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Brain mapping: topography of neurons and their transmitters involved in various brain functions

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Abstract

Use of the demanding techniques microdialysis or push-pull superfusion makes it possible to identify neurons in distinct brain areas involved in central control of peripheral functions, thus enabling brain mapping. Investigations with the push-pull superfusion technique have shown that mainly catecholaminergic neurons of the posterior and anterior hypothalamus, the locus coeruleus, and the nucleus of the solitary tract are of crucial importance for blood pressure regulation. Experimentally induced blood pressure changes also modify the release of histamine, glutamate, and taurine in the posterior hypothalamus and of serotonin in the locus coeruleus. Furthermore, histaminergic neurons of the nucleus accumbens are involved in memory, serotonergic neurons of the locus coeruleus in response to noxious stimuli, while nitric oxide of striatum has been implicated in neurotoxicity elicited by amphetamines. The involvement of several neurons in one brain function is discussed.

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Funding

This experimental work of the author mentioned in this review was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and the Austrian Fonds zur Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF).

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  1. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Kranebitter Allee 26, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Athineos Philippu

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All animal care and experimental protocols were approved by the Kommission für Tierversuchsangelegenheiten, Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst, Austria. All procedures used were as humane as possible. The ARRIVE guidelines for reporting experiments involving animals have been followed.

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Philippu, A. Brain mapping: topography of neurons and their transmitters involved in various brain functions. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol 396, 1415–1422 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-023-02523-4

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