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Cho YT. The Habenula and Our Drive for Food. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:912-913. [PMID: 38692797 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Youngsun T Cho
- Child Study Center and the Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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2
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Reiner A, Medina L, Abellan A, Deng Y, Toledo CA, Luksch H, Vega-Zuniga T, Riley NB, Hodos W, Karten HJ. Neurochemistry and circuit organization of the lateral spiriform nucleus of birds: A uniquely nonmammalian direct pathway component of the basal ganglia. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25620. [PMID: 38733146 PMCID: PMC11090467 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
We used diverse methods to characterize the role of avian lateral spiriform nucleus (SpL) in basal ganglia motor function. Connectivity analysis showed that SpL receives input from globus pallidus (GP), and the intrapeduncular nucleus (INP) located ventromedial to GP, whose neurons express numerous striatal markers. SpL-projecting GP neurons were large and aspiny, while SpL-projecting INP neurons were medium sized and spiny. Connectivity analysis further showed that SpL receives inputs from subthalamic nucleus (STN) and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), and that the SNr also receives inputs from GP, INP, and STN. Neurochemical analysis showed that SpL neurons express ENK, GAD, and a variety of pallidal neuron markers, and receive GABAergic terminals, some of which also contain DARPP32, consistent with GP pallidal and INP striatal inputs. Connectivity and neurochemical analysis showed that the SpL input to tectum prominently ends on GABAA receptor-enriched tectobulbar neurons. Behavioral studies showed that lesions of SpL impair visuomotor behaviors involving tracking and pecking moving targets. Our results suggest that SpL modulates brainstem-projecting tectobulbar neurons in a manner comparable to the demonstrated influence of GP internus on motor thalamus and of SNr on tectobulbar neurons in mammals. Given published data in amphibians and reptiles, it seems likely the SpL circuit represents a major direct pathway-type circuit by which the basal ganglia exerts its motor influence in nonmammalian tetrapods. The present studies also show that avian striatum is divided into three spatially segregated territories with differing connectivity, a medial striato-nigral territory, a dorsolateral striato-GP territory, and the ventrolateral INP motor territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Reiner
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163
| | - Loreta Medina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Developmental Neurobiology, Lleida’s Institute for Biomedical Research-Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Antonio Abellan
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Developmental Neurobiology, Lleida’s Institute for Biomedical Research-Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Yunping Deng
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163
| | - Claudio A.B. Toledo
- Neuroscience Research Nucleus, Universidade Cidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 65057-420, Brazil
| | - Harald Luksch
- School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Tomas Vega-Zuniga
- School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Nell B. Riley
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park 20742-4411
| | - William Hodos
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park 20742-4411
| | - Harvey J. Karten
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093-0608
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3
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Bian B, Zhang B, Wong C, Dou L, Pan X, Wang H, Guo S, Zhang H, Zhang L. Recent Advances in Habenula Imaging Technology: A Comprehensive Review. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:737-746. [PMID: 37254969 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is involved in many natural human behaviors, and the relevance of its alterations in size and neural activity to several psychiatric disorders and addictive behaviors has been presumed and investigated in recent years using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the Hb is small, an increasing number of studies have overcome the difficulties in MRI. Conventional structural-based imaging also has great defects in observing the Hb contrast with adjacent structures. In addition, more and more attention should be paid to the Hb's functional, structural, and quantitative imaging studies. Several advanced MRI methods have recently been employed in clinical studies to explore the Hb and its involvement in psychiatric diseases. This review summarizes the anatomy and function of the human Hb; moreover, it focuses on exploring the human Hb with noninvasive MRI approaches, highlighting strategies to overcome the poor contrast with adjacent structures and the need for multiparametric MRI to develop imaging markers for diagnosis and treatment follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- BingYang Bian
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - ChinTing Wong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Dou
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - XingChen Pan
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - HongChao Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - ShiYu Guo
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - HuiMao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
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Piper JA, Musumeci G, Castorina A. The Neuroanatomy of the Habenular Complex and Its Role in the Regulation of Affective Behaviors. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:14. [PMID: 38249091 PMCID: PMC10801627 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The habenular complex is a diencephalic structure divided into the medial and lateral divisions that lie within the epithalamus of most vertebrates. This brain structure, whose activities are mainly regulated via inputs/outputs from and to the stria medullaris and the fasciculus retroflexus, plays a significant role in the modulation of anti-reward behaviors in both the rodent and human brain. Such anti-reward circuits are regulated by dopaminergic and serotonergic projections with several other subcortical and cortical regions; therefore, it is plausible that impairment to this key subcortical structure or its connections contributes to the pathogenesis of affective disorders. Current literature reveals the existence of structural changes in the habenula complex in individuals afflicted by such disorders; however, there is a need for more comprehensive investigations to elucidate the underlying neuroanatomical connections that underpin disease development. In this review article, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of the neuroanatomical differences between the rodent and human habenular complex, the main circuitries, and provide an update on the emerging roles of this understudied subcortical structure in the control of affective behaviors, with special emphasis to morbid conditions of the affective sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Allan Piper
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania (Sydney), Sydney, NSW 2040, Australia;
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience (LCMN), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical & Biotechnological Sciences, Anatomy, Histology & Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Castorina
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience (LCMN), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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Saleem KS, Avram AV, Yen CCC, Magdoom KN, Schram V, Basser PJ. Multimodal anatomical mapping of subcortical regions in marmoset monkeys using high-resolution MRI and matched histology with multiple stains. Neuroimage 2023; 281:120311. [PMID: 37634884 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Subcortical nuclei and other deep brain structures play essential roles in regulating the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, many of these nuclei and their subregions are challenging to identify and delineate in conventional MRI due to their small size, hidden location, and often subtle contrasts compared to neighboring regions. To address these limitations, we scanned the whole brain of the marmoset monkeys in ex vivo using a clinically feasible diffusion MRI method, called the mean apparent propagator (MAP)-MRI, along with T2W and MTR (T1-like contrast) images acquired at 7 Tesla. Additionally, we registered these multimodal MRI volumes to the high-resolution images of matched whole-brain histology sections with seven different stains obtained from the same brain specimens. At high spatial resolution, the microstructural parameters and fiber orientation distribution functions derived with MAP-MRI can distinguish the subregions of many subcortical and deep brain structures, including fiber tracts of different sizes and orientations. The good correlation with multiple but distinct histological stains from the same brain serves as a thorough validation of the structures identified with MAP-MRI and other MRI parameters. Moreover, the anatomical details of deep brain structures found in the volumes of MAP-MRI parameters are not visible in conventional T1W or T2W images. The high-resolution mapping using novel MRI contrasts, combined and correlated with histology, can elucidate structures that were previously invisible radiologically. Thus, this multimodal approach offers a roadmap toward identifying salient brain areas in vivo in future neuroradiological studies. It also provides a useful anatomical standard reference for the region definition of subcortical targets and the generation of a 3D digital template atlas for the marmoset brain research (Saleem et al., 2023). Additionally, we conducted a cross-species comparison between marmoset and macaque monkeys using results from our previous studies (Saleem et al., 2021). We found that the two species had distinct patterns of iron distribution in subregions of the basal ganglia, red nucleus, and deep cerebellar nuclei, confirmed with T2W MRI and histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadharbatcha S Saleem
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, United States.
| | - Alexandru V Avram
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, United States
| | - Cecil Chern-Chyi Yen
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kulam Najmudeen Magdoom
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, United States
| | - Vincent Schram
- Microscopy and Imaging Core (MIC), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Peter J Basser
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
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6
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Saleem KS, Avram AV, Yen CCC, Magdoom KN, Schram V, Basser PJ. Multimodal anatomical mapping of subcortical regions in Marmoset monkeys using high-resolution MRI and matched histology with multiple stains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.30.534950. [PMID: 37034636 PMCID: PMC10081239 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.30.534950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Subcortical nuclei and other deep brain structures play essential roles in regulating the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, many of these nuclei and their subregions are challenging to identify and delineate in conventional MRI due to their small size, hidden location, and often subtle contrasts compared to neighboring regions. To address these limitations, we scanned the whole brain of the marmoset monkeys in ex vivo using a clinically feasible diffusion MRI method, called the mean apparent propagator (MAP)-MRI, along with T2W and MTR (T1-like contrast) images acquired at 7 Tesla. Additionally, we registered these multimodal MRI volumes to the high-resolution images of matched whole-brain histology sections with seven different stains obtained from the same brain specimens. At high spatial resolution, the microstructural parameters and fiber orientation distribution functions derived with MAP-MRI can distinguish the subregions of many subcortical and deep brain structures, including fiber tracts of different sizes and orientations. The good correlation with multiple but distinct histological stains from the same brain serves as a thorough validation of the structures identified with MAP-MRI and other MRI parameters. Moreover, the anatomical details of deep brain structures found in the volumes of MAP-MRI parameters are not visible in conventional T1W or T2W images. The high-resolution mapping using novel MRI contrasts, combined and correlated with histology, can elucidate structures that were previously invisible radiologically. Thus, this multimodal approach offers a roadmap toward identifying salient brain areas in vivo in future neuroradiological studies. It also provides a useful anatomical standard reference for the region definition of subcortical targets and the generation of a 3D digital template atlas for the marmoset brain research (Saleem et al., 2023). Additionally, we conducted a cross-species comparison between marmoset and macaque monkeys using results from our previous studies (Saleem et al., 2021). We found that the two species had distinct patterns of iron distribution in subregions of the basal ganglia, red nucleus, and deep cerebellar nuclei, confirmed with T2W MRI and histology.
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7
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Blasiak A, Gugula A, Gundlach AL, Olucha-Bordonau FE, Aniello F, Donizetti A. Relaxin ligand/receptor systems in the developing teleost fish brain: Conserved features with mammals and a platform to address neuropeptide system functions. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:984524. [PMID: 36277494 PMCID: PMC9580368 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.984524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The relaxins (RLNs) are a group of peptide hormone/neuromodulators that can regulate a wide range of physiological processes ranging from reproduction to brain function. All the family members have originated from a RLN3-like ancestor via different rounds of whole genome and gene specific duplications during vertebrate evolution. In mammals, including human, the divergence of the different family members and the emergence of new members led to the acquisition of specific functions for the various relaxin family peptide and associated receptor genes. In particular, in mammals, it was shown, that the role of RLN3 is correlated to the modulation of arousal, stress responses, emotion, social recognition, and other brain functions, positioning this gene/peptide as a potential therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders. This review highlights the evolutionary conservation of relaxin family peptide and receptor gene expression and their associated brain neural circuits. In the zebrafish, the expression pattern of the different relaxin family members has specific features that are conserved in higher species, including a likely similar functional role for the ancestral RLN3-like gene. The use of different model organisms, particularly the zebrafish, to explore the diversification and conservation of relaxin family ligands and receptor systems, provides a relatively high-throughput platform to identify their specific conserved or differential neuromodulatory roles in higher species including human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Blasiak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Gugula
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrew L. Gundlach
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Francesco Aniello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Donizetti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Aldo Donizetti,
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Sylwestrak EL, Jo Y, Vesuna S, Wang X, Holcomb B, Tien RH, Kim DK, Fenno L, Ramakrishnan C, Allen WE, Chen R, Shenoy KV, Sussillo D, Deisseroth K. Cell-type-specific population dynamics of diverse reward computations. Cell 2022; 185:3568-3587.e27. [PMID: 36113428 PMCID: PMC10387374 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Computational analysis of cellular activity has developed largely independently of modern transcriptomic cell typology, but integrating these approaches may be essential for full insight into cellular-level mechanisms underlying brain function and dysfunction. Applying this approach to the habenula (a structure with diverse, intermingled molecular, anatomical, and computational features), we identified encoding of reward-predictive cues and reward outcomes in distinct genetically defined neural populations, including TH+ cells and Tac1+ cells. Data from genetically targeted recordings were used to train an optimized nonlinear dynamical systems model and revealed activity dynamics consistent with a line attractor. High-density, cell-type-specific electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic perturbation provided supporting evidence for this model. Reverse-engineering predicted how Tac1+ cells might integrate reward history, which was complemented by in vivo experimentation. This integrated approach describes a process by which data-driven computational models of population activity can generate and frame actionable hypotheses for cell-type-specific investigation in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Sylwestrak
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
| | - YoungJu Jo
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sam Vesuna
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Blake Holcomb
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Rebecca H Tien
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Doo Kyung Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lief Fenno
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - William E Allen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA
| | - Ritchie Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Krishna V Shenoy
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David Sussillo
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Young CJ, Lyons D, Piggins HD. Circadian Influences on the Habenula and Their Potential Contribution to Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:815700. [PMID: 35153695 PMCID: PMC8831701 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.815700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural circadian system consists of the master circadian clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) communicating time of day cues to the rest of the body including other brain areas that also rhythmically express circadian clock genes. Over the past 16 years, evidence has emerged to indicate that the habenula of the epithalamus is a candidate extra-SCN circadian oscillator. When isolated from the SCN, the habenula sustains rhythms in clock gene expression and neuronal activity, with the lateral habenula expressing more robust rhythms than the adjacent medial habenula. The lateral habenula is responsive to putative SCN output factors as well as light information conveyed to the perihabenula area. Neuronal activity in the lateral habenula is altered in depression and intriguingly disruptions in circadian rhythms can elevate risk of developing mental health disorders including depression. In this review, we will principally focus on how circadian and light signals affect the lateral habenula and evaluate the possibility that alteration in these influences contribute to mental health disorders.
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High-resolution mapping and digital atlas of subcortical regions in the macaque monkey based on matched MAP-MRI and histology. Neuroimage 2021; 245:118759. [PMID: 34838750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Subcortical nuclei and other deep brain structures are known to play an important role in the regulation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. It can be difficult to identify and delineate many of these nuclei and their finer subdivisions in conventional MRI due to their small size, buried location, and often subtle contrast compared to neighboring tissue. To address this problem, we applied a multi-modal approach in ex vivo non-human primate (NHP) brain that includes high-resolution mean apparent propagator (MAP)-MRI and five different histological stains imaged with high-resolution microscopy in the brain of the same subject. By registering these high-dimensional MRI data to high-resolution histology data, we can map the location, boundaries, subdivisions, and micro-architectural features of subcortical gray matter regions in the macaque monkey brain. At high spatial resolution, diffusion MRI in general, and MAP-MRI in particular, can distinguish a large number of deep brain structures, including the larger and smaller white matter fiber tracts as well as architectonic features within various nuclei. Correlation with histology from the same brain enables a thorough validation of the structures identified with MAP-MRI. Moreover, anatomical details that are evident in images of MAP-MRI parameters are not visible in conventional T1-weighted images. We also derived subcortical template "SC21" from segmented MRI slices in three-dimensions and registered this volume to a previously published anatomical template with cortical parcellation (Reveley et al., 2017; Saleem and Logothetis, 2012), thereby integrating the 3D segmentation of both cortical and subcortical regions into the same volume. This newly updated three-dimensional D99 digital brain atlas (V2.0) is intended for use as a reference standard for macaque neuroanatomical, functional, and connectional imaging studies, involving both cortical and subcortical targets. The SC21 and D99 digital templates are available as volumes and surfaces in standard NIFTI and GIFTI formats.
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Roy N, Parhar I. Habenula orphan G-protein coupled receptors in the pathophysiology of fear and anxiety. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:870-883. [PMID: 34801259 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The phasic emotion, fear, and the tonic emotion, anxiety, have been conventionally inspected in clinical frameworks to epitomize memory acquisition, storage, and retrieval. However, inappropriate expression of learned fear in a safe environment and its resistance to suppression is a cardinal feature of various fear-related disorders. A significant body of literature suggests the involvement of extra-amygdala circuitry in fear disorders. Consistent with this view, the present review underlies incentives for the association between the habenula and fear memory. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important to understand the molecular mechanisms central to fear learning due to their neuromodulatory role. The efficacy of a pharmacological strategy aimed at exploiting habenular-GPCR desensitization machinery can serve as a therapeutic target combating the pathophysiology of fear disorders. Originating from this milieu, the conserved nature of orphan GPCRs in the brain, with some having the highest expression in the habenula can lead to recent endeavors in understanding its functionality in fear circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisa Roy
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Ishwar Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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12
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Müller UJ, Ahrens M, Vasilevska V, Dobrowolny H, Schiltz K, Schlaaff K, Mawrin C, Frodl T, Bogerts B, Gos T, Truebner K, Bernstein HG, Steiner J. Reduced habenular volumes and neuron numbers in male heroin addicts: a post-mortem study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 271:835-845. [PMID: 33001272 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-020-01195-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Habenula is increasingly being investigated in addiction. Reduced volumes of other relevant brain regions in addiction, such as nucleus accumbens, globus pallidus and hypothalamus have been reported. Reduced volumes of the habenula as well as reduced neuronal cell count in the habenula have also been reported in mood disorders and an overlap between mood disorders and addiction is clinically widely recognized. Thus, our aim was to investigate possible volume and neuronal cell count differences in heroin addicts compared to healthy controls. Volumes of the medial (MHB) and lateral habenula (LHB) in heroin addicts (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 12) were assessed by morphometry of 20 µm serial whole brain sections. Total brain volume was larger in the heroin group (mean 1466.6 ± 58.5 cm3 vs. mean 1331.5 ± 98.8 cm3), possibly because the heroin group was about 15 years younger (p = 0.001). Despite larger mean whole brain volume, the mean relative volume of the MHB was smaller than in healthy non-addicted controls (6.94 ± 2.38 × 10-6 vs.10.64 ± 3.22 × 10-6; p = 0.004). A similar finding was observed regarding relative volumes of the LHB (46.62 ± 10.90 × 10-6 vs. 63.05 ± 16.42 × 10-6 p = 0.009). In parallel, neuronal cell numbers were reduced in the MHB of heroin-addicted subjects (395,966 ± 184,178 vs. 644,149 ± 131,140; p < 0.001). These findings were not significantly confounded by age and duration of autolysis. Our results provide further evidence for brain-structural deficits in heroin addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf J Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Forensic Psychiatric State Hospital of Saxony-Anhalt, Stendal-Uchtspringe, Germany.
| | - Moritz Ahrens
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Veronika Vasilevska
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Dobrowolny
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kolja Schiltz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Konstantin Schlaaff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian Mawrin
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Frodl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Bogerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Salus Institute, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tomasz Gos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Kurt Truebner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hans-Gert Bernstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johann Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany.
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13
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Mollick JA, Hazy TE, Krueger KA, Nair A, Mackie P, Herd SA, O'Reilly RC. A systems-neuroscience model of phasic dopamine. Psychol Rev 2020; 127:972-1021. [PMID: 32525345 PMCID: PMC8453660 DOI: 10.1037/rev0000199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We describe a neurobiologically informed computational model of phasic dopamine signaling to account for a wide range of findings, including many considered inconsistent with the simple reward prediction error (RPE) formalism. The central feature of this PVLV framework is a distinction between a primary value (PV) system for anticipating primary rewards (Unconditioned Stimuli [USs]), and a learned value (LV) system for learning about stimuli associated with such rewards (CSs). The LV system represents the amygdala, which drives phasic bursting in midbrain dopamine areas, while the PV system represents the ventral striatum, which drives shunting inhibition of dopamine for expected USs (via direct inhibitory projections) and phasic pausing for expected USs (via the lateral habenula). Our model accounts for data supporting the separability of these systems, including individual differences in CS-based (sign-tracking) versus US-based learning (goal-tracking). Both systems use competing opponent-processing pathways representing evidence for and against specific USs, which can explain data dissociating the processes involved in acquisition versus extinction conditioning. Further, opponent processing proved critical in accounting for the full range of conditioned inhibition phenomena, and the closely related paradigm of second-order conditioning. Finally, we show how additional separable pathways representing aversive USs, largely mirroring those for appetitive USs, also have important differences from the positive valence case, allowing the model to account for several important phenomena in aversive conditioning. Overall, accounting for all of these phenomena strongly constrains the model, thus providing a well-validated framework for understanding phasic dopamine signaling. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Mollick
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Thomas E Hazy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Kai A Krueger
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Ananta Nair
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Prescott Mackie
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Seth A Herd
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Randall C O'Reilly
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
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14
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Roman E, Weininger J, Lim B, Roman M, Barry D, Tierney P, O'Hanlon E, Levins K, O'Keane V, Roddy D. Untangling the dorsal diencephalic conduction system: a review of structure and function of the stria medullaris, habenula and fasciculus retroflexus. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1437-1458. [PMID: 32367265 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02069-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The often-overlooked dorsal diencephalic conduction system (DDCS) is a highly conserved pathway linking the basal forebrain and the monoaminergic brainstem. It consists of three key structures; the stria medullaris, the habenula and the fasciculus retroflexus. The first component of the DDCS, the stria medullaris, is a discrete bilateral tract composed of fibers from the basal forebrain that terminate in the triangular eminence of the stalk of the pineal gland, known as the habenula. The habenula acts as a relay hub where incoming signals from the stria medullaris are processed and subsequently relayed to the midbrain and hindbrain monoaminergic nuclei through the fasciculus retroflexus. As a result of its wide-ranging connections, the DDCS has recently been implicated in a wide range of behaviors related to reward processing, aversion and motivation. As such, an understanding of the structure and connections of the DDCS may help illuminate the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, addiction and pain. This is the first review of all three components of the DDCS, the stria medullaris, the habenula and the fasciculus retroflexus, with particular focus on their anatomy, function and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Joshua Weininger
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Basil Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Game Design, Technological University Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marin Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Denis Barry
- Anatomy Department, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul Tierney
- Anatomy Department, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Erik O'Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Kirk Levins
- Department of Anaesthetics, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Veronica O'Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Darren Roddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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15
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Cui WQ, Zhang WW, Chen T, Li Q, Xu F, Mao-Ying QL, Mi WL, Wang YQ, Chu YX. Tacr3 in the lateral habenula differentially regulates orofacial allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors in a mouse model of trigeminal neuralgia. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:44. [PMID: 32264959 PMCID: PMC7137530 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00922-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is debilitating and is usually accompanied by mood disorders. The lateral habenula (LHb) is considered to be involved in the modulation of pain and mood disorders, and the present study aimed to determine if and how the LHb participates in the development of pain and anxiety in TN. To address this issue, a mouse model of partial transection of the infraorbital nerve (pT-ION) was established. pT-ION induced stable and long-lasting primary and secondary orofacial allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors that correlated with the increased excitability of LHb neurons. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated expression of hM4D(Gi) in glutamatergic neurons of the unilateral LHb followed by clozapine-N-oxide application relieved pT-ION-induced anxiety-like behaviors but not allodynia. Immunofluorescence validated the successful infection of AAV in the LHb, and microarray analysis showed changes in gene expression in the LHb of mice showing allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors after pT-ION. Among these differentially expressed genes was Tacr3, the downregulation of which was validated by RT-qPCR. Rescuing the downregulation of Tacr3 by AAV-mediated Tacr3 overexpression in the unilateral LHb significantly reversed pT-ION-induced anxiety-like behaviors but not allodynia. Whole-cell patch clamp recording showed that Tacr3 overexpression suppressed nerve injury-induced hyperexcitation of LHb neurons, and western blotting showed that the pT-ION-induced upregulation of p-CaMKII was reversed by AAV-mediated Tacr3 overexpression or chemicogenetic inhibition of glutamatergic neurons in the LHb. Moreover, not only anxiety-like behaviors, but also allodynia after pT-ION were significantly alleviated by chemicogenetic inhibition of bilateral LHb neurons or by bilateral Tacr3 overexpression in the LHb. In conclusion, Tacr3 in the LHb plays a protective role in treating trigeminal nerve injury-induced allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors by suppressing the hyperexcitability of LHb neurons. These findings provide a rationale for suppressing unilateral or bilateral LHb activity by targeting Tacr3 in treating the anxiety and pain associated with TN.
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16
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Yang E, Kim JY, Yang SH, Lee E, Sun W, Lee HW, Kim H. Three-Dimensional Analysis of Mouse Habenula Subnuclei Reveals Reduced Volume and Gene Expression in the Lipopolysaccharide-mediated Depression Model. Exp Neurobiol 2019; 28:709-719. [PMID: 31902158 PMCID: PMC6946114 DOI: 10.5607/en.2019.28.6.709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is small but important brain structure, anatomically and functionally links the forebrain with the midbrain to modulate various neuropsychiatric functions associated with drug addiction and emotion-associated dysfunctions. Several reports suggested that the dysfunction of Hb-related functions affected the Hb structurally and functionally. However, the technical limitation has awaited the solid conclusion of whether Hb change due to depression is likely to occur in certain subnuclei of the Hb. To probe this possibility, we developed 3-dimensional reconstruction methods for the high-resolution volumetric analysis of Hb and the mRNA levels at the given volume in normal or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated mouse model of depression. Notably, we discovered that the volume reduction was prominent in medial Hb but not in lateral Hb after LPS treatments. On the other hand, the RNA expression levels of known Hb regional markers such as Tac1 (dorsal part of medial Hb), ChAT (ventral part of medial Hb), and Tacr1 (medial and lateral Hb) were all decreased in all Hb subnuclei in LPS-injected mice. Accordingly, accurate volumetry with marker labeling was not feasible. Collectively, these established 3D analyses of mouse Hb successfully and precisely determine the volume-based changes of small brain structure, which should be applicable in a wider range of mouse models or pathological specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jin Yong Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Eunsoo Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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17
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Metzger M, Souza R, Lima LB, Bueno D, Gonçalves L, Sego C, Donato J, Shammah-Lagnado SJ. Habenular connections with the dopaminergic and serotonergic system and their role in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 53:65-88. [PMID: 31833616 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a phylogenetically old epithalamic structure differentiated into two nuclear complexes, the medial (MHb) and lateral habenula (LHb). After decades of search for a great unifying function, interest in the Hb resurged when it was demonstrated that LHb plays a major role in the encoding of aversive stimuli ranging from noxious stimuli to the loss of predicted rewards. Consistent with a role as an anti-reward center, aberrant LHb activity has now been identified as a key factor in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder. Moreover, both MHb and LHb emerged as new players in the reward circuitry by primarily mediating the aversive properties of distinct drugs of abuse. Anatomically, the Hb serves as a bridge that links basal forebrain structures with monoaminergic nuclei in the mid- and hindbrain. So far, research on Hb has focused on the role of the LHb in regulating midbrain dopamine release. However, LHb/MHb are also interconnected with the dorsal (DR) and median (MnR) raphe nucleus. Hence, it is conceivable that some of the habenular functions are at least partly mediated by the complex network that links MHb/LHb with pontomesencephalic monoaminergic nuclei. Here, we summarize research about the topography and transmitter phenotype of the reciprocal connections between the LHb and ventral tegmental area-nigra complex, as well as those between the LHb and DR/MnR. Indirect MHb outputs via interpeduncular nucleus to state-setting neuromodulatory networks will also be commented. Finally, we discuss the role of specific LHb-VTA and LHb/MHb-raphe circuits in anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Metzger
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rudieri Souza
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro B Lima
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Bueno
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano Gonçalves
- Department of Human Anatomy, Federal University of the Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Chemutai Sego
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara J Shammah-Lagnado
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Aizawa H, Zhu M. Toward an understanding of the habenula's various roles in human depression. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 73:607-612. [PMID: 31131942 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The habenula is an evolutionarily conserved structure in the vertebrate brain. Lesion and electrophysiological studies in animals have suggested that it is involved in the regulation of monoaminergic activity through projection to the brain stem nuclei. Since studies in animal models of depression and human functional imaging have indicated that increased activity of the habenula is associated with depressive phenotypes, this structure has attracted a surge of interest in neuroscience research. According to pathway- and cell-type-specific dissection of habenular function in animals, we have begun to understand how the heterogeneity of the habenula accounts for alteration of diverse physiological functions in depression. Indeed, recent studies have revealed that the subnuclei embedded in the habenula show a wide variety of molecular profiles not only in neurons but also in glial cells implementing the multifaceted regulatory mechanism for output from the habenula. In this review, we overview the known facts on mediolateral subdivision in the habenular structure, then discuss heterogeneity of the habenular structure from the anatomical and functional viewpoint to understand its emerging role in diverse neural functions relevant to depressive phenotypes. Despite the prevalent use of antidepressants acting on monoamine metabolisms, ~30% of patients with major depression are reported to be treatment-resistant. Thus, cellular mechanisms deciphering such diversity in depressive symptoms would be a promising candidate for the development of new antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Aizawa
- Department of Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Meina Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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19
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Luan SX, Zhang L, Wang R, Zhao H, Liu C. A resting-state study of volumetric and functional connectivity of the habenular nucleus in treatment-resistant depression patients. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01229. [PMID: 30806014 PMCID: PMC6456806 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the volumetric and functional connectivity of the habenular nucleus in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients using the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) approach. METHODS A total of 15 TRD patients, who visited the Mental Health Institute of the First Hospital Affiliated with Jilin University between August 2014 and March 2015, along with 15 normal subjects, were enrolled into this study for structural and functional imaging. Functional connectivity analysis was performed using bilateral habenular nuclei as the region of interest in contrast to whole-brain voxels. RESULTS No significant difference of absolute volume was found in bilateral habenular nuclei between TRD patients and healthy controls, or after controlling for individual total intracranial volume. However, functional connectivity analysis showed increased connectivity between the right habenular nucleus with the medial superior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex and medial orbitofrontal gyrus, and decreased connectivity with the corpus callosum in the TRD group. For the left habenular nucleus seed, the brain region with increased functional connectivity in the inferior temporal gyrus and decreased functional connectivity in the insular was found in the TRD patients. CONCLUSION Abnormal functional connectivity was present between the habenular nucleus and the default mode network in TRD patients. Dysfunction in habenular nucleus-related circuitry for processing negative emotion might form the pathological basis for TRD. Significant asymmetric functional connectivity was also found between bilateral habenular nuclei in TRD patients. Such asymmetry suggests potentially divergent strategy for intervention on bilateral habenular nucleus regions in the future management of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Xin Luan
- Department of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hua Zhao
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Mental Health, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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20
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Mathis V, Barbelivien A, Majchrzak M, Mathis C, Cassel JC, Lecourtier L. The Lateral Habenula as a Relay of Cortical Information to Process Working Memory. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:5485-5495. [PMID: 28334072 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory is a cognitive ability allowing the temporary storage of information to solve problems or adjust behavior. While working memory is known to mainly depend on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), very few is known about how cortical information are relayed subcortically. By its connectivity, the lateral habenula (lHb) might act as a subcortical relay for cortical information. Indeed, the lHb receives inputs from several mPFC subregions, and recent findings suggest a role for the lHb in online processing of spatial information, a fundamental aspect of working memory. In rats, in a delayed non-matching to position paradigm, using focal microinjections of the GABAA agonist muscimol we showed that inactivation of the lHb (16 ng in 0.2 µL per side), as well as disconnection between the prelimbic region of the mPFC (mPFC/PrL, 32 ng in 0.4 µL in one hemisphere) and the lHb (16 ng in 0.2 µL in the lHb in the contralateral hemisphere) impaired working memory. The deficits were unlikely to result from motivational or motor deficits as muscimol did not affect reward collection or cue responding latencies, and did not increase the number of omissions. These results show for the first time the implication of the lHb in mPFC-dependent memory processes, likely as a relay of mPFC/PrL information. They also open new perspectives in the understanding of the top-down processing of high-level cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Mathis
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.,LNCA, UMR 7364, CNRS, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexandra Barbelivien
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.,LNCA, UMR 7364, CNRS, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Monique Majchrzak
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.,LNCA, UMR 7364, CNRS, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Chantal Mathis
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.,LNCA, UMR 7364, CNRS, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Cassel
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.,LNCA, UMR 7364, CNRS, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucas Lecourtier
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.,LNCA, UMR 7364, CNRS, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
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21
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Roddy DW, Roman E, Rooney S, Andrews S, Farrell C, Doolin K, Levins KJ, Tozzi L, Tierney P, Barry D, Frodl T, O'Keane V, O'Hanlon E. Awakening Neuropsychiatric Research Into the Stria Medullaris: Development of a Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Tractography Protocol of This Key Limbic Structure. Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:39. [PMID: 29867378 PMCID: PMC5952041 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Stria medullaris (SM) Thalami is a discrete white matter tract that directly connects frontolimbic areas to the habenula, allowing the forebrain to influence midbrain monoaminergic output. Habenular dysfunction has been shown in various neuropsychiatric conditions. However, there exists a paucity of research into the habenula’s principal afferent tract, the SM. Diffusion-weighted tractography may provide insights into the properties of the SM in vivo, opening up investigation of this tract in conditions of monoamine dysregulation such as depression, schizophrenia, addiction and pain. We present a reliable method for reconstructing the SM using diffusion-weighted imaging, and examine the effects of age and gender on tract diffusion metrics. We also investigate reproducibility of the method through inter-rater comparisons. In consultation with neuroanatomists, a Boolean logic gate protocol was developed for use in ExploreDTI to extract the SM from constrained spherical deconvolution based whole brain tractography. Particular emphasis was placed on the reproducibility of the tract, attention to crossing white matter tract proximity and anatomical consistency of anterior and posterior boundaries. The anterior commissure, pineal gland and mid point of the thalamus were defined as anatomical fixed points used for reconstruction. Fifty subjects were scanned using High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging (HARDI; 61 directions, b-value 1500 mm3). Following constrained spherical deconvolution whole brain tractography, two independent raters isolated the SM. Each output was checked, examined and cleaned for extraneous streamlines inconsistent with known anatomy of the tract by the rater and a neuroanatomist. A second neuroanatomist assessed tracts for face validity. The SM was reconstructed with excellent inter-rater reliability for dimensions and diffusion metrics. Gender had no effect on the dimensions or diffusion metrics, however radial diffusivity (RD) showed a positive correlation with age. Reliable identification and quantification of diffusion metrics of the SM invites further exploration of this key habenula linked structure in neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain and addiction. The accurate anatomical localization of the SM may also aid preoperative stereotactic localization of the tract for deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren W Roddy
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elena Roman
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shane Rooney
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinaoife Andrews
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chloe Farrell
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kelly Doolin
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kirk J Levins
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leonardo Tozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Paul Tierney
- Department of Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Denis Barry
- Department of Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas Frodl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Veronica O'Keane
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Erik O'Hanlon
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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22
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Kim JW, Naidich TP, Joseph J, Nair D, Glasser MF, O'halloran R, Doucet GE, Lee WH, Krinsky H, Paulino A, Glahn DC, Anticevic A, Frangou S, Xu J. Reproducibility of myelin content-based human habenula segmentation at 3 Tesla. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 39:3058-3071. [PMID: 29582505 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo morphological study of the human habenula, a pair of small epithalamic nuclei adjacent to the dorsomedial thalamus, has recently gained significant interest for its role in reward and aversion processing. However, segmenting the habenula from in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is challenging due to the habenula's small size and low anatomical contrast. Although manual and semi-automated habenula segmentation methods have been reported, the test-retest reproducibility of the segmented habenula volume and the consistency of the boundaries of habenula segmentation have not been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the intra- and inter-site reproducibility of in vivo human habenula segmentation from 3T MRI (0.7-0.8 mm isotropic resolution) using our previously proposed semi-automated myelin contrast-based method and its fully-automated version, as well as a previously published manual geometry-based method. The habenula segmentation using our semi-automated method showed consistent boundary definition (high Dice coefficient, low mean distance, and moderate Hausdorff distance) and reproducible volume measurement (low coefficient of variation). Furthermore, the habenula boundary in our semi-automated segmentation from 3T MRI agreed well with that in the manual segmentation from 7T MRI (0.5 mm isotropic resolution) of the same subjects. Overall, our proposed semi-automated habenula segmentation showed reliable and reproducible habenula localization, while its fully-automated version offers an efficient way for large sample analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Won Kim
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Thomas P Naidich
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Joshmi Joseph
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Divya Nair
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Matthew F Glasser
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.,St. Luke's Hospital, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Rafael O'halloran
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Gaelle E Doucet
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Won Hee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Hannah Krinsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Alejandro Paulino
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - David C Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Psychology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Olin Neuropsychiatric Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Alan Anticevic
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sophia Frangou
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Junqian Xu
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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23
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Schafer M, Kim JW, Joseph J, Xu J, Frangou S, Doucet GE. Imaging Habenula Volume in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:456. [PMID: 30319463 PMCID: PMC6165901 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The habenula (Hb), a bilateral nucleus located next to the dorsomedial thalamus, is of particular relevance to psychiatric disorders based on preclinical evidence linking the Hb to depressive and amotivational states. However, studies in clinical samples are scant because segmentation of the Hb in neuroimaging data is challenging due to its small size and low contrast from the surrounding tissues. Negative affective states dominate the clinical course of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and represent a major cause of disability. Diagnosis-related alterations in the volume of Hb in these disorders have therefore been hypothesized but remain largely untested. To probe this question, we used a recently developed objective and reliable semi-automated Hb segmentation method based on myelin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. We ascertained case-control differences in Hb volume from high resolution structural MRI data obtained from patients with schizophrenia (n = 95), bipolar disorder (n = 44) and demographically matched healthy individuals (n = 52). Following strict quality control of the MRI data, the final sample comprised 68 patients with schizophrenia, 32 with bipolar disorder and 40 healthy individuals. Regardless of diagnosis, age, sex, and IQ were not correlated with Hb volume. This was also the case for age of illness onset and medication (i.e., antipsychotic dose and lithium-treatment status). Case-control differences in Hb volume did not reach statistical significance; their effect size (Cohen's d) was negligible on the left (schizophrenia: 0.14; bipolar disorder: -0.03) and small on the right (schizophrenia: 0.34; bipolar disorder: 0.26). Nevertheless, variability in the volume of the right Hb was associated with suicidality in the entire patient sample (ρ = 0.29, p = 0.004) as well as in each patient group (bipolar disorder: ρ = 0.34, p = 0.04; schizophrenia: ρ = 0.25, p = 0.04). These findings warrant replication in larger samples and longitudinal designs and encourage more comprehensive characterization of Hb connectivity and function in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Schafer
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joo-Won Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joshmi Joseph
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Junqian Xu
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sophia Frangou
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gaelle E Doucet
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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24
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Wu XH, Song JJ, Faull RLM, Waldvogel HJ. GABAAand GABABreceptor subunit localization on neurochemically identified neurons of the human subthalamic nucleus. J Comp Neurol 2017; 526:803-823. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Hua Wu
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; The University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Jennifer Junru Song
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; The University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Richard Lewis Maxwell Faull
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; The University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Henry John Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; The University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
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25
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The Lateral Habenula and Adaptive Behaviors. Trends Neurosci 2017; 40:481-493. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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26
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Broms J, Grahm M, Haugegaard L, Blom T, Meletis K, Tingström A. Monosynaptic retrograde tracing of neurons expressing the G-protein coupled receptor Gpr151 in the mouse brain. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:3227-3250. [PMID: 28657115 PMCID: PMC5601234 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
GPR151 is a G‐protein coupled receptor for which the endogenous ligand remains unknown. In the nervous system of vertebrates, its expression is enriched in specific diencephalic structures, where the highest levels are observed in the habenular area. The habenula has been implicated in a range of different functions including behavioral flexibility, decision making, inhibitory control, and pain processing, which makes it a promising target for treating psychiatric and neurological disease. This study aimed to further characterize neurons expressing the Gpr151 gene, by tracing the afferent connectivity of this diencephalic cell population. Using pseudotyped rabies virus in a transgenic Gpr151‐Cre mouse line, monosynaptic afferents of habenular and thalamic Gpr151‐expressing neuronal populations could be visualized. The habenular and thalamic Gpr151 systems displayed both shared and distinct connectivity patterns. The habenular neurons primarily received input from basal forebrain structures, the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, the lateral preoptic area, the entopeduncular nucleus, and the lateral hypothalamic area. The Gpr151‐expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus was primarily contacted by medial hypothalamic areas as well as the zona incerta and projected to specific forebrain areas such as the prelimbic cortex and the accumbens nucleus. Gpr151 mRNA was also detected at low levels in the lateral posterior thalamic nucleus which received input from areas associated with visual processing, including the superior colliculus, zona incerta, and the visual and retrosplenial cortices. Knowledge about the connectivity of Gpr151‐expressing neurons will facilitate the interpretation of future functional studies of this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Broms
- Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Matilda Grahm
- Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lea Haugegaard
- Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thomas Blom
- Biomedical Services Division, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Anders Tingström
- Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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27
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Boulos LJ, Darcq E, Kieffer BL. Translating the Habenula-From Rodents to Humans. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:296-305. [PMID: 27527822 PMCID: PMC5143215 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a central structure connecting forebrain to midbrain regions. This microstructure regulates monoaminergic systems, notably dopamine and serotonin, and integrates cognitive with emotional and sensory processing. Early preclinical data have described Hb as a brain nucleus activated in anticipation of aversive outcomes. Evidence has now accumulated to show that the Hb encodes both rewarding and aversive aspects of external stimuli, thus driving motivated behaviors and decision making. Human Hb research is still nascent but develops rapidly, alongside with the growth of neuroimaging and deep brain stimulation techniques. Not surprisingly, Hb dysfunction has been associated with psychiatric disorders, and studies in patients have established evidence for Hb involvement in major depression, addiction, and schizophrenia, as well as in pain and analgesia. Here, we summarize current knowledge from animal research and overview the existing human literature on anatomy and function of the Hb. We also discuss challenges and future directions in targeting this small brain structure in both rodents and humans. By combining animal data and human experimental studies, this review addresses the translational potential of preclinical Hb research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Joy Boulos
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brigitte Lina Kieffer
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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28
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Ahumada-Galleguillos P, Lemus CG, Díaz E, Osorio-Reich M, Härtel S, Concha ML. Directional asymmetry in the volume of the human habenula. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:1087-1092. [PMID: 27155991 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Brain asymmetry is a conserved feature in vertebrates. The dorsal diencephalic habenular complex shows conspicuous structural and functional asymmetries in a wide range of species, yet it is unclear if this condition is also present in humans. Addressing this possibility becomes relevant in light of recent findings presenting the habenula as a novel target for therapeutic intervention of affective disorders through deep brain stimulation. Here we performed volumetric analyses in postmortem diencephalic samples of male and female individuals, and report for the first time, the presence of directional asymmetries in the volume of the human habenula. The habenular volume is larger on the left side in both genders, a feature that can be explained by an enlargement of the left lateral habenula compared to the right counterpart. In contrast, the volume of the medial habenula shows no left-right directional bias in either gender. It is remarkable that asymmetries involve the lateral habenula, which in humans is particularly enlarged compared to other vertebrates and plays relevant roles in aversive processing and aversively motivated learning. Our findings of structural asymmetries in the human habenula are consistent with recent observations of lateral bias in activation, metabolism and damage of the human habenula, highlighting a potential role of habenular laterality in contexts of health and illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Ahumada-Galleguillos
- Faculty of Medicine, Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 70031, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carmen G Lemus
- Faculty of Medicine, Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 70031, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eugenia Díaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 70031, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Osorio-Reich
- Faculty of Medicine, Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 70031, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - Steffen Härtel
- Faculty of Medicine, Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 70031, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel L Concha
- Faculty of Medicine, Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 70031, Santiago, Chile. .,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile. .,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile.
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29
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Human habenula segmentation using myelin content. Neuroimage 2016; 130:145-156. [PMID: 26826517 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The habenula consists of a pair of small epithalamic nuclei located adjacent to the dorsomedial thalamus. Despite increasing interest in imaging the habenula due to its critical role in mediating subcortical reward circuitry, in vivo neuroimaging research targeting the human habenula has been limited by its small size and low anatomical contrast. In this work, we have developed an objective semi-automated habenula segmentation scheme consisting of histogram-based thresholding, region growing, geometric constraints, and partial volume estimation steps. This segmentation scheme was designed around in vivo 3 T myelin-sensitive images, generated by taking the ratio of high-resolution T1w over T2w images. Due to the high myelin content of the habenula, the contrast-to-noise ratio with the thalamus in the in vivo 3T myelin-sensitive images was significantly higher than the T1w or T2w images alone. In addition, in vivo 7 T myelin-sensitive images (T1w over T2*w ratio images) and ex vivo proton density-weighted images, along with histological evidence from the literature, strongly corroborated the in vivo 3 T habenula myelin contrast used in the proposed segmentation scheme. The proposed segmentation scheme represents a step toward a scalable approach for objective segmentation of the habenula suitable for both morphological evaluation and habenula seed region selection in functional and diffusion MRI applications.
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30
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Erpelding N, Sava S, Simons LE, Lebel A, Serrano P, Becerra L, Borsook D. Habenula functional resting-state connectivity in pediatric CRPS. J Neurophysiol 2013; 111:239-47. [PMID: 24155006 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00405.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a small brain structure located in the posterior end of the medial dorsal thalamus and through medial (MHb) and lateral (LHb) Hb connections, it acts as a conduit of information between forebrain and brainstem structures. The role of the Hb in pain processing is well documented in animals and recently also in acute experimental pain in humans. However, its function remains unknown in chronic pain disorders. Here, we investigated Hb resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) compared with healthy controls. Twelve pediatric patients with unilateral lower-extremity CRPS (9 females; 10-17 yr) and 12 age- and sex-matched healthy controls provided informed consent to participate in the study. In healthy controls, Hb functional connections largely overlapped with previously described anatomical connections in cortical, subcortical, and brainstem structures. Compared with controls, patients exhibited an overall Hb rsFC reduction with the rest of the brain and, specifically, with the anterior midcingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor cortex, primary motor cortex, and premotor cortex. Our results suggest that Hb rsFC parallels anatomical Hb connections in the healthy state and that overall Hb rsFC is reduced in patients, particularly connections with forebrain areas. Patients' decreased Hb rsFC to brain regions implicated in motor, affective, cognitive, and pain inhibitory/modulatory processes may contribute to their symptomatology.
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31
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Villalón A, Sepúlveda M, Guerrero N, Meynard MM, Palma K, Concha ML. Evolutionary plasticity of habenular asymmetry with a conserved efferent connectivity pattern. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35329. [PMID: 22514727 PMCID: PMC3325962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate habenulae (Hb) is an evolutionary conserved dorsal diencephalic nuclear complex that relays information from limbic and striatal forebrain regions to the ventral midbrain. One key feature of this bilateral nucleus is the presence of left-right differences in size, cytoarchitecture, connectivity, neurochemistry and/or gene expression. In teleosts, habenular asymmetry has been associated with preferential innervation of left-right habenular efferents into dorso-ventral domains of the midbrain interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). However, the degree of conservation of this trait and its relation to the structural asymmetries of the Hb are currently unknown. To address these questions, we performed the first systematic comparative analysis of structural and connectional asymmetries of the Hb in teleosts. We found striking inter-species variability in the overall shape and cytoarchitecture of the Hb, and in the frequency, strength and to a lesser degree, laterality of habenular volume at the population level. Directional asymmetry of the Hb was either to the left in D. rerio, E. bicolor, O. latipes, P. reticulata, B. splendens, or to the right in F. gardneri females. In contrast, asymmetry was absent in P. scalare and F. gardneri males at the population level, although in these species the Hb displayed volumetric asymmetries at the individual level. Inter-species variability was more pronounced across orders than within a single order, and coexisted with an overall conserved laterotopic representation of left-right habenular efferents into dorso-ventral domains of the IPN. These results suggest that the circuit design involving the Hb of teleosts promotes structural flexibility depending on developmental, cognitive and/or behavioural pressures, without affecting the main midbrain connectivity output, thus unveiling a key conserved role of this connectivity trait in the function of the circuit. We propose that ontogenic plasticity in habenular morphogenesis underlies the observed inter-species variations in habenular asymmetric morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Villalón
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Sepúlveda
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Néstor Guerrero
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Margarita M. Meynard
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karina Palma
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel L. Concha
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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