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Spindle-Shaped Neurons in the Human Posteromedial (Precuneus) Cortex
Francisco Javier Fuentealba-Villarroel1,2, Josué Renner1,3, Arlete Hilbig4
1Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience
|January 28, 2022
Summary
Researchers identified spindle-shaped neurons, similar to von Economo neurons (VENs), in the human precuneus (PC). These findings may shed light on the default mode network and general intelligence in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Brain Anatomy
- Cortical Cytoarchitecture
Background:
- The posteromedial cortex (PMC), including the precuneus (PC), is a key area for emotion, awareness, spatial cognition, and social behavior.
- Understanding the cellular composition of the PC is crucial for comprehending higher-order brain functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the morphology of elongated spindle-shaped neurons in the human anterior and central precuneus (PC).
- To investigate the potential presence and characteristics of von Economo neurons (VENs) within the PC.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an adapted "single-section" Golgi method on postmortem human brain tissue.
- Employed three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from microscopic images to analyze neuronal morphology.
- Examined neurons in cortical layer V, noting their relationship with pyramidal and layer VI cells.
Main Results:
- Identified Nissl-stained, elongated spindle-shaped neurons in layer V of the adult human anterior and central PC.
- Described the cell body, ascending/descending dendrites, and spine occurrence of these neurons.
- Observed variations including cells with straight dendritic shafts and axons emerging from the soma.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest the presence of VEN-like neurons in the human PC, contributing to integrated brain networks.
- Highlights the need for further neurochemical and transcriptomic studies of PC cytoarchitecture.
- These neurons may play a role in default mode network function, general intelligence, and neuropsychiatric disorders involving the PMC.
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