德国于利希研究中心神经科学与医学研究所Nicola Palomero-Gallagher研究组发现，猕猴皮层中神经递质受体存在梯度表达。这一研究成果于2023年6月19日发表在国际学术期刊《自然—神经科学》上。

在本研究中，研究人员使用体外受体放射自显影来测量猕猴皮层109个区域中14种神经递质受体类型的密度。研究人员将受体数据与解剖学、遗传学和功能连接数据整合到一个共同的皮质空间中。研究发现了每个神经元受体表达的主要梯度。这与从感觉皮层到高级认知区域的皮层层次结构一致。由血清素5-HT1A受体诱导的第二个梯度在前扣带、大脑默认模式和突出网络中达到峰值。

研究人员在人脑中发现了类似的5-HT1A表达模式。因此，猕猴可能是5-羟色胺能加工和疾病研究的理想模型。受体梯度可以在感觉皮质区域实现快速、可靠的信息处理，并在高级认知区域实现缓慢、灵活的整合。

研究人员表示，神经回路的动力学和功能取决于受体介导的相互作用。因此，需要跨皮质区域受体组织的全面图谱。

附：英文原文

Title: Gradients of neurotransmitter receptor expression in the macaque cortex

Author: Froudist-Walsh, Sean, Xu, Ting, Niu, Meiqi, Rapan, Lucija, Zhao, Ling, Margulies, Daniel S., Zilles, Karl, Wang, Xiao-Jing, Palomero-Gallagher, Nicola

Issue&Volume: 2023-06-19

Abstract: Dynamics and functions of neural circuits depend on interactions mediated by receptors. Therefore, a comprehensive map of receptor organization across cortical regions is needed. In this study, we used in vitro receptor autoradiography to measure the density of 14 neurotransmitter receptor types in 109 areas of macaque cortex. We integrated the receptor data with anatomical, genetic and functional connectivity data into a common cortical space. We uncovered a principal gradient of receptor expression per neuron. This aligns with the cortical hierarchy from sensory cortex to higher cognitive areas. A second gradient, driven by serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, peaks in the anterior cingulate, default mode and salience networks. We found a similar pattern of 5-HT1A expression in the human brain. Thus, the macaque may be a promising translational model of serotonergic processing and disorders. The receptor gradients may enable rapid, reliable information processing in sensory cortical areas and slow, flexible integration in higher cognitive areas.

DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01351-2

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-023-01351-2