Multimodal brain mapping: Integration of cytoarchitecture, functional imaging, receptor distribution, and ultra-high resolution fibre tract imaging.
08-03-2016 - 18:00
Seminar and meetings
Transmitter receptors are key molecules of neurotransmission and connectivity. Their regionally specific distribution patterns differ between sensory, motor and multimodal association areas as well as between various areas within each of these major functional groups. The receptor-based regional segregation of the cerebral cortex is further differentiated by the layer specific distribution patterns of receptor densities. Thus, mapping of transmitter receptor distributions provides data for understanding the molecular basis of cortical organization and connectivity. Borders of cortical areas and layers can be precisely defined by localized changes of the density of single or multiple receptor types calculated in single cortical layers or averaged over all layers. In most cases, receptorarchitectonic borders are found at precisely the same positions, where borders are also detectable in cytoarchitectonic, axonal tracing or functional neuroimaging studies as well as analysis of fibrearchitecture. Motor and multimodal cortices have a completely different, but regionally typical laminar distribution pattern. Receptorarchitectonics can also reveal hitherto unknown cortical areas (e.g., in the Broca region). Furthermore, distribution patterns of multiple receptors in each single area show a specific balance between the various receptors, i.e. the “receptor fingerprint”. The cluster analysis of fingerprints of cortical areas reveals segregated systems belonging to different functional modalities and embedded in a hierarchical organization. In conclusion, regional and laminar multiple receptor distribution patterns provide a comprehensive overview of known and novel organizational principles.
Prof. Karl Zilles
Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-1, Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, & Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH University Aachen, Germany
https://www.uclouvain.be/521238.html
abstract-zilles-conference-talk.pdf
Avenue Mounier 50
Room MAISIN
Floor number :0
1200 BRUSSELS