The role of glia and astrocytes in brain functioning

2015 ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
David Kaiser
Keyword(s):  
Brain Functioning

The growth hormone axis and cognition: empirical results and integrated theory derived from giant transgenic mice

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (12) ◽  
pp. 1874-1890 ◽  
Author(s):  
C D Rollo ◽  
C V Ko ◽  
JG A Tyerman ◽  
L J Kajiura
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Accelerated Aging ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Transgenic Rat ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Neuroendocrine Mechanisms ◽  
System Functioning ◽  
Plasma Gh ◽  
Enhanced Learning

Sleep is required for the consolidation of memory for complex tasks, and elements of the growth-hormone (GH) axis may regulate sleep. The GH axis also up-regulates protein synthesis, which is required for memory consolidation. Transgenic rat GH mice (TRGHM) express plasma GH at levels 100-300 times normal and sleep 3.4 h longer (30%) than their normal siblings. Consequently, we hypothesized that they might show superior ability to learn a complex task (8-choice radial maze); 47% of the TRGHM learned the task before any normal mice. All 17 TRGHM learned the task, but 33% of the 18 normal mice learned little. TRGHM learned the task significantly faster than normal mice (p < 0.05) and made half as many errors in doing so, even when the normal nonlearners were excluded from the analysis. Whereas normal mice expressed a linear learning curve, TRGHM showed exponentially declining error rates. The contribution of the GH axis to cognition is conspicuously sparse in literature syntheses of knowledge concerning neuroendocrine mechanisms of learning and memory. This paper synthesizes the crucial role of major components of the GH axis in brain functioning into a holistic framework, integrating learning, sleep, free radicals, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases. TRGHM show both enhanced learning in youth and accelerated aging. Thus, they may provide a powerful new probe for use in gaining an understanding of aspects of central nervous system functioning, which is highly relevant to human health.

Pertinence of Predictive Models as Regards the Behavior of Observed Biological and Artificial Phenomena

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-200
Author(s):  
Adel Razek
Keyword(s):  
Link Prediction ◽  
Clinical Observation ◽  
Mutant Virus ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Bayesian Brain ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Brain Theory ◽  
Observation Protocol ◽  
Knowledge Uncertainty

In this assessment, we have made an effort of synthesis on the role of theoretical and observational investigations in the analysis of the concepts and functioning of different natural biological and artificial phenomena. In this context, we pursued the objective of examining published works relating to the behavioral prediction of phenomena associated with its observation. We have examined examples from the literature concerning phenomena with known behaviors that associated to knowledge uncertainty as well as cases concerning phenomena with unknown and changing random behaviors linked to random uncertainty. The concerned cases are relative to brain functioning in neuroscience, modern smart industrial devices, and health care predictive endemic protocols. As predictive modeling is very concerned by the problematics relative to uncertainties that depend on the degree of matching in the link prediction-observation, we investigated first how to improve the model to match better the observation. Thus, we considered the case when the observed behavior and its model are contrasting, that implies the development of revised or amended models. Then we studied the case concerning the practice of modeling for the prediction of future behaviors of a phenomenon that is well known, and owning identified behavior. For such case, we illustrated the situation of prediction matched to observation operated in two cases. These are the Bayesian Brain theory in neuroscience and the Digital Twins industrial concept. The last investigated circumstance concerns the use of modeling for the prediction of future behaviors of a phenomenon that is not well known, or owning behavior varying arbitrary. For this situation, we studied contagion infections with an unknown mutant virus where the prediction task is very complicated and would be constrained only to adjust the principal clinical observation protocol. Keywords: prediction, observation, Bayesian, neuroscience, brain functioning, mutant virus

scholarly journals Paediatric obesity and brain functioning: The role of physical activity—A novel and important expert opinion of the European Childhood Obesity Group

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Esteban‐Cornejo ◽  
John Reilly ◽  
Francisco B. Ortega ◽  
Pawel Matusik ◽  
Artur Mazur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Expert Opinion ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Paediatric Obesity

scholarly journals Multiplex core–periphery organization of the human connectome

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (146) ◽  
pp. 20180514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Battiston ◽  
Jeremy Guillon ◽  
Mario Chavez ◽  
Vito Latora ◽  
Fabrizio De Vico Fallani
Keyword(s):  
General Framework ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Fundamental Question ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Functional Brain ◽  
Functional Interactions ◽  
The Core ◽  
Connectivity Patterns ◽  
Functional Brain Networks

What is the core of the human brain is a fundamental question that has been mainly addressed by studying the anatomical connections between differently specialized areas, thus neglecting the possible contributions from their functional interactions. While many methods are available to identify the core of a network when connections between nodes are all of the same type, a principled approach to define the core when multiple types of connectivity are allowed is still lacking. Here, we introduce a general framework to define and extract the core–periphery structure of multi-layer networks by explicitly taking into account the connectivity patterns at each layer. We first validate our algorithm on synthetic networks of different size and density, and with tunable overlap between the cores at different layers. We then use our method to merge information from structural and functional brain networks, obtaining in this way an integrated description of the core of the human connectome. Results confirm the role of the main known cortical and subcortical hubs, but also suggest the presence of new areas in the sensori-motor cortex that are crucial for intrinsic brain functioning. Taken together these findings provide fresh evidence on a fundamental question in modern neuroscience and offer new opportunities to explore the mesoscale properties of multimodal brain networks.

scholarly journals Neuropsychologist

2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen L. Fuchs
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Health Care Team ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Independent Functioning ◽  
And Behavior

It has been estimated that at least half of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience some degree of cognitive dysfunction, which can negatively affect employment status and quality of life. Many MS patients are referred for neuropsychological evaluation to assess their cognitive abilities. This article describes the evaluation process and the role of the neuropsychologist on a multidisciplinary MS health-care team. A neuropsychologist is trained in relationships between brain functioning and behavior and can administer cognitive tests and provide feedback on the individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The findings can be used to recommend specific types of compensation strategies or other interventions that may help the patient maintain employment and independent functioning.

scholarly journals Role of Nuclear Imaging to Understand the Neural Substrates of Brain Disorders in Laboratory Animals: Current Status and Future Prospects

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annunziata D'Elia ◽  
Sara Schiavi ◽  
Andrea Soluri ◽  
Roberto Massari ◽  
Alessandro Soluri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Animal Imaging ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Nuclear Imaging ◽  
Imaging Systems ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Animal Imaging

Molecular imaging, which allows the real-time visualization, characterization and measurement of biological processes, is becoming increasingly used in neuroscience research. Scintigraphy techniques such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) provide qualitative and quantitative measurement of brain activity in both physiological and pathological states. Laboratory animals, and rodents in particular, are essential in neuroscience research, providing plenty of models of brain disorders. The development of innovative high-resolution small animal imaging systems together with their radiotracers pave the way to the study of brain functioning and neurotransmitter release during behavioral tasks in rodents. The assessment of local changes in the release of neurotransmitters associated with the performance of a given behavioral task is a turning point for the development of new potential drugs for psychiatric and neurological disorders. This review addresses the role of SPECT and PET small animal imaging systems for a better understanding of brain functioning in health and disease states. Brain imaging in rodent models faces a series of challenges since it acts within the boundaries of current imaging in terms of sensitivity and spatial resolution. Several topics are discussed, including technical considerations regarding the strengths and weaknesses of both technologies. Moreover, the application of some of the radioligands developed for small animal nuclear imaging studies is discussed. Then, we examine the changes in metabolic and neurotransmitter activity in various brain areas during task-induced neural activation with special regard to the imaging of opioid, dopaminergic and cannabinoid receptors. Finally, we discuss the current status providing future perspectives on the most innovative imaging techniques in small laboratory animals. The challenges and solutions discussed here might be useful to better understand brain functioning allowing the translation of preclinical results into clinical applications.

Biological Correlates of the Effects of Cognitive Remediation in the Psychoses

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S48-S48
Author(s):  
R. Penades
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Cognitive Remediation ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
The Status ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Dopamine Modulation

Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) deals with the cognitive impairment, which is one of the most disabling symptoms of schizophrenia. Unfortunately, the understanding of its neurobiological correlates is far from complete. Neuroimaging studies have shown that CRT is able to induce neurobiological changes although the results have not always been enough replicated. The most commonly reported changes were those that involved the prefrontal and thalamic regions. Additionally, structural changes were described in both the grey and white matter, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of cognitive remediation. Neuroimaging studies of cognitive remediation in patients with schizophrenia suggest a positive effect on brain functioning in terms of the functional reorganisation of neural networks. From a different perspective, some changes in serum levels of Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been described. However, our replication of this trial has not been able to find any significant differences. So, nowadays the status of BDNF as a biomarker of cognitive recovery is possibly premature. One possible explanation can be the role of genetics and their different polymorphisms. COMT and BDNF polymorphisms could be accounting for the different outcomes of CRT. Moreover, some studies suggested a role of genes affecting dopamine modulation on outcomes of cognitive remediation.Disclosure of interestThe author declares that he has no competing interest.

scholarly journals Prefrontal Cortex in Learning to Overcome Generalized Fear

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. JEN.S26227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Korzus
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Discrimination Learning ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Camp Response Element ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Element Binding Protein

Normal brain functioning relies critically on the ability to control appropriate behavioral responses to fearful stimuli. Overgeneralized fear is the major symptom of anxiety disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder. This review describes recent data demonstrating that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a critical role in the refining of cues that drive the acquisition of fear response. Recent studies on molecular mechanisms that underlie the role of mPFC in fear discrimination learning are discussed. These studies suggest that prefrontal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors expressed in excitatory neurons govern fear discrimination learning via a mechanism involving cAMP response element-binding protein-dependent engagement of acetyltransferase.

The unappreciated roles of the cholecystokinin receptor CCK(1) in brain functioning

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 573-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Ballaz
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Gallbladder Contraction ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Cholecystokinin Receptor ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Hypothalamic Hormones ◽  
Serotonin Neurons ◽  
G Protein Coupled

AbstractThe CCK(1) receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor activated by the sulfated forms of cholecystokinin (CCK), a gastrin-like peptide released in the gastrointestinal tract and mammal brain. A substantial body of research supports the hypothesis that CCK(1)r stimulates gallbladder contraction and pancreatic secretion in the gut, as well as satiety in brain. However, this receptor may also fulfill relevant roles in behavior, thanks to its widespread distribution in the brain. The strategic location of CCK(1)r in mesolimbic structures and specific hypothalamic and brainstem nuclei lead to complex interactions with neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate, as well as hypothalamic hormones and neuropeptides. The activity of CCK(1)r maintains adequate levels of dopamine and regulates the activity of serotonin neurons of raphe nuclei, which makes CCK(1)r an interesting therapeutic target for the development of adjuvant treatments for schizophrenia, drug addiction, and mood disorders. Unexplored functions of CCK(1)r, like the transmission of interoceptive sensitivity in addition to the regulation of hypothalamic hormones and neurotransmitters affecting emotional states, well-being, and attachment behaviors, may open exciting roads of research. The absence of specific ligands for the CCK(1) receptor has complicated the study of its distribution in brain so that research about its impact on behavior has been published sporadically over the last 30 years. The present review reunites all this body of evidence in a comprehensive way to summarize our knowledge about the actual role of CCK in the neurobiology of mental illness.

Gut-Amygdala Interactions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Developmental Roles via regulating Mitochondria, Exosomes, Immunity and microRNAs

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (41) ◽  
pp. 4344-4356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moonsang Seo ◽  
George Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Sensory Interactions ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Dopamine Signaling ◽  
Number Of Treatment

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have long been conceived as developmental disorder. A growing body of data highlights a role for alterations in the gut in the pathoetiology and/or pathophysiology of ASD. Recent work shows alterations in the gut microbiome to have a significant impact on amygdala development in infancy, suggesting that the alterations in the gut microbiome may act to modulate not only amygdala development but how the amygdala modulates the development of the frontal cortex and other brain regions. Methods: This article reviews wide bodies of data pertaining to the developmental roles of the maternal and foetal gut and immune systems in the regulation of offspring brain development. Results: A number of processes seem to be important in mediating how genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors interact in early development to regulate such gut-mediated changes in the amygdala, wider brain functioning and inter-area connectivity, including via regulation of microRNA (miR)-451, 14-3-3 proteins, cytochrome P450 (CYP)1B1 and the melatonergic pathways. As well as a decrease in the activity of monoamine oxidase, heightened levels of in miR-451 and CYP1B1, coupled to decreased 14-3-3 act to inhibit the synthesis of N-acetylserotonin and melatonin, contributing to the hyperserotonemia that is often evident in ASD, with consequences for mitochondria functioning and the content of released exosomes. These same factors are likely to play a role in regulating placental changes that underpin the association of ASD with preeclampsia and other perinatal risk factors, including exposure to heavy metals and air pollutants. Such alterations in placental and gut processes act to change the amygdala-driven biological underpinnings of affect-cognitive and affect-sensory interactions in the brain. Conclusion : Such a perspective readily incorporates previously disparate bodies of data in ASD, including the role of the mu-opioid receptor, dopamine signaling and dopamine receptors, as well as the changes occurring to oxytocin and taurine levels. This has a number of treatment implications, the most readily applicable being the utilization of sodium butyrate and melatonin.

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