University of Tübingen

About: University of Tübingen is a education organization based out in Tübingen, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Immune system. The organization has 40555 authors who have published 84108 publications receiving 3015320 citations. The organization is also known as: Eberhard Karls University & Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen.

Relaxivity of Gadopentetate Dimeglumine (Magnevist), Gadobutrol (Gadovist), and Gadobenate Dimeglumine (MultiHance) in human blood plasma at 0.2, 1.5, and 3 Tesla.

Abstract: Objectives:We sought to determine the relaxivity and accurate relaxation rates of Gd-DTPA, Gd-BT-DO3A, and Gd-BOPTA at 0.2, 1.5, and 3 T in human blood plasma.Materials and Methods:Contrast media concentrations between 0.01 and 16 mM in human plasma were used for relaxation measurements. The R1 and

fMRI reveals amygdala activation to human faces in social phobics.

Abstract: Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the activation of the amygdala while seven social phobics and five healthy controls were exposed to slides of neutral faces as well as aversive odor stimuli. The amygdala was selectively activated in the social phobics during presentation of the face stimuli. The data show for the first time that the amygdala is active in human phobics when they are exposed to potentially fear-relevant stimuli. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which overactivation of the amygdala precedes or is a consequence of phobia.

Genome-wide association study of more than 40,000 bipolar disorder cases provides new insights into the underlying biology

Abstract: Bipolar disorder is a heritable mental illness with complex etiology. We performed a genome-wide association study of 41,917 bipolar disorder cases and 371,549 controls of European ancestry, which identified 64 associated genomic loci. Bipolar disorder risk alleles were enriched in genes in synaptic signaling pathways and brain-expressed genes, particularly those with high specificity of expression in neurons of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Significant signal enrichment was found in genes encoding targets of antipsychotics, calcium channel blockers, antiepileptics and anesthetics. Integrating expression quantitative trait locus data implicated 15 genes robustly linked to bipolar disorder via gene expression, encoding druggable targets such as HTR6, MCHR1, DCLK3 and FURIN. Analyses of bipolar disorder subtypes indicated high but imperfect genetic correlation between bipolar disorder type I and II and identified additional associated loci. Together, these results advance our understanding of the biological etiology of bipolar disorder, identify novel therapeutic leads and prioritize genes for functional follow-up studies.

Brain stem circuits mediating prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex

Abstract: Rationale: Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex occurs when brief, non-startling tactile, acoustic or visual stimuli are presented 20–500 ms before the startling stimulus. Objective: To review information about PPI-mediating brain stem circuits and transmitters, and their functions. Results: Midbrain systems are most critical for the fast relay of these PPI stimuli. Acoustic prepulses for PPI are relayed through the inferior colliculus (IC). The superior colliculus (SC) is important for acoustic PPI, and may be important for the mediation of tactile and visual prepulses. This collicular activation for PPI is quickly relayed through the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg), with lesser contributions to PPI from the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg) and substantia nigra, pars reticulata (SNR). The transient activation of midbrain nuclei by PPI stimuli is converted into long-lasting inhibition of the giant neurons of the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC). We propose that muscarinic and GABAB inhibitory receptors (both metabotropic receptors) on PnC giant neurons combine to produce the long-lasting inhibition of startle. Activation of mesopontine cholinergic neurons leads to cortical arousal, turning and exploratory approach responses. Conclusion: PPI is mediated by a circuit involving the IC, SC, PPTg, LDTg, SNR and PnC. By reducing startle, PPI allows the execution of approach responses and perceptual processing following salient stimuli.