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Méndez JC, Perry BAL, Premereur E, Pelekanos V, Ramadan T, Mitchell AS. Variable cardiac responses in rhesus macaque monkeys after discrete mediodorsal thalamus manipulations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16913. [PMID: 37805650 PMCID: PMC10560229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42752-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of some physiological parameters, such as the heart rate, is known to have a role in cognitive and emotional processes. Cardiac changes are also linked to mental health issues and neurodegeneration. Thus, it is not surprising that many of the brain structures typically associated with cognition and emotion also comprise a circuit-the central automatic network-responsible for the modulation of cardiovascular output. The mediodorsal thalamus (MD) is involved in higher cognitive processes and is also known to be connected to some of the key neural structures that regulate cardiovascular function. However, it is unclear whether the MD has any role in this circuitry. Here, we show that discrete manipulations (microstimulation during anaesthetized functional neuroimaging or localized cytotoxin infusions) to either the magnocellular or the parvocellular MD subdivisions led to observable and variable changes in the heart rate of female and male rhesus macaque monkeys. Considering the central positions that these two MD subdivisions have in frontal cortico-thalamocortical circuits, our findings suggest that MD contributions to autonomic regulation may interact with its identified role in higher cognitive processes, representing an important physiological link between cognition and emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Méndez
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, College House, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Brook A L Perry
- Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TH, UK
| | - Elsie Premereur
- Laboratory for Neuro- and Psychophysiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Tamara Ramadan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna S Mitchell
- Department of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand.
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Perry BAL, Mendez JC, Mitchell AS. Cortico-thalamocortical interactions for learning, memory and decision-making. J Physiol 2023; 601:25-35. [PMID: 35851953 PMCID: PMC10087288 DOI: 10.1113/jp282626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The thalamus and cortex are interconnected both functionally and anatomically and share a common developmental trajectory. Interactions between the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) and different parts of the prefrontal cortex are essential in cognitive processes, such as learning and adaptive decision-making. Cortico-thalamocortical interactions involving other dorsal thalamic nuclei, including the anterior thalamus and pulvinar, also influence these cognitive processes. Our work, and that of others, indicates a crucial influence of these interdependent cortico-thalamocortical neural networks that contributes actively to the processing of information within the cortex. Each of these thalamic nuclei also receives potent subcortical inputs that are likely to provide additional influences on their regulation of cortical activity. Here, we highlight our current neuroscientific research aimed at establishing when cortico-MD thalamocortical neural network communication is vital within the context of a rapid learning and memory discrimination task. We are collecting evidence of MD-prefrontal cortex neural network communication in awake, behaving male rhesus macaques. Given the prevailing evidence, further studies are needed to identify both broad and specific mechanisms that govern how the MD, anterior thalamus and pulvinar cortico-thalamocortical interactions support learning, memory and decision-making. Current evidence shows that the MD (and the anterior thalamus) are crucial for frontotemporal communication, and the pulvinar is crucial for frontoparietal communication. Such work is crucial to advance our understanding of the neuroanatomical and physiological bases of these brain functions in humans. In turn, this might offer avenues to develop effective treatment strategies to improve the cognitive deficits often observed in many debilitating neurological disorders and diseases and in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brook A L Perry
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Juan Carlos Mendez
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Anna S Mitchell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Ouhaz Z, Perry BAL, Nakamura K, Mitchell AS. Mediodorsal Thalamus Is Critical for Updating during Extradimensional Shifts But Not Reversals in the Attentional Set-Shifting Task. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0162-21.2022. [PMID: 35105661 PMCID: PMC8906789 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0162-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility, attributed to frontal cortex, is vital for navigating the complexities of everyday life. The mediodorsal thalamus (MD), interconnected to frontal cortex, may influence cognitive flexibility. Here, male rats performed an attentional set-shifting task measuring intradimensional (ID) and extradimensional (ED) shifts in sensory discriminations. MD lesion rats needed more trials to learn the rewarded sensory dimension. However, once the choice response strategy was established, learning further two-choice discriminations in the same sensory dimension, and reversals of the reward contingencies in the same dimension, were unimpaired. Critically though, MD lesion rats were impaired during the ED shift, when they must rapidly update the optimal choice response strategy. Behavioral analyses showed MD lesion rats had significantly reduced correct within-trial second choice responses. This evidence shows that transfer of information via the MD is critical when rapid within-trial updates in established choice response strategies are required after a rule change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakaria Ouhaz
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
- Institut Supérieur des Professions Infirmières et Techniques de la Santé, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Brook A L Perry
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
| | - Kouichi Nakamura
- Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TH, United Kingdom
| | - Anna S Mitchell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
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Perry BAL, Lomi E, Mitchell AS. Thalamocortical interactions in cognition and disease: the mediodorsal and anterior thalamic nuclei. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 130:162-177. [PMID: 34216651 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The mediodorsal thalamus (MD) and anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) are two adjacent brain nodes that support our ability to make decisions, learn, update information, form and retrieve memories, and find our way around. The MD and PFC work in partnerships to support cognitive processes linked to successful learning and decision-making, while the ATN and extended hippocampal system together coordinate the encoding and retrieval of memories and successful spatial navigation. Yet, while these distinctions may appear to be segregated, both the MD and ATN together support our higher cognitive functions as they regulate and are influenced by interconnected fronto-temporal neural networks and subcortical inputs. Our review focuses on recent studies in animal models and in humans. This evidence is re-shaping our understanding of the importance of MD and ATN cortico-thalamocortical pathways in influencing complex cognitive functions. Given the evidence from clinical settings and neuroscience research labs, the MD and ATN should be considered targets for effective treatments in neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brook A L Perry
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, The Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
| | - Eleonora Lomi
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, The Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
| | - Anna S Mitchell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, The Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, OX1 3SR, United Kingdom.
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Perry BAL, Mitchell AS. Considering the Evidence for Anterior and Laterodorsal Thalamic Nuclei as Higher Order Relays to Cortex. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:167. [PMID: 31333412 PMCID: PMC6616498 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Our memories are essential in our daily lives. The frontal and cingulate cortices, hippocampal system and medial temporal lobes are key brain regions. In addition, severe amnesia also occurs after damage or dysfunction to the anterior thalamic nuclei; this subcortical thalamic hub is interconnected to these key cortical memory structures. Behavioral, anatomical, and physiological evidence across mammalian species has shown that interactions between the anterior thalamic nuclei, cortex and hippocampal formation are vital for spatial memory processing. Furthermore, the adjacent laterodorsal thalamic nucleus (LD), interconnected to the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) and visual system, also contributes to spatial memory in mammals. However, how these thalamic nuclei contribute to memory still remains largely unknown. Fortunately, our understanding of the importance of the thalamus in cognitive processes is being redefined, as widespread evidence challenges the established view of the thalamus as a passive relay of sensory and subcortical information to the cortex. In this review article, we examine whether the anterior thalamic nuclei and the adjacent LD are suitable candidates for "higher-order" thalamic nuclei, as defined by the Sherman and Guillery model. Rather than simply relaying information to cortex, "higher-order" thalamic nuclei have a prominent role in cognition, as they can regulate how areas of the cortex interact with one another. These considerations along with a review of the latest research will be used to suggest future studies that will clarify the contributions that the anterior and LD have in supporting cortical functions during cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brook A L Perry
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anna S Mitchell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Dalrymple-Alford JC, Perry BAL. Lesions of the mammillothalamic tract and anterior thalamic nuclei: Response to Vann and Nelson (2018). Hippocampus 2018; 28:694-697. [PMID: 29742808 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John C Dalrymple-Alford
- Department of Psychology, New Zealand Brain Research Institute, University of Canterbury and Brain Research New Zealand, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand
| | - Brook A L Perry
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
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Perry BAL, Mercer SA, Barnett SC, Lee J, Dalrymple-Alford JC. Anterior thalamic nuclei lesions have a greater impact than mammillothalamic tract lesions on the extended hippocampal system. Hippocampus 2017; 28:121-135. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brook A. L. Perry
- Department of Psychology; University of Canterbury; Christchurch New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, co-hosted by Auckland and Otago Universities; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Stephanie A. Mercer
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Otago; Dunedin
- Brain Research New Zealand, co-hosted by Auckland and Otago Universities; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Sophie C. Barnett
- Department of Psychology; University of Canterbury; Christchurch New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, co-hosted by Auckland and Otago Universities; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Jungah Lee
- Department of Psychology; University of Canterbury; Christchurch New Zealand
| | - John C. Dalrymple-Alford
- Department of Psychology; University of Canterbury; Christchurch New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, co-hosted by Auckland and Otago Universities; Auckland New Zealand
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute; Christchurch New Zealand
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