Are Modules Innate?

2021 ◽  
pp. 85-93
Author(s):  
John Zerilli

It should by now be clear that modules are sensitive with respect to such experiences as learning, injury, and sensory deprivation, regardless of how young or mature the organism happens to be. And yet this is not the full story. The brain’s plasticity is definitely constrained. While plasticity is an intrinsic and crucial feature of the nervous system, it is important to emphasize that the brain is not open-endedly plastic. Furthermore, a brain region can be innate in a relatively strong sense and yet fail to reach the threshold characteristics of a genuine module. A bias, after all, is not a specialization.

1982 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalind M. Ridley ◽  
Harry F. Baker

SynopsisStereotyped movements are described in monkeys and humans and are classified as arising from constraint, sensory deprivation in infancy, amphetamine treatment or psychotic states. It is argued that, with the exception of cage stereotypies, stereotyped behaviour is evidence of abnormality in the nervous system consequent upon distorted maturational processes, organic defect or biochemical disturbance. Stereotypy is associated with a state of cognitive inflexibility and social and sensory isolation in humans and monkeys. It is suggested that, while no simple biochemical disturbance in the brain can describe these various occurrences of stereotypy, the cross-species occurrence of a syndrome of isolation, cognitive inflexibility and stereotypy implies a related mechanism mediating these divergent effects. If stereotypy is regarded as a consequence of failure to use sensory input to direct behaviour, therapeutic regimes designed to stimulate responsive behaviours and social interactions are more likely to be effective in the long run than direct attempts to suppress stereotypy.


Author(s):  
S.S. Spicer ◽  
B.A. Schulte

Generation of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against tissue antigens has yielded several (VC1.1, HNK- 1, L2, 4F4 and anti-leu 7) which recognize the unique sugar epitope, glucuronyl 3-sulfate (Glc A3- SO4). In the central nervous system, these MAbs have demonstrated Glc A3-SO4 at the surface of neurons in the cerebral cortex, the cerebellum, the retina and other widespread regions of the brain.Here we describe the distribution of Glc A3-SO4 in the peripheral nervous system as determined by immunostaining with a MAb (VC 1.1) developed against antigen in the cat visual cortex. Outside the central nervous system, immunoreactivity was observed only in peripheral terminals of selected sensory nerves conducting transduction signals for touch, hearing, balance and taste. On the glassy membrane of the sinus hair in murine nasal skin, just deep to the ringwurt, VC 1.1 delineated an intensely stained, plaque-like area (Fig. 1). This previously unrecognized structure of the nasal vibrissae presumably serves as a tactile end organ and to our knowledge is not demonstrable by means other than its selective immunopositivity with VC1.1 and its appearance as a densely fibrillar area in H&E stained sections.


Author(s):  
Grazia Tagliafierro ◽  
Cristiana Crosa ◽  
Marco Canepa ◽  
Tiziano Zanin

Barnacles are very specialized Crustacea, with strongly reduced head and abdomen. Their nervous system is rather simple: the brain or supra-oesophageal ganglion (SG) is a small bilobed structure and the toracic ganglia are fused into a single ventral mass, the suboesophageal ganglion (VG). Neurosecretion was shown in barnacle nervous system by histochemical methods and numerous putative hormonal substances were extracted and tested. Recently six different types of dense-core granules were visualized in the median ocellar nerve of Balanus hameri and serotonin and FMRF-amide like substances were immunocytochemically detected in the nervous system of Balanus amphitrite. The aim of the present work is to localize and characterize at ultrastructural level, neurosecretory neuron cell bodies in the VG of Balanus amphitrite.Specimens of Balanus amphitrite were collected in the port of Genova. The central nervous system were Karnovsky fixed, osmium postfixed, ethanol dehydrated and Durcupan ACM embedded. Ultrathin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Ultrastructural observations were made on a Philips M 202 and Zeiss 109 T electron microscopy.


2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvette D. Hyter

Abstract Complex trauma resulting from chronic maltreatment and prenatal alcohol exposure can significantly affect child development and academic outcomes. Children with histories of maltreatment and those with prenatal alcohol exposure exhibit remarkably similar central nervous system impairments. In this article, I will review the effects of each on the brain and discuss clinical implications for these populations of children.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-13
Author(s):  
James B. Talmage ◽  
Jay Blaisdell

Abstract Injuries that affect the central nervous system (CNS) can be catastrophic because they involve the brain or spinal cord, and determining the underlying clinical cause of impairment is essential in using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides), in part because the AMA Guides addresses neurological impairment in several chapters. Unlike the musculoskeletal chapters, Chapter 13, The Central and Peripheral Nervous System, does not use grades, grade modifiers, and a net adjustment formula; rather the chapter uses an approach that is similar to that in prior editions of the AMA Guides. The following steps can be used to perform a CNS rating: 1) evaluate all four major categories of cerebral impairment, and choose the one that is most severe; 2) rate the single most severe cerebral impairment of the four major categories; 3) rate all other impairments that are due to neurogenic problems; and 4) combine the rating of the single most severe category of cerebral impairment with the ratings of all other impairments. Because some neurological dysfunctions are rated elsewhere in the AMA Guides, Sixth Edition, the evaluator may consult Table 13-1 to verify the appropriate chapter to use.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 58-72
Author(s):  
B.S. Shenkman ◽  
◽  
T.M. Mirzoev ◽  
I.B. Kozlovskaya ◽  
◽  
...  

The review is an attempt to describe and give a meaning to the accumulated data about the mechanisms controlling the structure and functionality of the postural muscle the almost continuous work of which makes it possible for the humans and animals to exist actively on Earth's surface. A great bulk of these data was obtained, described and systematized by professor I.B. Kozlovskaya and her pupils. A body of the most interesting facts and regularities was documented in other laboratories and research centers, quite often under the influence of ideas suggested by I.B. Kozlovskaya. The concept of the tonic system, that is, an integral physiological apparatus comprising not only slow and fast muscular fibers and small controlling motoneurons but also a complex of the brain (up to and including the striatum and motor cortex) and sensory mechanisms, constitutes the most important parts of her theoretical legacy. The fundamental conclusion of this review is that the gravity-dependent tonic contracting activity of the postural muscle controlled by the nervous system and afferent mechanisms is key to maintaining its structure, signal pathways and mechanic properties crucial for its constant anti-gravity activity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (28) ◽  
pp. 3333-3352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Pessoa Rocha ◽  
Ana Cristina Simoes e Silva ◽  
Thiago Ruiz Rodrigues Prestes ◽  
Victor Feracin ◽  
Caroline Amaral Machado ◽  
...  

Background: The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is a key regulator of cardiovascular and renal homeostasis, but also plays important roles in mediating physiological functions in the central nervous system (CNS). The effects of the RAS were classically described as mediated by angiotensin (Ang) II via angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptors. However, another arm of the RAS formed by the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), Ang-(1-7) and the Mas receptor has been a matter of investigation due to its important physiological roles, usually counterbalancing the classical effects exerted by Ang II. Objective: We aim to provide an overview of effects elicited by the RAS, especially Ang-(1-7), in the brain. We also aim to discuss the therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders for the modulation of RAS. Method: We carried out an extensive literature search in PubMed central. Results: Within the brain, Ang-(1-7) contributes to the regulation of blood pressure by acting at regions that control cardiovascular functions. In contrast with Ang II, Ang-(1-7) improves baroreflex sensitivity and plays an inhibitory role in hypothalamic noradrenergic neurotransmission. Ang-(1-7) not only exerts effects related to blood pressure regulation, but also acts as a neuroprotective component of the RAS, for instance, by reducing cerebral infarct size, inflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. Conclusion: Pre-clinical evidence supports a relevant role for ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis in several neuropsychiatric conditions, including stress-related and mood disorders, cerebrovascular ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions and neurodegenerative diseases. However, very few data are available regarding the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis in human CNS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smita P. Kakad ◽  
Sanjay J. Kshirsagar

Introduction: The infiltration of HIV into the brain alters the functions of the nervous system known as NeuroAIDS. It leads to neuronal defects clinically manifested by motor and cognitive dysfunctions. Materials/Methods: Current antiretroviral therapy can prevent viral replication but cannot cure the disease completely. HAART-Highly active antiretroviral therapy used for the treatment of HIV infection. Challenges in neuro-AIDS therapy are as shown in the graphical abstract. One of the challenges is latent viral reservoirs like the brain; which acts as a sanctuary site for viruses. Nearly ~50% of HIV patients show neuropathological signs. Nervous system related disorders including AIDS dementia, sensory neuropathy, and myelopathy have a 25% of prevalence in patients having access to a highly active combination antiretroviral therapy. Results/Conclusions: Brain is one of the viral sanctuary sites for HIV. The current need of neuro-AIDS therapy is to target the brain as a viral reservoir. Drugs should cross or bypass the blood-brain barrier to reach the brain with effective concentrations. Current research on novel drug delivery approaches may prove helpful to treat neuro-AIDS and related disorders effectively.


Author(s):  
Asfree Gwanyanya ◽  
Christie Nicole Godsmark ◽  
Roisin Kelly-Laubscher

Abstract: Ethanolamine is a bioactive molecule found in several cells, including those in the central nervous system (CNS). In the brain, ethanolamine and ethanolamine-related molecules have emerged as prodrug moieties that can promote drug movement across the blood-brain barrier. This improvement in the ability to target drugs to the brain may also mean that in the process ethanolamine concentrations in the brain are increased enough for ethanolamine to exert its own neurological ac-tions. Ethanolamine and its associated products have various positive functions ranging from cell signaling to molecular storage, and alterations in their levels have been linked to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. This mini-review focuses on the effects of ethanolamine in the CNS and highlights the possible implications of these effects for drug design.


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