Article
Neurosciences
Rui Wang, Dan Fang, Tingting Lin, Wenhui Liang, Hu Qiao
Summary: The recent study found that aldosterone can play a non-genomic regulatory role in rapid sodium intake by activating G protein-coupled estrogen receptor at the NTS level, and it exhibits obvious time and concentration-dependent regulation. However, the molecular mechanism of how aldosterone regulates sodium intake rapidly is still unclear.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Bindu Parayil Sankaran, Saskia B. Wortman, Michel A. Willemsen, Shanti Balasubramaniam
Summary: A 7-year-old girl with rare genetic disease MEGD(H)EL presented with worsening respiratory issues and required mechanical ventilation, with MRI showing progression of known changes in the disease. Despite being ventilator dependent, she eventually succumbed to the effects of the disease.
Article
Neurosciences
Hongxiao Yu, Luo Shi, Jinting Chen, Shirui Jun, Yinchao Hao, Shuang Wang, Congrui Fu, Xiang Zhang, Haiyan Lu, Sheng Wang, Fang Yuan
Summary: The study demonstrates that neurons expressing LepRb in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) play a key role in respiratory control, with leptin potentiating breathing via an NTS-LPBN-preBotC circuit. Stimulation of NTSLepRb neurons notably activates breathing, while ablation of NTSLepRb neurons projecting to the LPBN eliminates the enhanced effect.
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Yinchao Hao, Ziqian Wei, Shuang Wang, Pei An, Yifei Huang, Lingxiao Yu, Mengchu Zhu, Hongxiao Yu, Fang Yuan, Sheng Wang
Summary: The disrupted medullary leptin signaling contributes to obesity-related hypoventilation, and inhibiting the upregulated SOCS3 in the NTS and RTN can alleviate this condition.
Article
Neurosciences
Shirui Jun, Xianhong Ou, Luo Shi, Hongxiao Yu, Tianjiao Deng, Jinting Chen, Xiaojun Nie, Yinchao Hao, Yishuo Shi, Wei Liu, Yanming Tian, Sheng Wang, Fang Yuan
Summary: The NTS is involved in the autonomic regulation of cardiovascular activity. NTSPNMT neurons have different effects on blood pressure depending on their projections. Stimulation of NTSPNMT neurons projecting to different areas can cause either a decrease or increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Ablation of NTSPNMT neurons and their projections to specific areas impairs the arterial baroreflex.
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Ashmita Mukherjee, Adrianne M. DiBrog, Elizabeth G. Mietlicki-Baase
Summary: Binge-like palatable food intake can reduce the expression of preproglucagon (PPG), the precursor for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), in the hindbrain in male rats. However, it is unknown if similar effects occur in female rats.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Soledad Pitra, Bret N. Smith
Summary: This article discusses the importance of the brain stem dorsal vagal complex in regulating systemic glucose homeostasis and neuroplastic changes associated with systemic glucose alterations. It also explores the critical connection between these nuclei and the gut, as well as the role of central vagal circuits in the favorable outcomes of bariatric surgical procedures for metabolic disorders.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan A. Estrada, Norio Hotta, Han-Kyul Kim, Rie Ishizawa, Ayumi Fukazawa, Gary A. Iwamoto, Scott A. Smith, Wanpen Vongpatanasin, Masaki Mizuno
Summary: Insulin not only regulates glucose and/or lipid metabolism but also modulates brain neural activity by inhibiting neuronal excitability. Blocking insulin receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius can enhance the exercise pressor reflex, suggesting a regulatory role of insulin in this process.
Article
Physiology
Elenia Cinelli, Ludovica Iovino, Fulvia Bongianni, Tito Pantaleo, Federico Lavorini, Claudia Mannini, Donatella Mutolo
Summary: It has been shown that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) located within the caudal nucleus tractus solitarii (cNTS) mediate a cholinergic inhibitory control mechanism of the cough reflex. Identification of the involved mAChR subtypes could be of considerable interest for novel therapeutic strategies.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LUNG CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Danita Atiwiwat, Mark Aquilino, Orrin Devinsky, Berj L. Bardakjian, Peter L. Carlen
Summary: The study found that cross-frequency coupling between theta and high-frequency oscillations is related to spatial navigation and memory consolidation processes. The researchers investigated this coupling in the hippocampus and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and found significant theta-HFO coupling during REM sleep. The findings suggest that phase-amplitude coupling is state- and frequency-specific and may provide insight into the selective functions of neuronal network interactions in state-dependent information processing.
Article
Psychology, Biological
Winfried L. Neuhuber, Hans -Rudolf Berthoud
Summary: Due to its important role in autonomic networks and interoception, the vagus nerve continues to attract interest from both basic scientists and therapists. In addition to the classical vagal brainstem nuclei, the spinal trigeminal and paratrigeminal nuclei also play a role in vagal innervation. Furthermore, the nucleus of the solitary tract integrates not only visceral but also somatic sensory inputs.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhe Chen, Ming-Tong Lin, Chen Zhan, Nan-Shan Zhong, Di Mu, Ke-Fang Lai, Mingzhe J. Liu
Summary: This study reveals that GABAergic neurons in the l/vlPAG region suppress cough processing through a descending pathway. Activation of these neurons decreases coughing-like behaviors, while suppression of these neurons enhances cough sensitivity. These findings provide important insights into the neural mechanisms underlying chronic cough.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chieh-Jen Wu, Pei-Wen Cheng, Ming-Hsiang Kung, Chiu-Yi Ho, Jun-Yen Pan, Ching-Jiunn Tseng, Hsin-Hung Chen
Summary: This study investigated the impact of NTS Glut5 knockdown on fructose-induced hypertension. The results showed that Glut5 KD reduced sympathetic nerve hyperactivity, improved central insulin signaling, lowered blood pressure, restored signaling dependent on adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and reduced fructose-induced oxidative stress within the NTS.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jordan B. Wean, Bret N. Smith
Summary: The research suggests that FGF19 increases glutamate release in the DMV through enhancing the activity of AP and NTS neurons connected to the DMV in hyperglycemic mice. Additionally, FGF19 has an impact on intrinsic membrane properties in the NTS, but the effect on glutamate release is not solely dependent on this mechanism.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mette Q. Ludwig, Petar V. Todorov, Kristoffer L. Egerod, David P. Olson, Tune H. Pers
Summary: The dorsal vagal complex (DVC) in the hindbrain plays a critical role in modulating satiety, with incretins like GLP-1 and GIP acting directly in the brain to regulate feeding through receptors expressed in the DVC. Single-cell approaches have been used to detect molecular signatures of incretin receptor-expressing cells in the DVC, and advancements in transcriptomics, epigenetics, spatial transcriptomics, and circuit mapping techniques hold potential for further characterizing incretin receptor circuits in the hindbrain.
Article
Neurosciences
Fillan Grady, Lila Peltekian, Gabrielle Iverson, Joel C. Geerling
Article
Neurosciences
Silvia Gasparini, Jacob M. Howland, Andrew J. Thatcher, Joel C. Geerling
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2020)
Article
Neurosciences
Dake Huang, Fillan S. Grady, Lila Peltekian, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: This study compared the projection patterns of glutamatergic neurons, a subpopulation expressing the transcription factor Foxp2, and another subpopulation expressing the neuropeptide Pdyn in the PB region. Results indicate that genetic identity determines connectivity (and therefore, function), providing a framework for mapping all PB output projections based on the genetic identity of its neurons.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Physiology
Margaret M. Tish, Joel C. Geerling
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Neurosciences
Dake Huang, Fillan S. Grady, Lila Peltekian, Justin J. Laing, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: The study revealed specific efferent projections of Calca-expressing neurons in the PB region, targeting areas such as the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, basal forebrain, thalamic intralaminar and ventral posterior parvicellular nuclei. These efferent projections from Calca-expressing neurons are distinct from those of Pdyn-expressing neighboring neurons in the PB region, providing a detailed neuroanatomical framework for interpreting the roles of CGRP/Calca-expressing neurons and opioid action in this area.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Samyukta Karthik, Dake Huang, Yaritza Delgado, Justin J. Laing, Lila Peltekian, Gabrielle N. Iverson, Fillan Grady, Rebecca L. Miller, Corey M. McCann, Bernd Fritzsch, Igor Y. Iskusnykh, Victor V. Chizhikov, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: This article presents a developmental-genetic ontology that classifies neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (PB) based on their intrinsic, molecular features, and predicts their neural projections. This molecular framework could accelerate the translation of experimental findings from animal models to human patients.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Uday Singh, Jingwei Jiang, Kenji Saito, Brandon A. Toth, Jacob E. Dickey, Samuel R. Rodeghiero, Yue Deng, Guorui Deng, Baojian Xue, Zhiyong Zhu, Leonid V. Zingman, Joel C. Geerling, Huxing Cui
Summary: The PVNMC4R+ neurons project broadly to brain regions involved in feeding, neuroendocrine, and autonomic control, while receiving monosynaptic input mainly from other hypothalamic nuclei and circumventricular organs. Activation of PVNMC4R+ neurons leads to suppression of feeding and physiological changes in cardiovascular and thermoregulatory functions, accompanied by acute transient hyperactivity and rest-like behavior.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Margaret M. Tish, Aaron D. Boes, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: This study describes a patient with right pontine tegmental syndrome, who did not lose consciousness despite extensive brain hemorrhage and edema, but developed new urinary retention symptoms.
CASE REPORTS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Fillan S. Grady, Shantelle A. Graff, Georgina M. Aldridge, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: This study presents a pipeline for labeling synaptic output of neurons using genetic tracing methods and introduces a detector called BoutonNet to automatically identify labeled presynaptic boutons. The technique achieves high sensitivity and low background noise, enabling quantitative analysis of the fundamental unit of the brain on a whole-brain scale.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Fillan S. Grady, Aaron D. Boes, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: This review emphasizes the importance of determining the specific subset of brainstem neurons necessary for maintaining wakefulness, as the mechanisms of impaired consciousness are still not fully understood. Pharmacological studies have indicated the role of certain neurotransmitters, but genetically targeted experiments have shown that none of these neurotransmitters or the neurons producing them are individually necessary for sustaining wakefulness.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Dake Huang, Richie Zhang, Silvia Gasparini, Miriam C. McDonough, William J. Paradee, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: Neuropeptide S (NPS) is found in a small number of neurons in the brainstem, primarily in the parabrachial nucleus (PB) region. These neurons are derived from Atoh1 and express Foxp2, and they have distinct locations within the PB region. NPS-expressing neurons have been identified in various other regions of the brain, including the nucleus incertus, anterior hypothalamus, and lateral habenula. This information is important for understanding the connectivity and function of NPS neurons.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Fillan S. Grady, Shantelle A. Graff, Jon M. Resch, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: The parabrachial nucleus (PB) in the upper brainstem receives interoceptive information and sends a massive output projection directly to the cerebral cortex. However, stimulating this PB-insular projection did not alter cortical EEG or awaken mice, contradicting the hypothesis that it promotes arousal. These results provide constraints on the possible circuit connections related to sustaining arousal.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lila Peltekian, Silvia Gasparini, Frederico S. Fazan, Samyukta Karthik, Gabrielle Iverson, Jon M. Resch, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: In addition to its known renal and cardiovascular functions, angiotensin signalling does not appear to be required for sodium appetite or thirst. The production of angiotensin peptides in the brain or liver does not seem to play a significant role in regulating salt and water intake. Alternative signalling mechanisms need to be identified to better understand these behaviors.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
Dake Huang, Fillan S. Grady, Lila Peltekian, Justin Laing, Joel C. Geerling
ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Frederico S. Fazan, Eduardo Colombari, Arthur D. Loewy, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: Restricting dietary sodium increases sodium appetite in rats, and elevated levels of plasma potassium promote the secretion of aldosterone. Supplementing potassium in sodium-deprived rats may raise aldosterone levels but does not necessarily lead to increased sodium appetite or activation of HSD2 neurons.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaomei Lin, Tianyuyi Feng, Erheng Cui, Yunfei Li, Zhang Qin, Xiaohu Zhao
Summary: This study successfully established a rat model based on the genetic-environmental interaction, which exhibited phenotype characteristics similar to human AD in terms of cognitive function, brain microstructure, and immunohistochemistry. The genetic factor (APP mutation) and the environmental factor (acrolein exposure) accounted for 39.74% and 33.3% of the AD-like phenotypes in the model, respectively.
Article
Neurosciences
Gustavo Guimara Guerrero, Giovanna Bignoto Minhoto, Camilla dos Santos Tiburcio-Machado, Itza Amarisis Ribeiro Pinto, Claudio Antonio Federico, Marcia Carneiro Valera
Summary: The present study evaluated the influence of head and neck radiotherapy on the behavior and body weight gain in Wistar rats. The results demonstrated that different doses of radiation induced depressive behavior in the animals, and that the weight gain tended to be lower in the irradiated groups.
Article
Neurosciences
Ziwei Gao, Chao Lu, Yaping Zhu, Yuxin Liu, Yuesong Lin, Wenming Gao, Liyuan Tian, Lei Wu
Summary: This study reveals the underlying mechanisms of the rapid antidepressant effects of merazin hydrate (MH), which activates CaMKII to promote neuronal activities and proliferation in the hippocampus.
Article
Neurosciences
Kathleen E. Murray, Whitney A. Ratliff, Vedad Delic, Bruce A. Citron
Summary: Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic disorder that affects approximately 30% of Veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf. This study found that exposure to toxicants during the Gulf War resulted in long-term changes in the morphology of dentate granule cells and that treatment with Nrf2 activator could improve neuronal health in the hippocampus.
Article
Neurosciences
Jing Li, Yan Zou, Xiangchuang Kong, Yangming Leng, Fan Yang, Guofeng Zhou, Bo Liu, Wenliang Fan
Summary: This study examines the functional connectivity changes in individuals with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) at the integrity, network, and edge levels. The findings reveal reduced intranetwork connectivity strength and increased internetwork connectivity in SSNHL patients. These alterations are associated with the duration of SSNHL and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores. The study provides crucial insights into the neural mechanisms of SSNHL and the brain's network-level responses to sensory loss.
Review
Neurosciences
Didier Majou, Anne-Lise Dermenghem
Summary: In the early stages of SAD, memory impairment is strongly correlated with cortical levels of soluble amyloid-beta peptide oligomers. A beta disrupts glutamatergic synaptic function and leads to cognitive deficits. This article describes the pathogenic mechanisms underlying cerebral amyloidosis, involving amyloid precursor protein synthesis, A beta residue clearance processes, and the role of specific molecules.
Article
Neurosciences
Jing Li, Yi Shan, Xiaojing Zhao, Guixiang Shan, Peng-Hu Wei, Lin Liu, Changming Wang, Hang Wu, Weiqun Song, Yi Tang, Guo-Guang Zhao, Jie Lu
Summary: This study investigates changes in brain anatomical structures and functional network connectivity after chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury (cctSCI) and their impact on clinical outcomes. The findings reveal alterations in gray matter volume and functional connectivity in specific brain regions, indicating potential therapeutic targets and methods for tracking treatment outcomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Anllely Fernandez, Katherine Corvalan, Octavia Santis, Maxs Mendez-Ruette, Ariel Caviedes, Matias Pizarro, Maria -Teresa Gomez, Luis Federico Batiz, Peter Landgraf, Thilo Kahne, Alejandro Rojas-Fernandez, Ursula Wyneken
Summary: This study reveals the importance of SUMOylation in modulating the protein cargo of astrocyte-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and its potential impact on neurons.
Article
Neurosciences
Anika Luettig, Stefanie Perl, Maria Zetsche, Franziska Richter, Denise Franz, Marco Heerdegen, Ruediger Koehling, Angelika Richter
Summary: This study found that changes in c-Fos activity during short-term stimulation of the entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) are associated with improvement in dystonia, and also discovered that the cerebellum may be involved in the antidystonic effects.
Article
Neurosciences
Yanlin Tao, Wei Shen, Houyuan Zhou, Zikang Li, Ting Pi, Hui Wu, Hailian Shi, Fei Huang, Xiaojun Wu
Summary: Depression has a higher incidence in women compared to men, and this study investigated the impact of sex on depressive behaviors and underlying mechanisms using a corticosterone-induced depression model in mice. The results showed sex-specific anxiety and depression behaviors in the model group, as well as differences in protein expression and neurotransmitter levels between male and female mice. These findings enhance our understanding of sex-specific differences in depression and support tailored interventions.
Review
Neurosciences
Dnyandev G. Gadhave, Vrashabh V. Sugandhi, Chandrakant R. Kokare
Summary: This article discusses the characteristics and importance of the tight junctions of endothelial cells in the CNS, which act as a biological barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It focuses on overcoming the challenges of delivering therapeutic agents to the brain in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis, through the use of biomaterials. The article also highlights the current limitations of animal models for studying multiple sclerosis and suggests a potential future research direction.
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Min Mao, Khyathi Thallapureddy, John Q. Wang
Summary: Propofol can enhance synapsin phosphorylation and modulate synaptic transmission in the mouse brain. The study reveals the potential role of synapsin as a substrate of propofol and its effects on neurotransmitter release machinery.
Article
Neurosciences
Syed Maaz Ahmed Rizvi, Abdul Baseer Buriro, Irfan Ahmed, Abdul Aziz Memon
Summary: This study explores the effects of prolonged mask usage on the human brain by analyzing EEG and physiological parameters. The results show that the mean EEG spectral power in alpha, beta, and gamma sub-bands of individuals wearing masks is smaller than those without masks. The performances on cognitive tasks and oxygen saturation level differ between the two groups, while blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate are similar. The analysis also reveals that the occipital and frontal lobes exhibit the greatest variability in channel measurements.
Article
Neurosciences
Rui-Fang Ma, Lu-Lu Xue, Jin-Xiang Liu, Li Chen, Liu-Lin Xiong, Ting-Hua Wang, Fei Liu
Summary: This study observed changes in brain infarction and blood vessels in rats during neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (NHIE) modeling using Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography (TCD). Longer duration of hypoxia was associated with more severe nerve damage. TCD can dynamically monitor cerebral infarction after NHIE modeling, which may serve as a useful auxiliary method for evaluating animal experimental models.
Article
Neurosciences
Yuxiang Dai, Chen Yu, Lu Zhou, Longyang Cheng, Hongbin Ni, Weibang Liang
Summary: Overexpression of CXCR4 in glioma is correlated with patient survival, and its inhibition can reduce invasion and migration of glioma cells. Inhibiting Nur77 also decreases cancer progression associated with CXCR4.