Article
Neurosciences
Anthony M. Downs, Zoe A. McElligott
Summary: This review discusses recent advances in understanding the role of the noradrenergic system in substance use disorders, including potential therapeutic targets and new treatment approaches.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Wei Zheng, Chao Wu, Wen-Jie Du, Yonghui Li, Fang Shen, Abbas Haghparast, Jing Liang, Nan Sui, Jian-Jun Zhang
Summary: Drug-related memories can be temporarily destabilized and reconsolidated through the activation of neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and specific neural projections from the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) to the BLA. This study provides insights into the neural circuits involved in the destabilization and reconsolidation of drug-associated memories.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Huiling Sun, Kai Meng, Lin Hou, Lijun Shang, Jianqun Yan
Summary: GLP-2 is a hormone secreted from the gut and brainstem that can suppress food intake by influencing the hypothalamus through the nucleus tractus solitarius. The GLP-2 system in the nucleus tractus solitarius exerts an inhibitory action on food intake, mediated by MC4-R.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xia Wang, Ruijuan Guan, Xiaomei Zhao, Jun Chen, Danian Zhu, Linlin Shen, Nana Song
Summary: TASKs, specifically TASK1 and TASK3, in orexin neurons play a crucial role in regulating respiratory chemoreflex, with orexin neurons sensing extracellular pH changes and projecting to the NTS to modulate respiration. Blocking TASKs or OX1R can affect breathing response to acidosis in the LH.
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)
Article
Neurosciences
Clarissa M. D. Mota, Christopher J. Madden
Summary: Activation of LPBd neurons inhibits BAT thermogenesis and contributes to obesity. Administration of GABAA receptor agonist rescues BAT thermogenesis in high-fat diet-induced obesity. These findings reveal novel effects of high-fat diets on the brain and metabolism.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jaesub Park, Sangyeon Lee, Kwansoo Kim, Jaegyun Jung, Doheon Lee
Summary: In this study, a computational approach called LAPINE is proposed for large-scale prediction of ADR-related proteins. The results show that LAPINE is capable of predicting ADR-related proteins with high reliability, providing insights into the mechanism of ADRs and aiding in prevention. The source code of LAPINE is available on GitHub and Figshare.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Georgina K. C. Dowsett, Brian Y. H. Lam, John A. Tadross, Irene Cimino, Debra Rimmington, Anthony P. Coll, Joseph Polex-Wolf, Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, Charles Pyke, Giles S. H. Yeo
Summary: This study provides a detailed single-cell level characterization of cells in the AP and NTS expressing receptors for key anti-obesity drugs, revealing their gene expression profiles under different nutritional states. The research also identifies the transcriptional sensitivity of oligodendrocytes to overnight fasting and shows that roughly half of GIPR-expressing cells are oligodendrocytes.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Antonietta Canna, Elena Cantone, Anne Roefs, Sieske Franssen, Anna Prinster, Elia Formisano, Francesco Di Salle, Fabrizio Esposito
Summary: In this study, ultra-high field fMRI was used to investigate the neural signals in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius (NTS) in response to different taste stimuli in the human brainstem. The results demonstrated a significant blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response in the predicted location of the NTS for all basic taste stimuli. This study suggests the potential of using a similar experimental strategy to explore the central nervous system involvement in eating disorders.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Qiuping Ye, Si Yuan, Lulu Yao, Yong Dai, Bing Deng, Jiahui Hu, Jiao Qiao, Hongmei Wen, Zulin Dou, Nenggui Xu
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effect of nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) on post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) treated by electroacupuncture. The results showed that excitatory neurons in the NTS were involved in the treatment process of PSD by electroacupuncture. Furthermore, it was found that inhibiting the NTS reduced the EMG signal associated with swallowing response induced by M1 activation in PSD mice, which was rescued by electroacupuncture.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
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
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Louiza Belkacemi, Yina Sun, Nissar A. Darmani
Summary: This study investigated the emetic potential and motor effects of temsirolimus and its analogs. It was found that temsirolimus has a dose-dependent emetic effect, with the optimal dose at 10 mg/kg. Higher doses had no significant effect. Temsirolimus also reduced motor activity in least shrews. The study suggests the promising antiemetic potential of temsirolimus and its analogs.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
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)
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
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.