1,721,177 research outputs found
Central Pattern Generators and Their Significance for the Foetal Motor Function
No full textAuch wenn die Existenz der Central Pattern Generators (CPGs) schon seit Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts bekannt ist, ist man noch immer weit davon entfernt, die präzise Funktion dieser faszinierenden neuronalen Netzwerke zu verstehen. CPGs generieren endogen – in der Abwesenheit oszillatorischer Inputs – rhythmische Bewegungsmuster. Einige CPGs sind kontinuierlich aktiv, wie zum Beispiel der CPG für den Atemrhythmus; andere CPGs (wie jene für Lokomotion oder rhythmische Aktivitäten der Nahrungsaufnahme) müssen erst neuronal und/oder hormonell getriggert werden. Damit rhythmisches Verhalten an die Umgebungsbedingungen angepasst werden kann, bedarf es modulierender Inputs von supraspinalen Strukturen und der Peripherie. In der frühesten Entwicklung erzeugen die noch unreifen CPGs spontane embryonale/fötale Bewegungen, die ihrerseits die Reifung der sich entwickelnden Strukturen gewährleisten. Die Beurteilung früher fötaler und neonataler Bewegungen ist von klinischer Relevanz, da Hirnläsionen den modulierenden Input auf den CPG reduzieren. Die daraus resultierende Monotonie der Bewegungen ist ein zuverlässiges Zeichen neurologischer Beeinträchtigung.Although evidence for the existence of endogenously generated motor activity goes back to experiments conducted more than a century ago, a lot remains to be learnt about the fascinating network that is the central pattern generator (CPG). CPGs are neuronal circuits that can produce rhythmic motor patterns in the absence of oscillatory input. Some CPGs operate continuously (e. g., breathing movements); others are activated to perform specific behavioural tasks (e. g., locomotion). In order to lend flexibility to the motor output, supraspinal projections activate, inhibit, and, most of all, modulate the CPG activity, as does the sensory feedback. Embryonic and foetal motor patterns have all the characteristics of being endogenously generated. At no other stage of development is the neural structure so closely related to its own function. It only takes a few neurons to generate basic movements, which are, in turn, necessary for further development of the structure. Apart from the general interest in the evolution of early motor activity, the observation and assessment of spontaneous foetal and neonatal motility has also clinical implications, since a reduced CPG modulation results in less variable movements and indicates foetal or neonatal compromise
The enigma of regression in neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders: What have we learned?
No full text
Struktur und Funktion – Frühkindliche Entwicklung und Früherkennung von Entwicklungsstörungen
No full textRegression in Rett syndrome: Developmental pathways to its onset
No full textRett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked genetic disorder that occurs predominantly in females. The clinical picture associated with RTT is defined by core and supportive consensus criteria, with a period of behavioural regression being a conditio sine qua non. This review sheds light on atypical neurofunctions and potential behavioural biomarkers before the onset of regression. The main focus lies on (a) motor development, especially on purposeful hand movements and the occurrence of stereotypies; and (b) speech-language and socio-communicative development. We outline potentially specific atypical behavioural patterns in these domains (e.g., vocalisations on inspiratory airstream) and different developmental traits of regression: (i) non-achievement of certain milestones: ‘regression’, here, might point to the fact that the lack of respective behavioural patterns appeared more and more worrisome with increasing age; and (ii) developmental milestones were achieved and functions deteriorate or even get lost during regression. To conclude, we are not quite there yet, but seem to be on the right track towards defining new and reliable neurofunctional markers for early detection of RTT
The unseen richness of the beginning
No full texthttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001659 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaf
Die Bedeutung fötaler und neonataler Motorik für die kindliche Entwicklung und die Früherkennung von Entwicklungsstörungen
No full text50 years of Rett syndrome, 1966-2016 : From parents to clinicians to scientists, and for parents, clinicians, and scientist
No full text1563-258
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