scholarly journals The Effects of Leptin Replacement on Neural Plasticity

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilberto J. Paz-Filho
Keyword(s):  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Neuronal Morphology ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea ◽  
Glutamate Receptor Trafficking ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
And Function

Leptin, an adipokine synthesized and secreted mainly by the adipose tissue, has multiple effects on the regulation of food intake, energy expenditure, and metabolism. Its recently-approved analogue, metreleptin, has been evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of patients with leptin deficiency due to mutations in the leptin gene, lipodystrophy syndromes, and hypothalamic amenorrhea. In such patients, leptin replacement therapy has led to changes in brain structure and function in intra- and extrahypothalamic areas, including the hippocampus. Furthermore, in one of those patients, improvements in neurocognitive development have been observed. In addition to this evidence linking leptin to neural plasticity and function, observational studies evaluating leptin-sufficient humans have also demonstrated direct correlation between blood leptin levels and brain volume and inverse associations between circulating leptin and risk for the development of dementia. This review summarizes the evidence in the literature on the role of leptin in neural plasticity (in leptin-deficient and in leptin-sufficient individuals) and its effects on synaptic activity, glutamate receptor trafficking, neuronal morphology, neuronal development and survival, and microglial function.

scholarly journals Fragile X syndrome patient-derived neurons developing in the mouse brain show FMR1 -dependent phenotypes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marine A Krzisch ◽  
Hao A Wu ◽  
Bingbing Yuan ◽  
Troy W. Whitfield ◽  
X. Shawn Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fragile X Syndrome ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Fragile X ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
Human Neurons ◽  
Induced Pluripotent ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

Abnormal neuronal development in Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is poorly understood. Data on FXS patients remain scarce and FXS animal models have failed to yield successful therapies. In vitro models do not fully recapitulate the morphology and function of human neurons. Here, we co-injected neural precursor cells (NPCs) from FXS patient-derived and corrected isogenic control induced pluripotent stem cells into the brain of neonatal immune-deprived mice. The transplanted cells populated the brain and a proportion differentiated into neurons and glial cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of transplanted cells revealed upregulated excitatory synaptic transmission and neuronal differentiation pathways in FXS neurons. Immunofluorescence analyses showed accelerated maturation of FXS neurons after an initial delay. Additionally, increased percentages of Arc- and Egr1-positive FXS neurons and wider dendritic protrusions of mature FXS striatal medium spiny neurons pointed to an increase in synaptic activity and synaptic strength as compared to control. This transplantation approach provides new insights into the alterations of neuronal development in FXS by facilitating physiological development of cells in a 3D context, and could be used to test new therapeutic compounds correcting neuronal development defects in FXS.

Brain structure and function related to headache: Brainstem structure and function in headache

Cephalalgia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (13) ◽  
pp. 1635-1660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Vila-Pueyo ◽  
Jan Hoffmann ◽  
Marcela Romero-Reyes ◽  
Simon Akerman
Keyword(s):  
Primary Headache ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Affective Processing ◽  
Primary Headaches ◽  
Headache Disorders ◽  
Primary Headache Disorders ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

Objective To review and discuss the literature relevant to the role of brainstem structure and function in headache. Background Primary headache disorders, such as migraine and cluster headache, are considered disorders of the brain. As well as head-related pain, these headache disorders are also associated with other neurological symptoms, such as those related to sensory, homeostatic, autonomic, cognitive and affective processing that can all occur before, during or even after headache has ceased. Many imaging studies demonstrate activation in brainstem areas that appear specifically associated with headache disorders, especially migraine, which may be related to the mechanisms of many of these symptoms. This is further supported by preclinical studies, which demonstrate that modulation of specific brainstem nuclei alters sensory processing relevant to these symptoms, including headache, cranial autonomic responses and homeostatic mechanisms. Review focus This review will specifically focus on the role of brainstem structures relevant to primary headaches, including medullary, pontine, and midbrain, and describe their functional role and how they relate to mechanisms of primary headaches, especially migraine.

scholarly journals Η πρώιμη παρέμβαση στην περίπτωση της ΔΕΠ-Υ στο πλαίσιο του βιοψυχοκοινωνικού μοντέλου

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Κατερίνα Μανιαδάκη
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Brain Structure ◽  
Developmental Psychopathology ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Intrinsic Property ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

The aim of this paper is to provide evidence regarding the necessity and the effectiveness of early intervention for ADHD, by reviewing the most important international early intervention programs for ADHD and by presenting a relevant program implemented in Greece, based on the multi-level approach in developmental psychopathology. These programs are underpinned theoretically by the biopsychosocial epigenetic model which claims that ADHD is not just the outcome of structural and functional neurobiological deficits but results from the dynamic interplay among genetic, neurophysiological, neurochemical, and environmental factors, affecting brain structure and function early in the process of development. Early intervention focuses on those processes that take place very early in development and have a causal relationship with ADHD, with the aim of modifying the underlying neurophysiology and producing generalized long-lasting change. The efficacy of early intervention mainly lies in the fact that it takes place during a period when brain plasticity is great. Plasticity is an intrinsic property of the brain that ensures dynamic modifications at multiple levels of neural organization, allowing the brain to process, encode, and implement new knowledge. Although this neuronal development is to a great extent genetically programmed, it is widely acknowledged that environment also plays a major role through the process of epigenesis by moderating gene expression with subsequent alterations in brain structure and function and allowing even modification of certain deficient structures.

scholarly journals The Role of NMDA receptors in rat propofol self-administration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bei ping Chen ◽  
Xi-xi Huang ◽  
Dong-mei Dong ◽  
Hui Wu ◽  
Tian-qi Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nmda Receptors ◽  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Fixed Ratio ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Mk 801 ◽  
Anesthetic Agents

Abstract Background: Propofol is among the most frequently used anesthetic agents, and it has the potential for abuse. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are key mediators neural plasticity, neuronal development, addiction, and neurodegeneration. In the present study, we explored the role of these receptors in the context of rat propofol self-administration. Methods: Sprague-Dawley Rats were trained to self-administer propofol (1.7 mg/kg/infusion) using a fixed-ratio (FR) schedule over the course of 14 sessions (3 h/day). After training, rats were intraperitoneally administered the non-competitive NDMA receptor antagonist MK-801, followed 10 minutes later by a propofol self-administration session. Results: After training, rats successfully underwent acquisition of propofol self-administration, as evidenced by a significant and stable rise in the number of active nose-pokes resulting in propofol administration relative to the number of control inactive nose-pokes (P<0.01). As compared to control rats, rats that had been injected with 0.2 mg/kg MK-801 exhibited a significantly greater number of propofol infusions (F (3, 28) = 4.372, P<0.01), whereas infusions were comparable in the groups administered 0.1 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg of this compound. In addition, MK-801 failed to alter the numbers of active (F (3, 28) = 1.353, P>0.05) or inactive (F (3, 28) = 0.047, P>0.05) responses in these study groups. Animals administered 0.4 mg/kg MK-801 exhibited significantly fewer infusions than animals administered 0.2 mg/kg MK-801 (P=0.006, P<0.01). In contrast, however, animals in the 0.4 mg/kg MK-801 group displayed a significant reduction in the number of active nose-poke responses (F(3, 20)=20.8673, P<0.01) and the number of sucrose pellets (F(3, 20)=23.77, P<0.01), while their locomotor activity was increased (F(3, 20)=22.812, P<0.01). Conclusion: These findings indicate that NMDA receptors may play a role in regulating rat self-administration of propofol.

scholarly journals MiR-9 and the Midbrain-Hindbrain Boundary: A Showcase for the Limited Functional Conservation and Regulatory Complexity of MicroRNAs

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Alwin Prem Anand ◽  
Gonzalo Alvarez-Bolado ◽  
Andrea Wizenmann
Keyword(s):  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Brain Size ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
Large Degree ◽  
Regulate Gene Expression ◽  
Functional Conservation ◽  
Regulatory Complexity ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
And Function

MicroRNAs regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional levels. Some of them appear to regulate brain development and are involved in neurodevelopmental disorders. This has led to the suggestion that the role of microRNAs in neuronal development and function may be more central than previously appreciated. Here, we review the data about miR-9 function to depict the subtlety, complexity, flexibility and limited functional conservation of this essential developmental regulatory system. On this basis we propose that species-specific actions of miR-9 could underlie to a large degree species differences in brain size, shape and function.

scholarly journals Role of PPARγin the Differentiation and Function of Neurons

PPAR Research ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo A. Quintanilla ◽  
Elias Utreras ◽  
Fabián A. Cabezas-Opazo
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Neuronal Death ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Brain Cells ◽  
Neuronal Processes ◽  
And Function ◽  
Pain Regulation ◽  
Important Evidence

Neuronal processes (neurites and axons) have an important role in brain cells communication and, generally, they are damaged in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent evidence has showed that the activation of PPARγpathway promoted neuronal differentiation and axon polarity. In addition, activation of PPARγusing thiazolidinediones (TZDs) prevented neurodegeneration by reducing neuronal death, improving mitochondrial function, and decreasing neuroinflammation in neuropathic pain. In this review, we will discuss important evidence that supports a possible role of PPARγin neuronal development, improvement of neuronal health, and pain signaling. Therefore, activation of PPARγis a potential target with therapeutic applications against neurodegenerative disorders, brain injury, and pain regulation.

Developmental psychopathology in an era of molecular genetics and neuroimaging: A developmental neurogenetics approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 587-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke W. Hyde
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Genetics ◽  
Developmental Psychopathology ◽  
Imaging Genetics ◽  
Gene Environment ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Brain And Behavior ◽  
And Function ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThe emerging field of neurogenetics seeks to model the complex pathways from gene to brain to behavior. This field has focused on imaging genetics techniques that examine how variability in common genetic polymorphisms predict differences in brain structure and function. These studies are informed by other complimentary techniques (e.g., animal models and multimodal imaging) and have recently begun to incorporate the environment through examination of Imaging Gene × Environment interactions. Though neurogenetics has the potential to inform our understanding of the development of psychopathology, there has been little integration between principles of neurogenetics and developmental psychopathology. The paper describes a neurogenetics and Imaging Gene × Environment approach and how these approaches have been usefully applied to the study of psychopathology. Six tenets of developmental psychopathology (the structure of phenotypes, the importance of exploring mechanisms, the conditional nature of risk, the complexity of multilevel pathways, the role of development, and the importance of who is studied) are identified, and how these principles can further neurogenetics applications to understanding the development of psychopathology is discussed. A major issue of this piece is how neurogenetics and current imaging and molecular genetics approaches can be incorporated into developmental psychopathology perspectives with a goal of providing models for better understanding pathways from among genes, environments, the brain, and behavior.

scholarly journals Potential of Multiscale Astrocyte Imaging for Revealing Mechanisms Underlying Neurodevelopmental Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (19) ◽  
pp. 10312
Author(s):  
Takuma Kumamoto ◽  
Tomokazu Tsurugizawa
Keyword(s):  
Recent Progress ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
Extracellular Potassium ◽  
Neuronal Homeostasis ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
Circuit Formation ◽  
Potassium Buffering

Astrocytes provide trophic and metabolic support to neurons and modulate circuit formation during development. In addition, astrocytes help maintain neuronal homeostasis through neurovascular coupling, blood–brain barrier maintenance, clearance of metabolites and nonfunctional proteins via the glymphatic system, extracellular potassium buffering, and regulation of synaptic activity. Thus, astrocyte dysfunction may contribute to a myriad of neurological disorders. Indeed, astrocyte dysfunction during development has been implicated in Rett disease, Alexander’s disease, epilepsy, and autism, among other disorders. Numerous disease model mice have been established to investigate these diseases, but important preclinical findings on etiology and pathophysiology have not translated into clinical interventions. A multidisciplinary approach is required to elucidate the mechanism of these diseases because astrocyte dysfunction can result in altered neuronal connectivity, morphology, and activity. Recent progress in neuroimaging techniques has enabled noninvasive investigations of brain structure and function at multiple spatiotemporal scales, and these technologies are expected to facilitate the translation of preclinical findings to clinical studies and ultimately to clinical trials. Here, we review recent progress on astrocyte contributions to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders revealed using novel imaging techniques, from microscopy scale to mesoscopic scale.

Sex Differences in Cognition: The New Rise of Biologism

1993 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-5
Author(s):  
Lesley J. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Brain Structure ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Representation Of Women ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Environmental Stimulation ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

AbstractCurrently there is an increase in the number of articles published in scientific journals and in the popular scientific media that claim a biological basis for sex differences in cognition and in certain structures in the brain. It can be argued that there is over-emphasis on the differences rather than similarities between the sexes, but it is even more important to question the assumed causation of the differences. This paper discusses recent evidence for an interactive role of early experience and hormonal condition in determining sex differences in brain structure and function. Although early studies using rats were thought to show that the male sex hormone, testosterone, acts on the brain in early life to direct its differentiation into either the male or female form, it is know known that this result comes about indirectly by changing the mother’s behaviour towards the pups. The hormone does not act on the brain directly but rather it alters the environment in which the young animals are rasied and this, in turn, influences the development of the brain. Indeed, the brain is in dynamic register with its environment both during development and in adulthood. Other examples also show that old ideas of rigid biological determination of brain structure and function need to be laid aside.The hypotheses for hormonal causation of sex differences humans rely heavily, if not exclusively, on the earlier interpretation of the experiments with rats, and there seems to be resistance to changing these notions based on the new discoveries. Apparently, there is strong pressure to cling on to biological determinist theories for sex differences in behaviour, and this has profound effects on social and educational policy. For example, biological determinism has been used to justify under representation of women in certain professions. Realisation of the dramatic effects that environmental stimulation and learning can have on the development of brain and behaviour leads us to an optimistic position for social change towards equality for women.

A History of Human Neuropsychology in the United Kingdom

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan F. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
World War Ii ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
History Of ◽  
And Function ◽  
Brain Behavior

This chapter traces the history of human neuropsychology in the United Kingdom, particularly developments in the twentieth century. It considers five factors that contributed to the emergence of neuropsychology in twentieth-century Britain: a set of beliefs, concepts, and debates about the relations between brain structure and function; increasing specialization and professionalization of both science and medicine; sites where brain-behavior relations could be explored; the role of personal networks and elites; and introduction of technologies for analyzing the brain and psychological qualities. It discusses the stagnation of neuropsychology in Britain during the period 1900–1939 and how the discipline’s promise was sustained until its fuller development after World War II, in part due to the creation of the National Health Service (NHS). Finally, it explains how neuropsychology has become separated from areas such as neurology and became firmly established as an academic subdiscipline and an element of clinical practice in Britain.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document