Biomedical subjects

Fernando Reinoso Suárez

Publications and source records attributed to Fernando Reinoso Suárez.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

[The orbitofrotal cortex I: anatomy and memory procesing].

The orbitofrontal cortex has extensive tight connections with the medial temporal tobe and medial thalamic structures, which are responsible for memory processing and consolidation. What is more, this cortex is constantly activated in the memory encoding processes. This makes the orbitofrontal cortex a critical region for memory formation. This cortex is also connected with the motor and hetero- and uni- modal association sensory cortices, the limbic cortices, and subcortical structures responsible for functions related with these systems. All these facts convert the orbitofrontal cortex into a nodal region within the neural networks responsible of selecting, assembling and analyzing, based on our memory, present and pass experiences, so that we can organize and decide the most appropriate behaviour in a given situation.

Cerebral Cortex↗

PubMed2004

[The biography of a neuron].

A summary review of current concepts regarding the major events in the long life cycle (the "biography") of a typical human brain neuron, and the main cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, is provided. Once born in the embryo, neurons never undergo cell division: Their differentiated phenotype, which includes the multiple neuronal networks that each cell establishes, is the cumulative result, over years of development, if many cell-autonomous (intrinsic) and intercellular (extrinsic) signaling events that regulate gene expression. The effect of such signals is not just qualitative, but dependent on their precise timing and dosage. Moreover, most intercelullar signals are powerfully regulated by tissue spatial constraints, or by the patterned bioelectrical activity (spontaneous and/or experience-related) of the developing neuronal networks. Thus, a major part of the biological information required to build each adult neuron is coded by a myriad of temporally-, spatially- or activity-dependent signaling events that occur within the developing neuronal networks themselves over a very protracted period. These facts cast serious doubt on the biological soundness of cell-replacement strategies as substitutes for damaged adult brain neurons.

Cell Differentiation↗

PubMed2003

[Sleep, learning and memory].

As a subject, "Sleep, Learning and Memory" is quite lively. Many papers have been published on this subject in the last 20 years. However, these papers present major contradictions. This is logic because it is a complex subject and, consquently, without simple solutions. It is important to be precise, as much on a basic as on a clinical experimental level, in a large number of questions. For a correct interpretation of the data it is necessary to sustain a unified vision of human nervous system function. Today we can affirm that, for correct learning and memory processing, a normal and harmonic sleep-wakefulness cycle, including the interphase transition states, is essential. Many findings demonstrate the special and determining role of REM sleep in the mechanisms of memory consolidation.

Humans↗

PubMed2002

[Adult neurogenesis and stem cells. Functional capacity].

The ability of stem cells to give rise to new neurons in the adult central nervous system is a phenomenon that has raised many hopes. The possible doors opened by the potentiality of these cells in benefit of neurological patients are numerous. But we need more research and facts to avoid raising false expectations. There is no sound scientific proof to sustain the excitement created by embryonic stem cell therapy. In general, because this therapy is still a distant goal; in particular because the widespread degenerative processes underlying Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases make complete repair through transplant practically impossible. It is also hard to understand why research in human embryonic stem cells is being promoted when there are no previous sound results using animal embryonic stem cells. In addition, there are existing alternatives to embryonic stem cells, without ethical problems, that can obtain cells to restore damaged adult tissues, using more promising techniques with already contrasted results.

Adult↗