• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.35 no.6
• /
• pp.190-194
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to brain damage caused by external forces or trauma. TBIs can vary in severity and result from accidents, falls, sports injuries, assaults, or other forms of physical trauma. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is known have roles in various cognitive functions. We report on a patient with traumatic brain injury who showed prefrontal symptoms after injury of thalamocortical connections between mediodorsal nuclei (MD) of thalamus and PFC. Methods: A 54-year-old, male patient suffered a TBI as a result of a heavy object falling on his head. After onset of TBI, he showed typical symptoms of prefrontal lobe injury, including personality changes, memory impairment, and general cognition problem. The thalamocortical connections between MD and PFC (ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and obrbitofrontal cortex (OFC)) were reconstructed using diffusion tensor tractography. In terms of fractional anisotropy value, the right thalamocortical connections to the OFC were significantly lower than those of control subjects. Results: The value of mean diffusivity in the right thalamocortical connections to the DLPFC was significantly higher than that of control subjects. By contrast, both VLPFC and left OFC showed significant decrement in the tract volume of thalamocortical connections compared with that of control subjects. Conclusion: We reported on a patient who showed cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairment due to global injury of the thalamocoritcal connections between MD and PFC following TBI.

• Animal cells and systems
• /
• v.1 no.3
• /
• pp.497-505
• /
• 1997

Dopamine plays diverse roles in the fetal brain development and differentiation. However, the development of the dopaminergic neurons and its receptors has not been fully understood. In our studies, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical methods were used to investigate the ontogeny of dopaminergic neurons and its receptor subtypes during the fetal development of the rat. In situ hybridization data showed that dopamine $D_1$ and $D_2$ receptor mRNAs were expressed in the ventricular and subventricular zones of ganglionic eminence, thalamus, hypothalamus, and cortical neuroepithelium on gestational day 13. Expression of dopamine $D_1$ and $D_2$ receptors during gestational days 17 and 19 reached the same or similar level of that in the adult brain. Expression of $D_1$ receptor mRNA preceded that of $D_2$ receptor mRNA in the early developmental stage, although this pattern was reversed with the sharp increase of $D_2$ receptor mRNA soon after. $D_2$ receptor mRNA was expressed in substantia nigra of mesencephalon of the fetal rat brain. However, $D_1$ receptor mRNA was not detected in substantia nigra. Our results indicate that dopamine might function in the fetal brain during the early gestational period.

• Animal cells and systems
• /
• v.3 no.3
• /
• pp.311-317
• /
• 1999

Prolactin (PRL) was reported to be locally synthesized in many brain areas including the hypothalamus, thalamus (TH) and hippocampus (HIP). In the pituitary lactotrophs, PRL synthesis is dependent upon a pituitary-specific transcription factor, Pit-1. In the present study, we attempted to identify Pit-1 or Pit-1-like protein in brain areas known as the synthetic sites of PRL. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Northern blot analysis showed the same Pit-1 transcripts in brain areas such as the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH), preoptic area (POA), TH, and HIP with the Pit-1 transcripts in the anterior pituitary (AP). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was run with nuclear protein extracts from brain tissues using a double strand oligomer probe containing a putative Pit-1 binding domain. Shifted bands were found in EMSA results with nuclear proteins from MBH, POA, TH and HIP. Specific binding of the Pit-1-like protein was further confirmed by competition with an unlabeled cold probe. Antisense Pit-1 oligodeoxynucleotide (Pit-1 ODN), which was designed to bind to the Pit-1 translation initiation site and block Pit-1 biosynthesis, was used to test Pit-1 dependent brain PRL transcription. Two nmol of Pit-1 ODN was introduced into the lateral ventricle of a 60-day old male rat brain. RNA blot hybridization and in situ hybridization indicated a decrease of PRL mRNA signals by the treatment of Pit-1 ODN. Taken together, the present study suggests that Pit-1 may play an important role in the transcriptional regulation of local PRL synthesis in the brain.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.200-210
• /
• 2000

objective to ascertain whether the concept of the therapeutic side is associated with changes in the blind sport mapping that represents the brain function. design Physiological blind spot maps were used as an integer of brain activity before and after acupuncture needling on the meridian point Hapkok(合谷) and Techung(太衝) in the unilateral side decided by double-blind controlled study(20 subjects). setting outpatient clinic participants: adult volunteers intervention twenty subjects were divided into two comparative groups and underwent specific acupuncture therapy on the unilateral side. Blinded examiners obtained reproducible pre and post-acupuncture cortical maps, which were subjected to statistical analysis. main outcome measures Brain activity was demonstrated by reproducible circumferential measurements of cortical hemispheric blind spot maps before and after acupuncture on the unilateral side. in case of acupuncture needling on the ipsilateral side of an enlarged side of bilnd spot, there were reduction of blind spot in 7 cases of 10 subjects, and enlargement in 3 cases. in case of acupuncture needling on the contralateral side of the enlarged side of blind spot, there were enlargement of blind spot in 6 cases of 10 subjects, and reduction in 4 cases. results the significant changes in the blind spots before and after acupuncture were observed Acupuncture needlings on the ipsilateral or contralateral side of an enlarged cortical map were associated with the concept of the therapeutic side traditionally accepted in the oriental medical society. Acupuncture needling on the ipsilateral side of an enlarged blind spot map is associated with the reduction of map, and increaed contralateral cortical activity. Acupuncture needling on the side opposite an enlarged blind spot map is associated with the enlargement of map, and decreased cortical activity. conclusion Reproducible maps of cortical responses can be used to measure the neurological consequences of acupuncture needling. Acupuncture can affect the somatic sensory informations that reach to the contralateral thalamus, and so affect thalamic integration. we found that acupuncture therapy may be associated with an increase or a decrease in brain function depending on the side of acupuncture needling. thus, the traditional concept of the contralateral therapeutic theory in acupuncture approach has the clinical significance in the view of brain function.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.47 no.5
• /
• pp.365-369
• /
• 2010

Objective : There has been inconsistency about definition of the temporal stem despite of several descriptions demonstrating its microanatomy using fiber dissection and/or diffusion tensor tractography. This study was designed to clarify three dimensional configurations of the temporal stem. Methods : The fronto-temporal regions of several formalin-fixed human cerebral hemispheres were dissected under an operating microscope using the fiber dissection technique. The consecutive coronal cuts of the dissected specimens were made to define the relationships of white matter tracts comprising the temporal stem and the subcortical gray matters (thalamus, caudate nucleus, amygdala) with inferior limiting (circular) sulcus of insula. Results : The inferior limiting sulcus of insula, limen insulae, medial sylvian groove, and caudate nucleus/amygdala were more appropriate anatomical structures than the roof/dorso-lateral wall of the temporal horn and lateral geniculate body which were used to describe previously for delineating the temporal stem. The particular space located inside the line connecting the inferior limiting sulcus of insula, limen insulae, medial sylvian groove/amygdala, and tail of caudate nucleus could be documented. This space included the extreme capsule, uncinate fasciculus, inferior occipito-frontal fasciculus, anterior commissure, ansa peduncularis, and inferior thalamic peduncle including optic radiations, whereas the stria terminalis, cingulum, fimbria, and inferior longitudinal fiber of the temporal lobe were not passing through this space. Also, this continued posteriorly along the caudate nucleus and limiting sulcus of the insula. Conclusion : The temporal stem is white matter fibers passing through a particular space of the temporal lobe located inside the line connecting the inferior limiting sulcus of insula, limen insulae, medial sylvian groove/amygdala, and tail of caudate nucleus. The three dimensional configurations of the temporal stem are expected to give the very useful anatomical and surgical insights in the temporal lobe.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.122-126
• /
• 2010

Homozygous staggerer ($RORa^{sg/sg}$) mice showed a severe ataxia caused by cerebellum degeneration. Decreased and dysfunctional Rora is a main cause of this neurologic phenotype. The phenotype of staggerer mice has been well known in cerebellum. However, there has been rarely reported about cerebrum even though of staggerer is expressed in merely cerebellum but hippocampus, thalamus, cortex, and olfactory bulb. The expressions of Ki67, doublecortin (DCX), and NeuN, which are cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation and mature neuron markers, respectively, were measured with immunohistechemistry in dentate gyrus in staggerer mice in order to uncover whether staggerer can affect the change in dentate gyrus. The immunoreactivities of DCX and NeuN were significantly reduced in the dentate gyrus of staggerer mice than normal control, while Ki67 were rarely unchanged in staggerer mice. These results suggest that staggerer mutation has an influence on the neuronal differentiation and development not only in cerebellum but also in dentate gyrus.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.58 no.1
• /
• pp.83-88
• /
• 2015

Organized hematoma is a rare complication that can develop following gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) for cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Here, we describe 5 patients with growing organized hematomas that developed from completely obliterated AVMs several years after GKS. The patients were 15, 16, 30, 36, and 38 years old at the time of GKS, respectively, and 3 patients were female. Four AVMs were located in the lobe of the brain, and the remaining AVM were in the thalamus. Between 2-12 years after GKS, patients developed progressive symptoms such intractable headache or hemiparesis and enhancing mass lesions were identified. Follow-up visits revealed the slow expansion of the hematomas and surrounding edema. Steroids were ineffective, and thus surgery was performed. Histology revealed organized hematomas with a capsule, but there was no evidence of residual AVMs or vascular malformation. After surgery, the neurological symptoms of all patients improved and the surrounding edema resolved. However, the hematoma continued to expand and intraventricular hemorrhage developed in 1 patient whose hematoma was only partially removed. GKS for cerebral AVM can be complicated by growing, organized hematomas that develop after complete obliteration. Growing hematomas should be surgically evacuated if they are symptomatic. Radical resection of the hematoma capsule is also strongly recommended.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.377-383
• /
• 2012

Objective : Detection of focal non-hemorrhagic lesion (NHL) has become more efficient in diffuse axonal injury (DAI) patients using an MRI. The aims of this study are to find out the radiological distribution, progress of NHL and its clinical significance. Methods : Between September 2005 and October 2011, 32 individuals with NHLs on brain MRI were enrolled. NHLs were classified by brain location into 4 major districts and 13 detailed locations including cortical and subcortical, corpus callosum, deep nuclei and adjacent area, and brainstem. The severity of NHL was scored from grades 1 to 4, according to the number of districts involved. Fourteen patients with NHL were available for MRI follow-up and an investigation of the changes was conducted. Results : Thirty-two patients had 59 NHLs. The most common district of NHL was cortical and subcortical area; 15 patients had 20 NHSs. However the most common specific location was the splenium of the corpus callosum; 14 patients had 14 lesions. The more lesions patients had, the lower the GCS, however, this was not a statistically meaningful difference. On follow-up MRI in 14 patients, out of 24 lesions, 13 NHLs resolved, 5 showed cystic change, and 6 showed atrophic changes. Conclusion : NHLs were located most commonly in the splenium and occur frequently in the thalamus and the mesial temporal lobe. Because most NHS occur concomitantly with hemorrhagic lesions, it was difficult to determine their effects on prognosis. Since most NHLs resolve completely, they are probably less significant to prognosis than hemorrhagic lesions.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Cognitive Science Conference
• /
• 2005.05a
• /
• pp.212-215
• /
• 2005

연령의 증가에 따른 신경원의 활성화도 변화는 기억 및 집행기능 등의 인지기능에 영향을 미치는 것으로 알려져 왔다. 그러나 어떠한 뇌 영역의 기능적 저하가 연령증가에 따라 남자와 여자에서 차별적으로 인지기능의 변화를 가져오는지에 대해서는 거의 알려진 바가 없다. F-18 FDG PET을 이용하여 78명의 정상 성인 남녀를 대상으로 뇌 포도당 대사량을 조사하였다. 남녀가 공통적으로 연령증가에 따라 뇌 포도당 대사량의 저하를 보이는 영역은frontal lobe과 left insula, right anterior cingulate gyrus, bilateral caudate body, thalamus. right corpus callosum 이었다. 여성의 경우 남성과 달리 추가적으로 right caudate와 bilaterial thalamus에서 연령과 뇌 포도당대사량 간에 부적 상관을 보이고 있었다(P < 0.001 uncorrected). 남녀 모두에서 연령이 증가하면서 포도당 대사 저하를 보이는 right inferior frontal gyrus는 여자에게서만 포도당대사 감소비율이 유의하게 컸다. 남녀에서 보이는 이러한 노화 과정 동안의 뇌 포도당 대사의 저하율의 차이가 여성과 남성의 연령증가에 따른 인지적 기능의 차별적 저하에 대한 설명을 제시할 수 있을 것이라 생각한다.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.12
• /
• pp.1358-1362
• /
• 2006

Niemann-Pick disease is a group of autosomal recessive disorders associated with hepatosplenomegaly, variable neurologic deficits, and the storage of sphingomyelin and other lipids. Seven cases have been reported in Korea. We report an additional case presenting with hypotonia, early neurodevelopmental delay, hepatosplenomegaly and death by persistent pneumonia and asphyxia at the age of 23 months. MRI of brain and fundoscopic findings of our case at 4 months of age were normal. However, abnormal intensity of the thalamus and atrophy of the right temporal lobe on the MRI and macular cherry red spots were noticed at the age of 17 months. A bone marrow biopsy showed large foamy cells, while hexosaminidase A and B levels were normal. Although biochemical or molecular workup was not done, these findings led to the diagnosis of infantile onset Niemann-Pick disease, probably type A. A brief review of the related literatures was made.