Lesions of the paraventricular thalamic nucleus attenuates prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex.

The paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) is a midline nucleus with strong connections to cortical and subcortical brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, nucleus accumbens and hippocampus and receives strong projections from brain stem nuclei. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is mediated and modulated by complex cortical and subcortical networks that are yet to be fully identified in detail. Here, we suggest that the PVT may be an important brain region for the modulation of PPI.

Investigation of the role of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors on prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle reflex in rats.

Objectives: Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors target several behavioral functions. These receptors may connect with the brain pathways mediating sensorimotor gating system that associate with psychoses, and the literature that investigate the relationship between alpha-2 receptors and sensorimotor gating system is very limited and some results are controversial. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of alpha-2 receptors on prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle reflex which is a measure of sensorimotor gating.

Locomotor stimulation by acute propofol administration in rats: Role of the nitrergic system.

Background: The addictive potential of propofol has been scientifically discussed. Drugs' psychostimulant properties that can be assessed via measurements of locomotor activity are linked to their addictive properties. No studies that have investigated the effects of propofol on locomotor activity have been reported to date.

T102C polymorphism of serotonin-2A receptor gene in Turkish schizophrenia patients: Association with cognitive impairment and soft neurological signs.

Aim: Previous studies have shown an association between the T102C polymorphism of the serotonin-2A receptor gene and schizophrenia. In addition, an association of this polymorphism with clinical phenotypes in schizophrenia such as treatment response and cognitive impairment has been observed.

Materials And Methods: In this case-control study conducted in Turkish Caucasians, we compared T102C polymorphism genotype and allele frequencies in 76 schizophrenic patients and 165 healthy controls.