5HTTLPR Polymorphism and Enlargement of the Pulvinar: Unlocking the Backdoor to the Limbic System

The response to rapid infusion of fentanyl in the human brain measured using pulsed arterial spin labelling

“…As has recently been highlighted, the pulvinar region may also play a role in mediating other types of affective processing involving the limbic system [49]. Therefore, this region appears to have a direct neuronal connection to the processing of the type of affective responses elicited by the opioid agonist chosen for this study.…”

Abnormal Hypothalamic Response to Light in Seasonal Affective Disorder

“…Animal data also showed that complete light deprivation reduced noradrenergic projections from the locus coeruleus to the prefrontal cortex (47), which is essential for cognition (48). In addition, metabolic and serotoninergic dysfunction in the pulvinar has been related to depression (49). Therefore, the differential responsiveness to vocal stimuli could constitute a marker of a general increased sensitivity in SAD during the fall/winter depressive episode, speculatively related to serotonin and norepinephrine functions.…”

Serotonergic modulation of suicidal behaviour: integrating preclinical data with clinical practice and psychotherapy

“…Looking at the impact of both positive and negative life events on the link between the s allele and neuroticism would allow for an examination of the full scope of its potentially moderating effect. On the positive side, carriers of two short alleles have been found to have more pulvinar neurons (Young et al 2007). Pulvinar neurons are involved in the processing of visual signals sent to the limbic system via a subcortical route.…”