Update on the connectivity of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus and its position within limbic corticostriatal circuits

Abstract

The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is generating interest because evidence establishes a role for this midline thalamic nucleus in behavior. Early tracing studies demonstrated that afferent fibers from the PVT and limbic cortex converge with dopamine fibers within subcompartments of the ventral striatum. Subsequent tracing studies expanded on these observations by establishing that the PVT provides a dense projection to a continuum of striatal-like regions that include the nucleus accumbens and the extended amygdala. These findings have been complemented by recent tracing evidence examining the organization of the PVT’s efferent and afferent connections. An updated view of the organization of projection neurons in PVT is provided with a focus on the input-output relationship of these neurons. The review emphasizes recent findings demonstrating that the PVT is composed of intermixed populations of neurons with axons that collateralize to densely innervate limbic striatal regions while being reciprocally connected with limbic cortical areas that innervate the same regions of the striatum. An updated perspective of the PVT’s anatomical relationship with limbic corticostriatal circuits is presented to stimulate research on how the PVT regulates behavioral responses associated with emotion and motivation.