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Yakovlev's Basolateral Limbic Circuit in Multiple Sclerosis Related Cognitive Impairment
Zafer Keser1, Arash Kamali2, Kyan Younes1
1Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX.
Summary
This study visualizes Yakovlev's limbic circuit in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Findings link this circuit to cognitive impairment (CI) in MS, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
Background:
- Paul Yakovlev described a basolateral limbic circuit involving the orbitofrontal cortex, amygdala, and thalamus.
- This circuit is crucial for subcortical cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate Yakovlev's circuit in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
- To evaluate the circuit's role in MS-related cognitive impairment (CI).
Main Methods:
- Enrolled 46 MS patients (10 cognitively intact, 36 impaired).
- Utilized the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) for cognitive assessment.
- Performed structural MRI and DTI to analyze orbitofrontothalamic (OFT) and amygdalothalamic tracts (ATTs).
Main Results:
- Significant correlations found between cognitive impairment index and DTI measures of the dorsomedial nucleus of the thalamus, left OFT, and bilateral ATTs.
- Specifically, left OFT radial diffusivity and right/left ATT fractional anisotropy were significantly associated with CI after Bonferroni correction.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully delineated Yakovlev's basolateral limbic circuit in vivo using DTI in an MS cohort.
- Established a significant role for this circuit in MS-related cognitive impairment.
- Findings may inform future neurostimulation strategies for cognitive deficits in MS.