scholarly journals Gestational Factors throughout Fetal Neurodevelopment: The Serotonin Link

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (16) ◽  
pp. 5850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina I. Hanswijk ◽  
Marcia Spoelder ◽  
Ling Shan ◽  
Michel M. M. Verheij ◽  
Otto G. Muilwijk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Fetal Brain ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Maternal Genotype ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
And Behavior

Serotonin (5-HT) is a critical player in brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders. Fetal 5-HT levels can be influenced by several gestational factors, such as maternal genotype, diet, stress, medication, and immune activation. In this review, addressing both human and animal studies, we discuss how these gestational factors affect placental and fetal brain 5-HT levels, leading to changes in brain structure and function and behavior. We conclude that gestational factors are able to interact and thereby amplify or counteract each other’s impact on the fetal 5-HT-ergic system. We, therefore, argue that beyond the understanding of how single gestational factors affect 5-HT-ergic brain development and behavior in offspring, it is critical to elucidate the consequences of interacting factors. Moreover, we describe how each gestational factor is able to alter the 5-HT-ergic influence on the thalamocortical- and prefrontal-limbic circuitry and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical-axis. These alterations have been associated with risks to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and/or anxiety. Consequently, the manipulation of gestational factors may be used to combat pregnancy-related risks for neuropsychiatric disorders.

An Exploration of ADHD and Comorbidity With Substance Abuse and Brain Development

2021 ◽  
pp. 245-258
Author(s):  
York Williams
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Treatment Team ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
Psychodynamic Therapies

Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most commonly used drug to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children effectively and safely. However, in spite of its widespread application throughout what is considered one of the most plastic and sensitive phases of brain development in children, very little is known to date about its long-term effects on brain structure and function leading well into later adolescence and adulthood. Additionally, there is scant information available to parents, clinicians, and clients with ADD/ADHD about the influence of MPH on brain development. More importantly, recent human and animal studies suggest that MPH alters the dopaminergic system with long-term effects beyond the termination of treatment. As such, a multimodal treatment with psychodynamic therapies can assist the treatment team to support the development of the client's pro-social skills in addition to medication treatment, thus reducing full reliance on MPH as the primary treatment for ADD/ADHD.

scholarly journals Longitudinal structural and functional brain development in childhood and adolescence

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn L. Mills ◽  
Christian K. Tamnes
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Structural Development ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Methodological Considerations ◽  
And Function

The development of the human brain involves a prolonged course of maturation, enabling us to learn to navigate our complex social environments. Here, we give short introductions to post-mortem and animal studies on postnatal brain development and selected methodological considerations for longitudinal developmental neuroimaging. We then describe typical developmental changes in brain structure and function from childhood to adulthood. We focus on measurements derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and on longitudinal data. Specifically, we discuss brain structural development based on morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies, and functional development based on resting-state and task-based functional MRI. Finally, we highlight selected current overarching research questions and argue that an important step in answering these questions is to study individual differences in longitudinal brain development.

scholarly journals Longitudinal structural and functional brain development in childhood and adolescence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn L. Mills ◽  
Christian K. Tamnes
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Structural Development ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Methodological Considerations ◽  
And Function

The development of the human brain involves a prolonged course of maturation, enabling us to learn to navigate our complex social environments. Here, the authors give short introductions to post-mortem and animal studies on postnatal brain development and selected methodological considerations for longitudinal developmental neuroimaging. The authors then describe typical developmental changes in brain structure and function from childhood to adulthood. The authors focus on measurements derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and on longitudinal data. Specifically, the authors discuss brain structural development based on morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies, and functional development based on resting-state and task-based functional MRI. Finally, the authors highlight selected current overarching research questions and argue that an important step in answering these questions is to study individual differences in longitudinal brain development.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 59-94
Author(s):  
Eric Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Stimulant Medication ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Limitations ◽  
Time Treatment ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Considerable Controversy ◽  
And Function

This chapter describes the recognition and associations of the syndrome of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with special reference to the multitude of associated problems. Inattentiveness, overactivity, and impulsiveness are behaviour styles that predict later disadvantage in education, employment, physical health, substance use, mental health, and personal relationships. They very often coexist with features of oppositional disorders, anxiety, and the autism spectrum. These are considered both as differential diagnoses and as multiple morbidities needing to be recognized. Several cognitive limitations, including in executive function, can be identified by psychological testing. Genetic inheritance is a powerful influence. Neuroimaging is detecting an increasing number of changes in brain structure and function. The problems are widespread, but recognition of the syndrome varies between countries. The diagnosis is increasing in frequency over time. Treatment with stimulant medication is often helpful, but there is considerable controversy about how widely to apply it.

scholarly journals CB1 antagonism increases excitatory synaptogenesis in a cortical spheroid model of fetal brain development

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Papariello ◽  
David Taylor ◽  
Ken Soderstrom ◽  
Karen Litwa
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Spontaneous Activity ◽  
Microelectrode Array ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Fetal Brain ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Nervous System Development ◽  
Inhibitory Synapses ◽  
Fetal Brain Development

AbstractThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a complex role in the development of neural circuitry during fetal brain development. The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) controls synaptic strength at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses and thus contributes to the balance of excitatory and inhibitory signaling. Imbalances in the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory synapses have been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders associated with dysregulated central nervous system development including autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. The role of CB1 in human brain development has been difficult to study but advances in induced pluripotent stem cell technology have allowed us to model the fetal brain environment. Cortical spheroids resemble the cortex of the dorsal telencephalon during mid-fetal gestation and possess functional synapses, spontaneous activity, an astrocyte population, and pseudo-laminar organization. We first characterized the ECS using STORM microscopy and observed synaptic localization of components similar to that which is observed in the fetal brain. Next, using the CB1-selective antagonist SR141716A, we observed an increase in excitatory, and to a lesser extent, inhibitory synaptogenesis as measured by confocal image analysis. Further, CB1 antagonism increased the variability of spontaneous activity within developing neural networks, as measured by microelectrode array. Overall, we have established that cortical spheroids express ECS components and are thus a useful model for exploring endocannabinoid mediation of childhood neuropsychiatric disease.

scholarly journals Neuroplacentology in congenital heart disease: placental connections to neurodevelopmental outcomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel L. Leon ◽  
Imran N. Mir ◽  
Christina L. Herrera ◽  
Kavita Sharma ◽  
Catherine Y. Spong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Fetal Brain ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Brain Growth ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Fetal Brain Development ◽  
And Function

Abstract Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are living longer due to effective medical and surgical management. However, the majority have neurodevelopmental delays or disorders. The role of the placenta in fetal brain development is unclear and is the focus of an emerging field known as neuroplacentology. In this review, we summarize neurodevelopmental outcomes in CHD and their brain imaging correlates both in utero and postnatally. We review differences in the structure and function of the placenta in pregnancies complicated by fetal CHD and introduce the concept of a placental inefficiency phenotype that occurs in severe forms of fetal CHD, characterized by a myriad of pathologies. We propose that in CHD placental dysfunction contributes to decreased fetal cerebral oxygen delivery resulting in poor brain growth, brain abnormalities, and impaired neurodevelopment. We conclude the review with key areas for future research in neuroplacentology in the fetal CHD population, including (1) differences in structure and function of the CHD placenta, (2) modifiable and nonmodifiable factors that impact the hemodynamic balance between placental and cerebral circulations, (3) interventions to improve placental function and protect brain development in utero, and (4) the role of genetic and epigenetic influences on the placenta–heart–brain connection. Impact Neuroplacentology seeks to understand placental connections to fetal brain development. In fetuses with CHD, brain growth abnormalities begin in utero. Placental microstructure as well as perfusion and function are abnormal in fetal CHD.

scholarly journals Normative range parenting and the developing brain: a scoping review of the literature

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeline Farber ◽  
Dylan Gee ◽  
Ahmad R. Hariri
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Brain Development ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Risk And Resilience ◽  
Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact

Studies of early adversity such as trauma, abuse, and neglect highlight the critical importance of quality caregiving in brain development and mental health. However, the impact of normative range variability in caregiving on such biobehavioral processes remains poorly understood. Thus, we lack an essential foundation for understanding broader, population-representative developmental mechanisms of risk and resilience. Here, we conduct a scoping review of the extant literature centered on the question, “Is variability in normative range parenting associated with variability in brain structure and function?” After removing duplicates and screening by title, abstract, and full-text, 23 records were included in a qualitative review. The most striking outcome of this review was not only how few studies have explored associations between brain development and normative range parenting, but also how little methodological consistency exists across published studies. In light of these limitations, we propose recommendations for future research on normative range parenting and brain development. In doing so, we hope to facilitate evidence-based research that will help inform policies and practices that yield optimal developmental trajectories and mental health.

scholarly journals Towards Neurosubtypes in Autism

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seok-Jun Hong ◽  
Joshua Tzvi Vogelstein ◽  
Alessandro gozzi ◽  
Boris C. Bernhardt ◽  
B.T. Thomas Yeo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Current Data ◽  
System Level ◽  
Diagnostic Labels ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Diagnostic Samples ◽  
And Function ◽  
Substantial Heterogeneity ◽  
Selection Of

There is a general consensus that substantial heterogeneity underlies the neurobiology in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As such, it has become increasingly clear that a dissection of variation at the molecular-, cellular-, and system-level domains is a prerequisite for identifying biomarkers and developing more targeted therapeutic strategies in ASD. Advances in neuroimaging approaches to characterizing atypical brain patterns have recently motivated their application as viable tools to delineate more homogenous ASD subgroups at the level of brain structure and function - i.e., neurosubtyping. This review assesses and critically discusses the current data-driven neurosubtyping in ASD. It breaks this pursuit into key methodological steps: the selection of diagnostic samples, neuroimaging features, algorithm and validation approaches. For each step, we appraise the current literature in terms of progress, as well as remaining challenges and potential solutions. Convergence across findings is discussed and biological implications are highlighted. Although preliminary and with limited methodological overlap, results from this literature illustrate the feasibility of neurosubtyping. Across studies, there is general agreement that distinct neurosubtypes exist, but the exact number and their definitions vary depending on the specific features and approach utilized in a given study. Results also suggest the utility of subtypes in predicting symptom severity and diagnostic labels above and beyond group-average comparison designs. This review concludes with a discussion of future avenues towards a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying ASD heterogeneity.

Basic mechanisms and treatment planning/targets for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 309-317
Author(s):  
Barbara Franke ◽  
Jan K. Buitelaar
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Options ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Reward Processing ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Genetic Level ◽  
And Function ◽  
Different Levels

The mechanisms underlying ADHD are complex and can be defined at different levels. Cognitive deficits are often part of the disorder, including problems in executive functioning, reward processing, and timing deficits. Alterations have also been reported in brain structure and function in people with the disorder. ADHD is known to be a highly heritable, multifactorial disorder, in which genetic factors—often in combination with environmental factors—are risk factors for disease onset. Early research at the genetic level has implicated monoaminergic neurotransmission, following the serendipitous finding that methylphenidate, a dopamine and noradrenaline transport inhibitor, treats ADHD symptoms. The current models to explain brain malfunctioning in ADHD indeed centre around these monoamine systems. In addition to dopamine, noradrenaline, and (to a lesser extent) serotonin, also glutamate, histamine, and the nicotinic acetylcholinergic system seem to be involved in ADHD aetiology. In the coming years, genetic research is expected to uncover more of the mechanisms underlying ADHD, hopefully resulting in improved treatment options.

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