[Functional Link between Sensory Information and Higher Brain Function in the Thalamic Reticular Nucleus]

Cross-modal sensory interactions occur within the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), a key anatomical node in the loop circuitry connecting the thalamus and cortex. The TRN regulates sensory processing via its inhibitory projections to thalamic nuclei. Further, activation of the prefrontal cortex modulates sensory responses in TRN cell activity. The TRN may constitute a neural organization that incorporates sensory information from the environment and higher brain function (i.e., extrinsic and intrinsic factors) to incessantly switch and adjust attention and perception. Dysfunction of this integrative system is considered to underlie psychiatric disorders.