Computer-assisted 3D reconstruction of the human basal forebrain complex

Abstract The basal forebrain complex (BFC) is a small but intricate structure. Its organization and function is hard to investigate using conventional methods, especially in humans. By combining new methods of research we present a comprehensive overview of this complex, in order to better understand its function in normal and diseased brains. Methods: The right and left BFC of a 29-year-old male were reconstructed from gallcocyanin (Nissl) stained 440 mm-thick serial horizontal sections by using advanced computer-assisted 3D reconstruction software. Results: The reconstructed components in the present case include Ch2, Ch3, Ch4am-al, Ch4i, Ch4p, juxtacommissural, Ayala's medial (subpallidal) and lateral (periputaminal) subnuclei. These components are arranged in an arch-like course mainly beneath the anterior commissure. The bilateral volume of all subnuclei was 99.06 mm³, the left side accounting for 48.05 mm³. Some of the subnuclei exhibited volume asymmetry indices varying from 28.3 to 12.9%.The volume of Ayalas' lateral or periputaminal nucleus was 9.7% higher on the right, than on the left side. Conclusions: Our methodological approach promises to be highly efficient and reproducible in studying morphofunctional correlations in complex cognitive features

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Grinberg,Lea Tenenholz, Heinsen,Helmut
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurologia Cognitiva e Envelhecimento 2007
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1980-57642007000200140
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