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Brain Structure and Function: Insights from Chemical Neuroanatomy

Authors :
Luigi F. Agnati
Diego Guidolin
Chiara Cervetto
Guido Maura
Manuela Marcoli
Source :
Life, Vol 13, Iss 4, p 940 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

We present a brief historical and epistemological outline of investigations on the brain’s structure and functions. These investigations have mainly been based on the intermingling of chemical anatomy, new techniques in the field of microscopy and computer-assisted morphometric methods. This intermingling has enabled extraordinary investigations to be carried out on brain circuits, leading to the development of a new discipline: “brain connectomics”. This new approach has led to the characterization of the brain’s structure and function in physiological and pathological conditions, and to the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this context, the conceptual model of the brain as a hyper-network with a hierarchical, nested architecture, arranged in a “Russian doll” pattern, has been proposed. Our investigations focused on the main characteristics of the modes of communication between nodes at the various miniaturization levels, in order to describe the brain’s integrative actions. Special attention was paid to the nano-level, i.e., to the allosteric interactions among G protein-coupled receptors organized in receptor mosaics, as a promising field in which to obtain a new view of synaptic plasticity and to develop new, more selective drugs. The brain’s multi-level organization and the multi-faceted aspects of communication modes point to an emerging picture of the brain as a very peculiar system, in which continuous self-organization and remodeling take place under the action of external stimuli from the environment, from peripheral organs and from ongoing integrative actions.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20751729
Volume :
13
Issue :
4
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Life
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.4e0a8e7f3de49078c7e259e01a8a6a2
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/life13040940