Thalamo-cortical communication, glutamatergic neurotransmission and neural oscillations: a unique window into the origins of ScZ?

Pratt, J., Dawson, N., Morris, B. J. , Grent-'T-Jong, T. , Roux, F. and Uhlhaas, P. J. (2017) Thalamo-cortical communication, glutamatergic neurotransmission and neural oscillations: a unique window into the origins of ScZ? Schizophrenia Research, 180, pp. 4-12. (doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2016.05.013) (PMID:27317361)

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Abstract

The thalamus has recently received renewed interest in systems-neuroscience and schizophrenia (ScZ) research because of emerging evidence highlighting its important role in coordinating functional interactions in cortical-subcortical circuits. Moreover, higher cognitive functions, such as working memory and attention, have been related to thalamo-cortical interactions, providing a novel perspective for the understanding of the neural substrate of cognition. The current review will support this perspective by summarizing evidence on the crucial role of neural oscillations in facilitating thalamo-cortical (TC) interactions during normal brain functioning and their potential impairment in ScZ. Specifically, we will focus on the relationship between NMDA-R mediated (glutamatergic) neurotransmission in TC-interactions. To this end, we will first review the functional anatomy and neurotransmitters in thalamic circuits, followed by a review of the oscillatory signatures and cognitive processes supported by TC-circuits. In the second part of the paper, data from preclinical research as well as human studies will be summarized that have implicated TC-interactions as a crucial target for NMDA-receptor hypofunctioning. Finally, we will compare these neural signatures with current evidence from ScZ-research, suggesting a potential overlap between alterations in TC-circuits as the result of NMDA-R deficits and stage-specific alterations in large-scale networks in ScZ.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Uhlhaas, Professor Peter and Grent-'T-Jong, Dr Tineke and Dawson, Dr Neil and Morris, Professor Brian
Authors: Pratt, J., Dawson, N., Morris, B. J., Grent-'T-Jong, T., Roux, F., and Uhlhaas, P. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Schizophrenia Research
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0920-9964
ISSN (Online):1573-2509
Published Online:14 June 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
First Published:First published in Schizophrenia Research 180: 4-12
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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