Dissociation and Brain Rhythms: Pitfalls and Promises

Recently, Vesuna et al. proposed a novel circuit mechanism underlying dissociative states using optogenetics and pharmacology in mice in combination with intracranial recordings and electrical stimulation in an epilepsy patient. Specifically, the authors identified a posteromedial cortical delta-rhythm that underlies states of dissociation. In the following, we would like to critically review these findings in the context of the human literature on dissociation as well as highlight the challenges in translational neuroscience to link complex behavioral phenotypes in psychiatric syndromes to circumscribed circuit mechanisms.

Publisher’s Note: CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE—A Swiss Journal for a Global Readership

In its 5th year of existence, the journal CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE [...]

Clinical and Translational Neuroscience: Time for a Change: “What’s Past Is Prologue”

The first issue of Clinical and Translational Neuroscience (CTN) (ISSN: 2514-183X) appeared in 2017 [...]

Differential Modulation of the Central and Peripheral Monoaminergic Neurochemicals by Deprenyl in Zebrafish Larvae

Zebrafish embryos and larvae are vertebrate models increasingly used in translational neuroscience research. Behavioral impairment induced by the exposure to neuroactive or neurotoxic compounds is commonly linked to changes in modulatory neurotransmitters in the brain. Although different analytical methods for determining monoaminergic neurochemicals in zebrafish larvae have been developed, these methods have been used only on whole larvae, as the dissection of the brain of hundreds of larvae is not feasible. This raises a key question: Are the changes in the monoaminergic profile of the whole larvae predictive of the changes in the brain? In this study, the levels of ten monoaminergic neurotransmitters were determined in the head, trunk, and the whole body of zebrafish larvae in a control group and in those treated for 24 h with 5 M deprenyl, a prototypic monoamine-oxidase B inhibitor, eight days post-fertilization. In control larvae, most of the monoaminergic neurochemicals were found at higher levels in the head than in the trunk. Significant changes were found in the distribution of some neurochemicals after deprenyl-treatment, with serotonin and norepinephrine increasing in both the head and the trunk, whereas dopamine, L-DOPA, and homovanillic acid levels were only modulated in the head. In fact, the highly significant increase in dopamine levels observed in the head after deprenyl-treatment was not detected in the whole-body analysis. These results indicate that the analysis of neurotransmitters in the zebrafish larvae whole-body should not be used as a general surrogate of the brain.

Threshold Concepts in Neuroscience: Identification Challenges, Educational Opportunities and Recommendations for Practice

Threshold concepts are recent, yet already established, aspects of medical education. However, they represent a new area in neuroscience education, especially given the recency of neuroscience as a field of research in its own right when compared to more established STEM disciplines. In this article, we reviewed the existing literature on threshold concepts in clinical/translational neuroscience education and argued the relevance and the importance of biomarker as a new threshold concept. Moreover, we included a set of recommendations for practice that has the potential to improve the students' experience by offering them an authentic journey and, ultimately, to build a community of practice with shared goals and an enhanced diversity, with beneficial effects at several societal levels.