Anatomical Science International最新文献

Identifying disease-relevant and therapy-related brain regions remains a major challenge in studies using animal models of psychiatric disorders. Conventional hypothesis-driven approaches often result in limited or subjective identification of brain regions. In this study, we propose an integrative method combining unbiased whole-brain structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening and detailed histological analysis. Our methodology uses structural MRI to systematically detect volumetric changes across the entire brain, enabling the identification of target regions without relying on predefined hypotheses. Once brain regions are identified, super-resolution microscopy (SRM) is employed to determine microstructural alterations at the cellular level, focusing on neurons and glial cells within those regions. To exemplify the utility of this method, we applied it to a mouse model treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), an intervention which is known to increase hippocampal volume. Our demonstration highlights the potential of this approach to systematically search for brain regions of interest, providing valuable insights and guiding future studies toward a more focused exploration of key aspects of psychiatric disorder research, both in terms of pathophysiology and therapeutic action.

The integration of digital technologies into anatomy education continues to evolve, with virtual reality (VR) and mobile applications gaining traction in enhancing student engagement and conceptual understanding. Building upon the study by Koca and Çevik Özdemir (2025), which compares the effects of VR and tablet based tools on middle school students’ learning of cardiac anatomy, this commentary explores additional dimensions that could further enrich the educational landscape, particularly the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting instructional coherence and inclusivity. The commentary highlights a variety of AI-driven tools that have been established in the anatomy education literature, including adaptive learning platforms, large language models like ChatGPT, three-dimensional visualization environments, and digital cadaver systems such as the Anatomage Table. Moreover, the role of intelligent tutoring systems (e.g., Smart Tutor, Why2-Atlas), NLP-based platforms (e.g., IBM Watson Tutor, Ada), and AI-supported feedback systems is discussed in relation to their capacity to personalize learning experiences and enhance accessibility. Special attention is also given to pedagogical equity, addressing how AI can support students with diverse learning needs by dynamically tailoring instructional content. By synthesizing current findings and technological advancements, this commentary advocates for a more integrative approach to digital anatomy instruction, one that merges immersive technologies with responsive AI systems to foster deeper understanding, learner autonomy, and broader educational inclusion.

Cerebral microcirculation is a critical infrastructure for brain function, delivering energy substrates and clearing metabolic byproducts. Disruptions in vascular dynamics contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and cognitive impairments. Traditional blood labeling methods for fluorescence imaging, such as fluorescent dextran injection, have advanced our understanding of microcirculation but are limited for long-term imaging. In this mini review, we introduce two recently developed molecular genetic techniques, achieved by recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated plasma label expression or genomic knock-in that enable stable, long-term microcirculation imaging. These AAV-mediated methods require only a single systemic injection, facilitating longitudinal imaging of microcirculation in mouse models of disease. We discuss the fundamental design concepts of these approaches and explore their potential applications in systems biology.

In vivo functional imaging is a powerful tool for identifying the functional organization of the cerebral cortex. Flavoprotein autofluorescence imaging detects the metabolic activity of endogenous flavoprotein in neuronal tissue and thus provides an indirect measure of brain activity. As flavoprotein imaging is minimally invasive and does not require expensive equipment or reagents, it is easily combined with tract tracing methods and serves as a valuable approach for investigating functional organization of the brain. This paper provides a step-by-step protocol for flavoprotein imaging to record cortical activity in response to auditory stimuli, along with a method for injecting neuroanatomical tracers into functionally identified cortical regions. Key factors for obtaining reproducible results include stabile head fixation, a controlled dark imaging environment, maintenance of body temperature, and oxygen saturation monitoring.

Chemical fixation is essential in immunohistochemistry for detecting molecular localization. The gold-standard fixative for immunohistochemistry is 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA); however, its properties—such as tissue shrinkage and protein cross-linking through methylene bridges—often restrict antibody access, posing challenges to achieving specific binding reactions. This is particularly true for receptors and ion channels condensed in the synaptic cleft, postsynaptic density, or trigger zone of action potentials. To overcome this problem, several laboratories have attempted antigen-exposure techniques. Recently, we demonstrated that fixation by glyoxal, a dialdehyde with two carbon atoms, enables specific detection of molecular groups that are difficult to be detected in PFA-fixed tissues. Here, we summarize the advantages and precautions in the use of glyoxal fixative.

Neuroanatomy is emerging from decades of neglect, where the synthetic approach, a neuroanatomical hallmark, was too often, as an aspersion, dismissed as "descriptive." The resurgence is in part driven by new technical advances (e.g., better visualization tools; larger sample sizes), many of which are briefly described here and treated in more detail elsewhere in this Special Issue. Another factor is the over-due recognition that a seemingly "descriptive" approach can be positively compatible with synthesis, integration, and conceptual formulation. The first two sections of this brief overview highlight advances in the level of microscopic visualization and the increasing availability of large data sets ("big data"). Illustrative examples of specific applications are drawn from the literature. A last section briefly discusses how neuroanatomy might be expected to develop further as the field continues to move forward.