Topic
Spindle neuron
About: Spindle neuron is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4 publications have been published within this topic receiving 413 citations.
Papers
TL;DR: Observations indicate that the spindle cells of the human cingulate cortex represent a morphological subpopulation of pyramidal neurons whose restricted distribution may be associated with functionally distinct areas.
Abstract: The human anterior cingulate cortex is distinguished by the presence of an unusual cell type, a large spindle neuron in layer Vb. This cell has been noted numerous times in the historical literature but has not been studied with modern neuroanatomic techniques. For instance, details regarding the neuronal class to which these cells belong and regarding their precise distribution along both ventrodorsal and anteroposterior axes of the cingulate gyrus are still lacking. In the present study, morphological features and the anatomic distribution of this cell type were studied using computer-assisted mapping and immunocytochemical techniques. Spindle neurons are restricted to the subfields of the anterior cingulate cortex (Brodmann's area 24), exhibiting a greater density in anterior portions of this area than in posterior portions, and tapering off in the transition zone between anterior and posterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, a majority of the spindle cells at any level is located in subarea 24b on the gyral surface. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that the neurofilament protein triple was present in a large percentage of these neurons and that they did not contain calcium-binding proteins. Injections of the carbocyanine dye DiI into the cingulum bundle revealed that these cells are projection neurons. Finally, spindle cells were consistently affected in Alzheimer's disease cases, with an overall loss of about 60%. Taken together, these observations indicate that the spindle cells of the human cingulate cortex represent a morphological subpopulation of pyramidal neurons whose restricted distribution may be associated with functionally distinct areas.
229 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors suggest that the spindle cells may relay to other parts of the brain, especially to area 10, the outcome of processing within the anterior cingulate cortex.
Abstract: In this study, two anatomical specializations of the brain in apes and humans are considered. One of these is a whole cortical area located in the frontal polar cortex (Brodmann’s area 10), and the other is a morphologically distinctive cell type, the spindle neuron of the anterior cingulate cortex. The authors suggest that the spindle cells may relay to other parts of the brain—especially to area 10, the outcome of processing within the anterior cingulate cortex. This relay conveys the motivation to act. It particularly concerns the recognition of having committed an error that leads to the initiation of adaptive responses to these adverse events so as to reduce error commission. This capacity is related to the development of self-control as an individual matures and gains social insight. Although the anterior cingulate deals with the individual’s immediate response to changing conditions, area 10 is involved in the retrieval of memories from the individual’s past experience and the capacity to plan adap...
185 citations
1 Jan 2006
TL;DR: This chapter reviews the structures and functions of the anterior cingulate cortex of humans and primates and discusses the significance of the presence of the spindle neurons in the ACC of a chimpanzee fetus, which is one of the neurotrophic factors in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS).
Abstract: The anterior cingulate cortex (Brodmann’s areas 24 and 25), which is a part of the limbic system, lies ventral and rostral to the corpus callosum. In addition to regulating autonomic and endocrine functions, the area has been shown to be involved in emotional learning, attention, error recognition, and pain. Furthermore, it is involved in vocalization, singing, and word processing, suggesting that the area is of importance to higher brain functions such as communication and language (for review, see Bush et al. 2000; Devinsky et al. 1995; Paus 2001; Posner and Rothbart 1998; Vogt et al. 1992). Recent anatomical studies have indicated that an unusual type of neuron (spindle neuron) is present in layer Vb of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) (Nimchinsky et al. 1995, 1999). The spindle neurons are characterized by large vertical fusiform morphology and a type of projection neuron. These neurons have been observed only in humans and great apes such as bonobos, common chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, whereas they are absent in gibbons as well as in New World and Old World monkeys. Furthermore, the density of the spindle neurons in layer V and the volume of the cell body have been found to vary as a function of relative brain size (encephalization) across humans and great apes. In this chapter, I review the structures and functions of the ACC of humans and primates and discuss the significance of the presence of the spindle neurons in the ACC of a chimpanzee fetus. I also discuss the relationship between spindle neurons and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is one of the neurotrophic factors in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS).
2 citations
TL;DR: This study conducted the first stereological investigation of the number of spindle neurons in autism, using the optical fractionator technique and provided the first quantitative stereological data on spindle neuron number in autism.
Related Topics (5)
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 1995 | 1 |