks involved in artistic creativity

Creativity has been proposed to be either the result of solely right hemisphere processes or of interhemispheric interactions. Little information is available, however, concerning the neuronal foundations of creativity. In this study, we introduced a new artistic task, designing a new tool (a pen), which let us quantitatively evaluate creativity by three indices of originality. These scores were analyzed in combination with brain activities measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The results were compared between subjects who had been formally trained in design (experts) and novice subjects. In the experts, creativity was quantitatively correlated with the degree of dominance of the right prefrontal cortex over that of the left, but not with that of the right or left prefrontal cortex alone. In contrast, in novice subjects, only a negative correlation with creativity was observed in the bilateral inferior parietal cortex. We introduced structure equation modeling to analyze the interactions among these four brain areas and originality indices. The results predicted that training exerts a direct effect on the left parietal cortex. Additionally, as a result of the indirect effects, the activity of the right prefrontal cortex was facilitated, and the left prefrontal and right parietal cortices were suppressed. Our results supported the hypothesis that training increases creativity via reorganized intercortical interactions.

Physiology and morphology of callosal projection neurons in mouse

In the mammalian neocortex, the corpus callosum serves as the major source of interhemispheric communication, composed of axons from callosal neurons located in supragranular (II/III) and infragranular (V/VI) layers. We sought to characterize the physiology and morphology of supragranular and infragranular callosal neurons in mice using retrograde tracers and whole-cell patch clamp recordings. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were made from retrogradely labeled callosal neurons following unilateral injection of fluorescent latex microspheres in the contralateral sensory-motor cortex. Following recordings and biocytin dialysis, labeled neurons were reconstructed using computer-assisted camera lucida (Neurolucida) for morphological analyses. Whole-cell recordings revealed that callosal neurons in both supra- and infragranular layers display very similar intrinsic membrane properties and are characteristic regular-spiking neurons. Morphological features examined from biocytin-filled reconstructions as well as retrogradely BDA labeled cells did not reveal any differences. Analysis of spontaneous postsynaptic potentials from callosal neurons did reveal several differences including average amplitude, frequency, and decay time. These findings suggest that callosal neurons in both supra- and infragranular layers have similar phenotypes though belong to different local, intracortical networks.

Neuroplasticity of neocortical circuits in schizophrenia

The core features of schizophrenia include deficits in cognitive processes mediated by the circuitry of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). These deficits are associated with a range of molecular and morphological alterations in the DLPFC, each of which could be a cause, consequence, or compensation in relation to other changes, and thus reflect the neuroplasticity of the brain in response to the underlying disease process. In this review, we consider disturbances in excitatory, inhibitory, and modulatory connections of DLPFC circuitry from the perspective of disease- and development-related neuroplasticity and discuss their implications for the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Ipsilateral corticocortical projections to the primary and middle temporal visual areas of the primate cerebral cortex: area-specific variations in the morphology of connectionally identified pyramidal cells

We quantified the morphology of over 350 pyramidal neurons with identified ipsilateral corticocortical projections to the primary (V1) and middle temporal (MT) visual areas of the marmoset monkey, following intracellular injection of Lucifer Yellow into retrogradely labelled cells. Paralleling the results of studies in which randomly sampled pyramidal cells were injected, we found that the size of the basal dendritic tree of connectionally identified cells differed between cortical areas, as did the branching complexity and spine density. We found no systematic relationship between dendritic tree structure and axon target or length. Instead, the size of the basal dendritic tree increased roughly in relation to increasing distance from the occipital pole, irrespective of the length of the connection or the cortical layer in which the neurons were located. For example, cells in the second visual area had some of the smallest and least complex dendritic trees irrespective of whether they projected to V1 or MT, while those in the dorsolateral area (DL) were among the largest and most complex. We also observed that systematic differences in spine number were more marked among V1-projecting cells than MT-projecting cells. These data demonstrate that the previously documented systematic differences in pyramidal cell morphology between areas cannot simply be attributed to variable proportions of neurons projecting to different targets, in the various areas. Moreover, they suggest that mechanisms intrinsic to the area in which neurons are located are strong determinants of basal dendritic field structure.

Distribution of pyramidal cells associated with perineuronal nets in the neocortex of rat

Perineuronal nets are lattice-like accumulations of extracellular matrix components around the cell body and perisomatic portion of certain neurons. Whereas interneurons associated to this specific neuron-associated sheath have been elaborately classified, less effort has been undertaken to describe the occurrence of perineuronal nets around pyramidal neurons. Our aim was to give a detailed and comparative description of the occurrence of net-associated pyramidal cells throughout the rat neocortex as well as to systematically and comparatively analyze the relation of main projection types of principal neurons to the presence of perineuronal nets. The present study revealed that perineuronal nets stained with WFA were associated rather rarely to pyramidal cells compared to interneurons in layers II/III and V/VI of rat neocortex. However, their frequency was considerably different between various cortical areas with a maximum in visual cortex and with a minimum in secondary motor cortices. Further analysis revealed that neuron-associated matrix sheaths around principal cells were more common in the primary than in the secondary fields of corresponding areas and they were more numerous in infra-than in supragranular layers in most regions. Subfields of cortical areas also differed regarding the occurrence of net-associated principal cells, and the subtlety of cortical representation seemed to correlate with the frequency of perineuronal nets around pyramidal neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex. It appears that net-associated pyramidal cells do not have a projection pattern restricted to distinct target regions. Rather a functional heterogeneity of the pyramidal cell population contributing to specific intra-or subcortical projections is suggested.

Different dendrite and dendritic spine alterations in basal and apical arbors in mutant human amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice

The extracellular deposition of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) in brain parenchyma is one of the characteristic features of Alzheimer's disease and is suggested to induce reactive and degenerative changes in neuronal cell bodies, axons and dendritic processes. In particular, within and in close proximity to amyloid plaques, distinctive morphological alterations have been observed, including changes in neurite trajectory and decreases in dendritic diameter and in spine density. Apart from these plaque-associated focal aberrations, little is known regarding modifications of the global dendritic morphology including the detailed and comparative quantitative analysis of apical and basal arbors. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of amyloid plaque deposition and elevated soluble Abeta on neuronal morphology in mutant human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) transgenic mice (line Tg2576; [K. Hsiao, P. Chapman, S. Nilsen, C. Eckman, Y. Harigaya, S. Younkin, F. Yang, G. Cole, Correlative memory deficits, Abeta elevation, and amyloid plaques in transgenic mice, Science 274 (1996) 99-102]). Retrogradelly labeled callosal-projecting pyramidal cells in the primary somatosensory cortex were three-dimensionally analyzed. Although basal dendrites remained unaffected, analysis of apical trees revealed a number of unambiguous morphological changes. Thus, in TG2576 mice, the apical arbors were shortened in total length and less branched. Furthermore, the diameter of proximal dendritic segments was increased whereas that of distal segments was reduced. Analysis of spine numbers and distribution on basal and apical trees demonstrated a significant reduction in spine densities along the whole course of dendrites. The findings suggest that Abeta-related pathology induces morphological aberrations in basal and apical arbors to different degrees which are unrelated to direct plaque-associated changes.

Callosal axon arbors in the limb representations of the somatosensory cortex (SI) in the agouti (Dasyprocta primnolopha)

The present report compares the morphology of callosal axon arbors projecting from and to the hind- or forelimb representations in the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) of the agouti (Dasyprocta primnolopha), a large, lisencephlic Brazilian rodent that uses forelimb coordination for feeding. Callosal axons were labeled after single pressure (n = 6) or iontophoretic injections (n = 2) of the neuronal tracer biotinylated dextran amine (BDA, 10 kD), either into the hind- (n = 4) or forelimb (n = 4) representations of SI, as identified by electrophysiological recording. Sixty-nine labeled axon fragments located across all layers of contralateral SI representations of the hindlimb (n = 35) and forelimb (n = 34) were analyzed. Quantitative morphometric features such as densities of branching points and boutons, segments length, branching angles, and terminal field areas were measured. Cluster analysis of these values revealed the existence of two types of axon terminals: Type I (46.4%), less branched and more widespread, and Type II (53.6%), more branched and compact. Both axon types were asymmetrically distributed; Type I axonal fragments being more frequent in hindlimb (71.9%) vs. forelimb (28.13%) representation, while most of Type II axonal arbors were found in the forelimb representation (67.56%). We concluded that the sets of callosal axon connecting fore- and hindlimb regions in SI are morphometrically distinct from each other. As callosal projections in somatosensory and motor cortices seem to be essential for bimanual interaction, we suggest that the morphological specialization of callosal axons in SI of the agouti may be correlated with this particular function.

The expression of wild-type human amyloid precursor protein affects the dendritic phenotype of neocortical pyramidal neurons in transgenic mice

The current study addresses the morphoregulatory effects of human amyloid precursor protein expression on neocortical pyramidal cells in vivo. For this purpose, a transgenic mouse line was used that expresses wild-type human amyloid precursor protein (APP) at levels similar to endogenous mouse APP. This strain does not develop Alzheimer's disease-related pathology which allowed to study effects of APP or APP cleavage products but excluded the influence of amyloid deposits. Commissural projecting pyramidal neurons of layers II/III within the primary somatosensory cortex were retrogradely labelled by injection of biotinylated dextran amine into the corpus callosum. In transgenic mice, computer-aided morphometric analysis revealed an increase in the surface area of proximal and intermediate basal dendritic segments resulting from an enlarged diameter. On the other hand, the length of the same segments was reduced. Both basal and apical dendrites were characterized by a higher dendritic density within the proximal and intermediate fields. Although the total spatial extension of basal and apical dendrites remained unchanged, a moderate withdrawal of arbors is suggested. The results implicate a physiological function for APP in regulatory mechanisms of neuronal morphogenesis.

Functional circuits mediating sensorimotor integration: Quantitative comparisons of projections from rodent barrel cortex to primary motor cortex, neostriatum, superior colliculus, and the pons

Motor performance depends on somatosensory feedback, and consistent with this finding, primary somatosensory (SI) cortex projects to several regions involved in motor control. Although the pathways mediating sensorimotor integration are known, few studies have compared their projection patterns. Therefore, in each animal, we injected two anterograde tracers into SI barrel cortex and compared the relative density and spatial extent of the labeled projections to the primary motor (MI) cortex, neostriatum, superior colliculus, and basal pons. Quantitative analysis revealed that these projections terminated most extensively in the neostriatum, to a lesser extent in MI cortex, and innervated the least amount of neuropil in the superior colliculus and pontine nuclei. Tracer overlap in the pontine nuclei was significantly higher than in the other three brains regions, and was strongly correlated with overlap in the superior colliculus, presumably because some projections to these two brain regions represent collaterals of the same neurons. The density of labeled varicosities was highest in the pons and lowest in MI. As a proportion of total labeling, densely packed clusters of labeled terminals were most prevalent in the pons, less prevalent in neostriatum and superior colliculus, and least prevalent in MI cortex. These results are consistent with physiological evidence indicating strong coherence between SI barrel cortex and the cerebellum during whisking behavior.

Parallel organization of contralateral and ipsilateral prefrontal cortical projections in the rhesus monkey

Background

The neocortical commissures have a fundamental role in functional integration across the cerebral hemispheres. We investigated whether commissural projections in prefrontal cortices are organized according to the same or different rules as those within the same hemisphere, by quantitatively comparing density, topography, and laminar origin of contralateral and ipsilateral projections, labeled after unilateral injection of retrograde tracers in prefrontal areas.

Results

Commissural projection neurons constituted less than one third of the ipsilateral. Nevertheless, projections from the two hemispheres were strongly correlated in topography and relative density. We investigated to what extent the distribution of contralateral projections depended on: (a) geographic proximity of projection areas to the area homotopic to the injection site; (b) the structural type of the linked areas, based on the number and neuronal density of their layers. Although both measures were good predictors, structural type was a comparatively stronger determinant of the relative distribution and density of projections. Ipsilateral projection neurons were distributed in the superficial (II-III) and deep (V-VI) layers, in proportions that varied across areas. In contrast, contralateral projection neurons were found mostly in the superficial layers, but still showed a gradient in their distribution within cortical layers that correlated significantly with cortical type, but not with geographic proximity to the homotopic area.

Conclusion

The organization of ipsilateral and contralateral prefrontal projections is similar in topography and relative density, differing only by higher overall density and more widespread laminar origin of ipsilateral than contralateral projections. The projections on both sides are highly correlated with the structural architecture of the linked areas, and their remarkable organization is likely established by punctuated development of distinct cortical types. The preponderance of contralateral projections from layer III may be traced to the late development of the callosal system, whose function may be compromised in diseases that have their root late in ontogeny.

Dynamics of learning-induced spine redistribution along dendrites of pyramidal neurons in rats

We have previously shown that olfactory-discrimination (OD) learning is accompanied by enhanced spine density along proximal apical dendrites of layer II pyramidal neurons in the piriform (olfactory) cortex. Here we studied the temporal dynamics of learning-induced modifications in dendritic spine density throughout the dendritic trees of these neurons. We observed a transient increase in proximal apical spine density after OD learning, suggesting a strengthening of intrinsic excitatory inputs interconnecting neurons within the olfactory cortex. By contrast, the afferent pathway receiving direct input from the olfactory bulb shows spine pruning, suggesting that the connectivity is weakened. The changes in spine density can be attributed to a net change in number of spines, as the morphometric parameters of the dendrites are unaffected by learning. We suggest that spine density changes may represent a mechanism of selective synaptic reorganization required for olfactory learning consolidation.

Enhanced Ras activity promotes spine formation in synRas mice neocortex

The effect of enhanced Ras activity upon dendritic spine formation has been investigated on pyramidal cells in the adult neocortex of synRas mice over-expressing Val12-Ha-Ras specifically in postmitotic neurons. For quantitative analysis, commissural neurons of layers II/III were retrogradely labelled with dextran amine. In synRas mice, spine frequency on several orders of basal dendrites and apical oblique branches was significantly increased. Whereas density on basal dendrites was overall augmented, on apical dendrites, distal regions were most affected. The proportions of different morphological types of spines remained unchanged. It is concluded that Ras might be critically involved in mechanisms that mediate and regulate dendritic spine formation in the adult brain.

Enhanced Ras activity in pyramidal neurons induces cellular hypertrophy and changes in afferent and intrinsic connectivity in synRas mice

Neurotrophic actions are critically controlled and transmitted to cellular responses by the small G protein Ras which is therefore essential for normal functioning and plasticity of the nervous system. The present study summarises findings of recent studies on morphological changes in the neocortex of synRas mice expressing Val12-Ha-Ras in vivo under the control of the rat synapsin I promoter. In the here reported model (introduced by Heumann et al. [J. Cell Biol. 151 (2000) 1537]), transgenic Val12-Ha-Ras expression is confined to the pyramidal cell population and starts postnatally at a time, when neurons are postmitotic and their developmental maturation has been basically completed. Expression of Val12-Ha-Ras results in a significant enlargement of pyramidal neurons. Size, complexity and spine density of dendritic trees are increased, which leads, finally, to cortical expansion. However, the main morphological design principles of 'transgenic' pyramidal cells remain preserved. In addition to somato-dendritic changes, expression of Val12-Ha-Ras in pyramidal cells induces augmented axon calibres and upregulates the establishment of efferent boutons. Despite the enlargement of cortical size, the overall density of terminals representing intra- or interhemispheric, specific and non-specific afferents is unchanged or even higher in transgenic mice suggesting a significant increase in the total afferent input to the neocortex. Although interneurons do not express the transgene and are therefore excluded from direct, intrinsic Val12-Ha-Ras effects, they respond with morphological adaptations to structural changes. Thus, dendritic arbours of interneurons are extended to follow the cortical expansion and basket cells establish a denser inhibitory innervation of 'transgenic' pyramidal cells perikarya. It is concluded that expression of Val12-Ha-Ras in pyramidal neurons results in remodelling of neocortical structuring which strongly implicates a crucial involvement of Ras in cortical plasticity.

Automated Algorithms for Multiscale Morphometry of Neuronal Dendrites

We describe the synthesis of automated neuron branching morphology and spine detection algorithms to provide multiscale three-dimensional morphological analysis of neurons. The resulting software is applied to the analysis of a high-resolution (0.098 μm × 0.098 μm × 0.081 μ m) image of an entire pyramidal neuron from layer III of the superior temporal cortex in rhesus macaque monkey. The approach provides a highly automated, complete morphological analysis of the entire neuron; each dendritic branch segment is characterized by several parameters, including branch order, length, and radius as a function of distance along the branch, as well as by the locations, lengths, shape classification (e.g., mushroom, stubby, thin), and density distribution of spines on the branch. Results for this automated analysis are compared to published results obtained by other computer-assisted manual means.

Altered cortical glutamate neurotransmission in schizophrenia: evidence from morphological studies of pyramidal neurons

Multiple lines of evidence from pharmacological, neuroimaging, and postmortem studies implicate disturbances in cortical glutamate neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Given that pyramidal neurons are the principal source of cortical glutamate neurotransmission, as well as the targets of the majority of cortical glutamate-containing axon terminals, understanding the nature of altered glutamate neurotransmission in schizophrenia requires an appreciation of both the types of pyramidal cell abnormalities and the specific class(es) of pyramidal cells that are affected in the illness. In this chapter, we review evidence indicating that a subpopulation of pyramidal neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex exhibits reductions in dendritic spine density, a marker of the number of excitatory inputs, and in somal volume, a measure correlated with a neuron's dendritic and axonal architecture. Specifically, pyramidal neurons located in deep layer 3 of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and that lack immunoreactivity for nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein may be particularly involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The presence of similar changes in pyramidal neurons located in deep layer 3 of auditory association cortex suggests that a shared property, which remains to be determined, confers cell type-specific vulnerability to a subpopulation of cortical glutamatergic neurons in schizophrenia.

Expression of constitutively active p21H-rasval12 in postmitotic pyramidal neurons results in increased dendritic size and complexity

The small G protein p21Ras is a critical molecular switch for relaying neurotrophic actions and is essential for normal functioning and plasticity of the nervous system. In this study, the morphogenetic effects of p21Ras were investigated on neurons in vivo. Morphological changes of layers II/III and Vb commissural pyramidal neurons of the primary somatosensory cortex were analyzed in transgenic mice expressing permanently active p21H-RasVal12 in postmitotic neurons. Pyramidal cells were retrogradely labelled with biotinylated dextran amine and subsequently traced using Neurolucida. Compared with wild-type mice, transgenic animals showed a significant increase in the surface area and volume of basal dendrites on the proximal and intermediate segments in layers II/III and on further distal segments in layer V. In addition, the surface area and volume of the trunk and of the proximal segments of oblique branches of apical dendrites were enlarged in both layers. Sholl analyses of basal and apical dendrites showed a significant increase in dendritic complexity of layer V neurons. A positive correlation was observed between the size of the basal dendrite and the neuronal soma size in the transgenic population, indicating that growth-promoting effects of p21H-RasVal12 affect both cellular compartments in parallel. However, the dendritic surface correlated with the number of tips and dendritic stem diameter in both wild-type and transgenic populations, demonstrating that these relations represent rather conservative design principles in dendritic morphology. The data presented here suggest an important role of p21Ras-dependent signaling in the final differentiation and maintenance of dendritic morphology.

Sensorimotor corticocortical projections from rat barrel cortex have an anisotropic organization that facilitates integration of inputs from whiskers in the same row

We used a dual anterograde-tracing paradigm to characterize the organization of corticocortical projections from primary somatosensory (SI) barrel cortex. In one group of rats, biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) and Fluoro-Ruby (FR) were injected into separate barrel columns that occupied the same row of barrel cortex; in the other group, the tracers were deposited into barrel columns residing in different rows. The labeled corticocortical terminals in the primary motor (MI) and secondary somatosensory (SII) cortices were plotted, and digital reconstructions of these plots were quantitatively analyzed. In all cases, labeled projections from focal tracer deposits in SI barrel cortex terminated in elongated, row-like strips of cortex that corresponded to the whisker representations of the MI or SII cortical areas. When both tracers were injected into separate parts of the same SI barrel row, FR- and BDA-labeled terminals tended to merge into a single strip of labeled MI or SII cortex. By comparison, when the tracers were placed in different SI barrel rows, both MI and SII contained at least two row-like FR- and BDA-labeled strips that formed mirror image representations of the SI injection sites. Quantitative analysis of these labeling patterns revealed three major findings. First, labeled overlap in SII was significantly greater for projections from the same barrel row than for projections from different barrel rows. Second, in the infragranular layers of MI but not in the supragranular layers, labeled overlap was significantly higher for projections from the same SI barrel row. Finally, in all layers of SII and in the infragranular layers of MI, the amount of labeled overlap was proportional to the proximity of the tracer injection sites. These results indicate that SI projections to MI and SII have an anisotropic organization that facilitates the integration of sensory information received from neighboring barrels that represent whiskers in the same row.

The distribution and morphology of prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons identified using anti-neurofilament antibodies SMI32, N200 and FNP7. Normative data and a comparison in subjects with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression

Alterations in the density and size of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex have been described in schizophrenia and mood disorder. However, the changes are generally modest and have not always been replicated. We investigated the possibility that specific pyramidal neuron sub-populations, defined by their immunoreactivity with the anti-neurofilament antibodies SMI32, N200, and FNP7, are differentially affected in these disorders. First, we assessed the distribution and characteristics of pyramidal neurons labelled by the antibodies in the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann areas 9, 32, 46), using single and double label immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. Three largely separate sub-populations of pyramidal neurons were identified, although with more substantial overlap between SMI32- and FNP7-positive neurons in lamina V. We then determined the density, size and shape of the three pyramidal neuron sub-populations in area 9 in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder, compared to controls (n=15 in each group). We found a lower density of lamina III N200-positive neurons in major depressive disorder than in schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. There were no other overall differences in neuronal density, or in neuronal size or shape, although a planned secondary analysis supported the previously reported decrease of neuronal size in lamina V in bipolar disorder. In summary, our study illustrates a conceptual and methodological approach which may be of value for investigating the differential neuropathological involvement of pyramidal neuron sub-populations. However, we found no clear evidence that the prefrontal neuropathology of schizophrenia or mood disorders preferentially affects SMI32-, N200- or FNP7-immunoreactive pyramidal neurons.

Somal size of prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons in schizophrenia: differential effects across neuronal subpopulations

BACKGROUND

Cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia may be related to morphologic abnormalities of pyramidal neurons in the dorsal prefrontal cortex (dPFC) and the largest pyramidal neurons in deep layer 3 may be most affected. Immunoreactivity (IR) for the nonphosphorylated epitopes of neurofilament protein (NNFP) identifies a subset of large dPFC deep layer 3 pyramidal neurons. We tested the hypotheses that the average size of NNFP-IR neurons is smaller in schizophrenia and that the decrease in size of these neurons is greater than that observed in the general population of deep layer 3 pyramidal neurons.

METHODS

We estimated the mean somal volume of NNFP-IR neurons in deep layer 3 of 9 in 13 matched pairs of control and schizophrenia subjects and compared the differences in somal size of NNFP-IR neurons to the differences in size of all deep layer 3 pyramidal neurons identified in Nissl-stained material.

RESULTS

In subjects with schizophrenia, the somal volume of NNFP-IR neurons was nonsignificantly decreased by 6.6%, whereas that of the Nissl-stained pyramidal neurons was significantly decreased by 14.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the NNFP-IR subpopulation of dPFC pyramidal neurons are not preferentially affected in schizophrenia. Thus, a subpopulation of dPFC deep layer 3 pyramidal neurons, other than those identified by NNFP-IR, may be selectively vulnerable in schizophrenia.

Electrophysiological properties and input-output organization of callosal neurons in cat association cortex

Intracellular recordings from association cortical areas 5 and 7 were performed in cats under barbiturate or ketamine-xylazine anesthesia to investigate the activities of different classes of neurons involved in callosal pathways, which were electrophysiologically characterized by depolarizing current steps. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs), and/or antidromic responses were elicited by stimulating homotopic sites in the contralateral cortical areas. Differential features of EPSPs related to latencies, amplitudes, and slopes were detected in closely located (50 microm or less) neurons recorded in succession along the same electrode track. In contrast to synchronous thalamocortical volleys that excited most neurons within a cortical column, stimuli applied to homotopic sites in the contralateral cortex activated neurons at restricted cortical depths. Median latencies of callosally evoked EPSPs were 1.5 to 4 ms in various cortical cell-classes. Fast-rhythmic-bursting neurons displayed EPSPs whose amplitudes were threefold larger, and latencies two- or threefold shorter, than those found in the three other cellular classes. Converging callosal and thalamic inputs were recorded in the same cortical neuron. EPSPs or IPSPs were elicited by stimulating foci spaced by <1 mm in the contralateral cortex. In the overwhelming majority of neurons, latencies of antidromic responses were between 1.2 and 3.1 ms; however, some callosal neurons had much longer latencies, <or=18.5 ms. Some neurons were excited monosynaptically through the callosal pathway and identified antidromically from appropriate thalamic nuclei, thus revealing a callosal-corticothalamic pathway. Data are discussed in relation to the commissural spread of fast and slow normal oscillations as well as paroxysmal activities.

Quantitative analysis of the dendritic morphology of corticocortical projection neurons in the macaque monkey association cortex

The polymodal association areas of the primate cerebral cortex are heavily interconnected and play a crucial role in cognition. Area 46 of the prefrontal cortex in non-human primates receives direct inputs from several association areas, among them the cortical regions lining the superior temporal sulcus. We examined whether projection neurons providing such a corticocortical projection differ in their dendritic morphology from pyramidal neurons projecting locally within area 46. Specific sets of corticocortical projection neurons were identified by in vivo retrograde transport in young macaque monkeys. Full dendritic arbors of retrogradely labeled neurons were visualized in brain slices by targeted intracellular injection of Lucifer Yellow, and reconstructed three-dimensionally using computer-assisted morphometry. Total dendritic length, numbers of segments, numbers of spines, and spine density were analyzed in layer III pyramidal neurons forming long projections (from the superior temporal cortex to prefrontal area 46), as well as local projections (within area 46). Sholl analysis was also used to compare the complexity of these two groups of neurons. Our results demonstrate that long corticocortical projection neurons connecting the temporal and prefrontal cortex have longer, more complex dendritic arbors and more spines than pyramidal neurons projecting locally within area 46. The more complex dendritic arborization of such neurons is likely linked to their participation in cortical networks that require extensive convergence of multiple afferents at the cellular level.