Computer-assisted 3D reconstruction of the human basal forebrain complex

“…The NbM is located within the substantia innominata of the basal forebrain, ventrally to the anterior part of the thalamus and putamen ([27,135]; Figure 1F). There is an evolutionary trend towards size increase and differentiation in this nucleus, with primates and cetaceans showing the highest development [136].…”

Section: Basal Nucleus Of Meynert and The Cholinergic Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Turning on the Light Within: Subcortical Nuclei of the Isodentritic Core and their Role in Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis

Theofilas

Dunlop

Heinsen

et al. 2015

JAD

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Pharmacological interventions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are likely to be more efficacious if administered early in the course of the disease, foregoing the spread of irreversible changes in the brain. Research findings underline an early vulnerability of the isodendritic core (IC) network to AD neurofibrillary lesions. The IC constitutes a phylogenetically conserved subcortical system including the locus coeruleus in pons, dorsal raphe nucleus and substantia nigra in the midbrain, and nucleus basalis of Meynert in basal forebrain. Through their ascending projections to the cortex, the IC neurons regulate homeostasis and behavior by synthesizing aminergic and cholinergic neurotransmitters. Here we reviewed the evidence demonstrating that neurons of the IC system show neurofibrillary tangles in the earliest stages of AD, prior to cortical pathology, and how this involvement may explain pre-amnestic symptoms, including depression, agitation and sleep disturbances in AD patients. In fact, clinical and animal studies show a significant reduction of AD cognitive and behavioral symptoms following replenishment of neurotransmitters associated with the IC network. Therefore, the IC network represents a unique candidate for viable therapeutic intervention and should become a high priority for research in AD.

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“…For further details, see Schmitz and Hof. (2005), Heinsen et al (2000), Grinberg and Heinsen (2007b) and Grinberg et al (2008). Finally, routine histological methods, stereological techniques, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative studies can be applied in the same areas, which allows the correlation of the findings of cellular and molecular pathology and deeper understanding of the regional pathophysiology (Grinberg et al 2008(Grinberg et al , 2009a.…”

Section: Heinsen's Methods For Celloidin Embeddingmentioning

confidence: 98%

Brazilian psychiatric brain bank: a new contribution tool to network studies

et al. 2011

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There is an urgent need for expanding the number of brain banks serving psychiatric research. We describe here the Psychiatric Disorders arm of the Brain Bank of the Brazilian Aging Brain Study Group (Psy-BBBABSG), which is focused in bipolar disorder (BD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Our protocol was designed to minimize limitations faced by previous initiatives, and to enable design-based neurostereological analyses. The Psy-BBBABSG first milestone is the collection of 10 brains each of BD and OCD patients, and matched controls. The brains are sourced from a population-based autopsy service. The clinical and psychiatric assessments were done by an expert team including psychiatrists, through an informant. One hemisphere was perfused-fixed to render an optimal fixation for conducting neurostereological studies. The other hemisphere was comprehensively dissected and frozen for molecular studies. In 20 months, we collected 36 brains. A final report was completed for 14 cases: 3 BDs, 4 major depressive disorders, 1 substance use disorder, 1 mood disorder NOS, 3 obsessive compulsive spectrum symptoms, 1 OCD and 1 schizophrenia. The majority were male (64%), and the average age at death was 67.2 ± 9.0 years. The average postmortem interval was 16 h. Three matched controls were collected. The pilot stage confirmed that the protocols are well fitted to reach our goals. Our unique autopsy source makes possible to collect a fairly number of high quality cases in a short time. Such a collection offers an additional to the international research community to advance the understanding on neuropsychiatric diseases.

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Computer-assisted 3D reconstruction of the human basal forebrain complex

Cited by 15 publications

References 41 publications

Improved detection of incipient vascular changes by a biotechnological platform combining post mortem MRI in situ with neuropathology

Improved detection of incipient vascular changes by a biotechnological platform combining post mortem MRI in situ with neuropathology

Turning on the Light Within: Subcortical Nuclei of the Isodentritic Core and their Role in Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis

Brazilian psychiatric brain bank: a new contribution tool to network studies

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