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Aloi D, Jalali R, Calzolari S, Lafanechere M, Miall RC, Fernández-Espejo D. Multi-session tDCS paired with passive mobilisation of the thumb modulates thalamo-cortical coupling during command following in the healthy brain. Neuroimage 2023; 274:120145. [PMID: 37121374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options to restore responsiveness in patients with prolonged disorder of consciousness (PDOC) are limited. We have recently shown that a single session of tDCS over M1 delivered at rest can reduce thalamic self-inhibition during motor command following. Here, we build upon this by exploring whether pairing tDCS with a concurrent passive mobilisation protocol can further influence thalamo-M1 dynamics and whether these changes are enhanced after multiple stimulation sessions. Specifically, we used Dynamic Causal Modelling (DCM) of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 22 healthy participants to assess changes on effective connectivity within the motor network during active thumb movements after 1 or 5 sessions of tDCS paired with passive mobilisations of the thumb. We found that a single anodal tDCS session (paired with passive mobilisation of the thumb) decreased self-inhibition in M1, with five sessions further enhancing this effect. In addition, anodal tDCS increased thalamo-M1 excitation as compared to cathodal stimulation, with the effects maintained after 5 sessions. Together, our results suggest that pairing anodal tDCS with passive mobilisation across multiple sessions may facilitate thalamo-cortical dynamics that are relevant for behavioural responsiveness in PDOC. More broadly, they offer a mechanistic window into the neural underpinnings of the cumulative effects of multi-session tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Aloi
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham; Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham
| | - Roya Jalali
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham; Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham
| | - Sara Calzolari
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham; Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham
| | - Melanie Lafanechere
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham; Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham
| | | | - Davinia Fernández-Espejo
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham; Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham.
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Fernandes RM, Nascimento PC, Martins MK, Aragão WAB, Rivera LFS, Bittencourt LO, Cartágenes SC, Crespo-Lopez ME, do Socorro Ferraz Maia C, Lima RR. Evaluation of Cerebellar Function and Integrity of Adult Rats After Long-Term Exposure to Aluminum at Equivalent Urban Region Consumption Concentrations. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:1425-1436. [PMID: 32564201 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02244-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
High amounts of aluminum (Al) are found in soil and water. It is highly bioavailable, which makes it an important agent of environmental imbalance. Moreover, Al is considered a neurotoxic agent that is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, this study investigated the effects of long-term Al chloride (AlCl3) exposure on motor behavior, oxidative biochemistry, and cerebellar tissue parameters. For this, adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Al-D1 (8.3 mg kg-1 day-1), Al-D2 (5.2 mg kg-1 day-1), and control (distilled water); all groups were orally exposed for 60 days by intragastric gavage. After the exposure period, animals performed the open field, elevated plus maze, rotarod, and beam walking tests. Then, the blood and cerebellum were collected to evaluate Al levels and biochemical and morphological analyses, respectively. Our results demonstrate that animals exposed to Al doses presented a higher Al level in the blood. In the spontaneous locomotor activity, Al exposure groups had traveled a lower total distance when compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between exposed and control groups when anxiogenic profile, forced locomotion, fine motor coordination/balance, pro-oxidative parameter, and density Purkinje cells were compared. Thus, aluminum exposure in equivalent doses to human consumption in urban regions did not promote significant changes in the cerebellum or motor parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Monteiro Fernandes
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Street Augusto Corrêa N. 1, Campus do Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-900, Brazil
| | - Priscila Cunha Nascimento
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Street Augusto Corrêa N. 1, Campus do Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Karolina Martins
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Street Augusto Corrêa N. 1, Campus do Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-900, Brazil
| | - Walessa Alana Bragança Aragão
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Street Augusto Corrêa N. 1, Campus do Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-900, Brazil
| | - Luis Felipe Sarmiento Rivera
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Street Augusto Corrêa N. 1, Campus do Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Oliveira Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Street Augusto Corrêa N. 1, Campus do Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-900, Brazil
| | - Sabrina C Cartágenes
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Cristiane do Socorro Ferraz Maia
- Laboratory Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Street Augusto Corrêa N. 1, Campus do Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-900, Brazil.
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Abstract
Optogenetic tools and imaging methods for recording and manipulating brain activity have boosted the field of neuroscience in unprecedented ways. However, behavioral paradigms for mice lag behind those of primates, limiting the full potential of such tools. Here, we present an innovative behavioral framework in which head-fixed mice directionally reach for water droplets, similar to the primate "center-out" reaching task. Mice rapidly engaged in the task, performed hundreds of trials, and reached in multiple directions when droplets were presented at different locations. Surprisingly, mice used chemosensation to determine the presence of water droplets. Optogenetic inactivation of the motor cortex halted the initiation and rapidly diverted the trajectory of ongoing movements. Layer 2/3 two-photon imaging revealed robust direction selectivity in most reach-related neurons. Finally, mice performed directional reaching instructed by vibratotactile stimuli, demonstrating the potential of this framework for studying, in addition to motor control, sensory processing, and decision making.
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de Carvalho M, Eisen A, Krieger C, Swash M. Motoneuron firing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:719. [PMID: 25294995 PMCID: PMC4170108 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an inexorably progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving the classical motor system and the frontal effector brain, causing muscular weakness and atrophy, with variable upper motor neuron signs and often an associated fronto-temporal dementia. The physiological disturbance consequent on the motor system degeneration is beginning to be well understood. In this review we describe aspects of the motor cortical, neuronal, and lower motor neuron dysfunction. We show how studies of the changes in the pattern of motor unit firing help delineate the underlying pathophysiological disturbance as the disease progresses. Such studies are beginning to illuminate the underlying disordered pathophysiological processes in the disease, and are important in designing new approaches to therapy and especially for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Santa Maria, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andrew Eisen
- Emeritus Professor of Neurology, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Charles Krieger
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC, Canada ; Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Michael Swash
- Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Santa Maria, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal ; Institute of Neuroscience, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
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Suter BA, Yamawaki N, Borges K, Li X, Kiritani T, Hooks BM, Shepherd GMG. Neurophotonics applications to motor cortex research. NEUROPHOTONICS 2014; 1:011008. [PMID: 25553337 PMCID: PMC4278379 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.1.1.011008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurophotonics methods offer powerful ways to access neuronal signals and circuits. We highlight recent advances and current themes in this area, emphasizing tools for mapping, monitoring, and manipulating excitatory projection neurons and their synaptic circuits in mouse motor cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A. Suter
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Naoki Yamawaki
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Katharine Borges
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Xiaojian Li
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Taro Kiritani
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Bryan M. Hooks
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Farm Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
| | - Gordon M. G. Shepherd
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Chicago, Illinois 60611
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Brecht M, Hatsopoulos NG, Kaneko T, Shepherd GMG. Motor cortex microcircuits. Front Neural Circuits 2013; 7:196. [PMID: 24376400 PMCID: PMC3859911 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2013.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brecht
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Humboldt University, and Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicholas G Hatsopoulos
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, Committees on Computational Neuroscience and Neurobiology, University of Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Takeshi Kaneko
- Department of Morphological Brain Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Kyoto, Japan
| | - Gordon M G Shepherd
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Chicago, IL, USA
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Harrison TC, Murphy TH. Motor maps and the cortical control of movement. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2013; 24:88-94. [PMID: 24492084 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2013.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The brain's cortical maps serve as a macroscopic framework upon which additional levels of detail can be overlaid. Unlike sensory maps generated by measuring the brain's responses to incoming stimuli, motor maps are made by directly stimulating the brain itself. To understand the significance of motor maps and the functions they represent, it is necessary to consider the relationship between the natural operation of the motor system and the pattern of activity evoked in it by artificial stimulation. We review recent findings from the study of the cortical motor system and new insights into the control of movement based on its mapping within cortical space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Harrison
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver BC Canada V6T1Z3
| | - Timothy H Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver BC Canada V6T1Z3.
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