The midline and intralaminar thalamic nuclei occupy critical positions in regulating neuronal activity and information processing in cortical, striatal, amygdala, and midbrain circuits. Historically, these regions have been viewed as making non-specific contributions to stress and arousal, but recent evidence has shown these thalamic regions may be explicitly involved in learning, memory, energy balance, feeding, and drug taking. In addition, there is evidence that thalamic pathology contributes to the abnormal neural activity characteristic of Parkinson's disease. The proposed Research Topic focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and functions of midline and intralaminar thalamic nuclei and their contributions to these important functions and disease states. We welcome submissions (original research; perspectives; reviews) from colleagues interested in furthering our understanding of this brain region.
The midline and intralaminar thalamic nuclei occupy critical positions in regulating neuronal activity and information processing in cortical, striatal, amygdala, and midbrain circuits. Historically, these regions have been viewed as making non-specific contributions to stress and arousal, but recent evidence has shown these thalamic regions may be explicitly involved in learning, memory, energy balance, feeding, and drug taking. In addition, there is evidence that thalamic pathology contributes to the abnormal neural activity characteristic of Parkinson's disease. The proposed Research Topic focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and functions of midline and intralaminar thalamic nuclei and their contributions to these important functions and disease states. We welcome submissions (original research; perspectives; reviews) from colleagues interested in furthering our understanding of this brain region.