Synaptic Structure and Origin of Subcortical Excitatory Projections to the Thalamic Lateral Posterior Nucleus

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15918
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 46020:Anatomy and histopathology of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Kurume University
• Principal Investigator: Nakamura Hisashi 久留米大学, 医学部, 助教 (70535484)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 後外側核 / 逆行性神経トレーサー / 視覚 / 視床 / ラット / 視床枕 / Fluorogold / 感覚統合

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The rostromedial part (LPrm) and lateral part (LPl) of the rat Lateral Posterior Nucleus (LP) are involved in visual information processing in the cerebral cortex, but their roles are not well understood. In this study, we analyzed the distribution of cell bodies labeled with retrograde neural tracers to identify the subcortical regions that send axons to the LPrm and LPl. The results revealed that the LPrm receives input from a wide range of subcortical regions and receives a variety of sensory and motor-related information. In contrast, subcortical projections to the LPl were more localized, with the majority originating from visual-related areas. This study is expected to contribute to the elucidation of mechanisms and disorders related to sensory perception and sensory-motor integration.

Free Research Field

神経解剖学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、これまで視覚系の視床核と言われていたLP核の役割が、部位によって異なる可能性を示したものである。最近の研究では、複数の感覚情報が統合されていく過程で視床核が重要な役割を果たすことが報告されている。本研究で見られたような、特定の感覚に特化した部位と複数の感覚・運動情報に関係する領域の存在は、脳内での情報処理メカニズムを理解していくうえで有用な知見となる。さらに、精神疾患等の難病の解明や治療法の開発にもつながることが期待される。