Scientists Reveal New Functionality in Hippocampus
By MedImaging International staff writers Posted on 10 Oct 2017 |
Image
A team of researchers has revealed new insights into the role of the hippocampus in complex brain networks.
The researchers have made breakthroughs that offer new insights into how the hippocampus influences functional integration between different, spatially separated regions of the brain. The hippocampus may be damaged by Alzheimer's disease, as well as other types of dementia, and this can result in short-term memory loss or disorientation. Damage to the hippocampus is also related to diseases such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, transient global amnesia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The findings were published in the August 2017 issue of the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) by researchers from the University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong).
The researchers showed that low-frequency activities in the hippocampus region of the brain, can enhance sensory responses, and drive functional connectivity in various parts of the cerebral cortex enhancing vision, hearing, and touch responses. The results also suggest this activity in the hippocampus can help learning and memory, during periods of slow-wave or deep sleep.
The scientists used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI), for their research, and showed the potential of MRI and neuromodulation for the early diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases.
In their study the researchers found that low-frequency optogenetic excitation of the dorsal dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus, caused cortical/sub-cortical activities beyond the hippocampus and around the brain. The results also showed the significance of low-frequency activity in the hippocampus.
Related Links:
University of Hong Kong
The researchers have made breakthroughs that offer new insights into how the hippocampus influences functional integration between different, spatially separated regions of the brain. The hippocampus may be damaged by Alzheimer's disease, as well as other types of dementia, and this can result in short-term memory loss or disorientation. Damage to the hippocampus is also related to diseases such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, transient global amnesia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The findings were published in the August 2017 issue of the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) by researchers from the University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong).
The researchers showed that low-frequency activities in the hippocampus region of the brain, can enhance sensory responses, and drive functional connectivity in various parts of the cerebral cortex enhancing vision, hearing, and touch responses. The results also suggest this activity in the hippocampus can help learning and memory, during periods of slow-wave or deep sleep.
The scientists used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI), for their research, and showed the potential of MRI and neuromodulation for the early diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases.
In their study the researchers found that low-frequency optogenetic excitation of the dorsal dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus, caused cortical/sub-cortical activities beyond the hippocampus and around the brain. The results also showed the significance of low-frequency activity in the hippocampus.
Related Links:
University of Hong Kong
Latest MRI News
- World's First Sensor Detects Errors in MRI Scans Using Laser Light and Gas
- Diamond Dust Could Offer New Contrast Agent Option for Future MRI Scans
- Combining MRI with PSA Testing Improves Clinical Outcomes for Prostate Cancer Patients
- PET/MRI Improves Diagnostic Accuracy for Prostate Cancer Patients
- Next Generation MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Ushers In Future of Incisionless Neurosurgery
- Two-Part MRI Scan Detects Prostate Cancer More Quickly without Compromising Diagnostic Quality
- World’s Most Powerful MRI Machine Images Living Brain with Unrivaled Clarity
- New Whole-Body Imaging Technology Makes It Possible to View Inflammation on MRI Scan
- Combining Prostate MRI with Blood Test Can Avoid Unnecessary Prostate Biopsies
- New Treatment Combines MRI and Ultrasound to Control Prostate Cancer without Serious Side Effects
- MRI Improves Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
- Combined PET-MRI Scan Improves Treatment for Early Breast Cancer Patients
- 4D MRI Could Improve Clinical Assessment of Heart Blood Flow Abnormalities
- MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Prostate Cancer
- AI-Based MRI Tool Outperforms Current Brain Tumor Diagnosis Methods
- DW-MRI Lights up Small Ovarian Lesions like Light Bulbs