Toxicity study in a pig model of intraperitoneal collagenase as an "enzymatic scalpel" directed to break stroma in order to generate a new perspective for peritoneal carcinomatosis approach: an experimental research.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to measure the toxicity resulting from collagenase administration to the peritoneal cavity in a pig model as a preliminary step to break down the stroma surrounding tumors. METHODS: Eight pigs were treated with 2 different collagenase concentrations previously tested in rats by our group. Time and temperature were controlled using a peritoneal lavage system (PRS System, Combat Medical Ltd.) identical to that used in human surgeries through hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC); 2 additional pigs were treated with peritoneal lavage only. Samples of blood and peritoneal fluid were collected pre-treatment, immediately after treatment, and 24 h postoperatively. In addition, histological studies and blood collagenase levels were measured. RESULTS: No complications were observed during the surgeries. Intraoperative images evidenced the release of peritoneal tissue during collagenase treatment. After surgery, the animals showed no signs of pain. Diet and mobility were normal at 4 h postoperatively, and there were no significant differences in hematologic or biochemical parameters. Quantification of MMP1 and MMP2 in all samples as measured by absorbance showed no differences in blood collagenase levels between pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 24 h postoperatively. None of the animals treated with collagenase showed peritoneal adhesions during the second surgery. Histologically, peritoneal organs and serous structures did not show any microscopic alterations associated with collagenase treatment in any group. CONCLUSION: Lavage of the peritoneal cavity with doses of up to 100,000 collagen digestion units/animal for 30 min is safe and removes connective tissue from the peritoneal cavity.

Neurofilament light chain levels in pregnant multiple sclerosis patients: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neurofilament light chain is a cytoskeletal protein of neurons. Its levels are increasingly recognized as measures of neuroaxonal damage. The aim of this study was to explore serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls during pregnancy and puerperium. METHODS: This was a prospective, longitudinal, single-center study. sNfL concentration was assessed using a highly sensitive single-molecule array during pregnancy and in puerperium, in a cohort of 39 pregnant patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (P-MS). Twenty-one healthy pregnant women (HPW) served as a control group. Eight P-MS suffered relapses during pregnancy (P-MS-R) in the first or second trimesters. RESULTS: No differences in pregnancy and delivery data were observed between P-MS and HPW. P-MS showed higher sNfL values than HPW in the first trimester, independently of the presence (P = 0.002) or not (P = 0.02) of relapses during pregnancy. However, in the third trimester, only P-MS-R showed higher sNfL values than HPW (P = 0.001). These differences extended to the puerperium, where P-MS-R showed higher sNfL values than those with no relapses during gestation (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: These data strongly suggest that sNfL levels reflect MS activity during pregnancy. Additionally, the absence of relapses during pregnancy may have a beneficial effect on neurodegeneration during puerperium.

Breastfeeding avoidance following psychological intimate partner violence during pregnancy: a cohort study and multivariate analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the experience of psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) adversely affects breastfeeding rates. DESIGN: A cohort study. SETTING: Maternities in 15 public hospitals, drawn using cluster sampling of obstetric services in Andalusia, Spain. POPULATION: A total of 779 consecutive mothers receiving antenatal care including ultrasound and giving birth during February-June 2010. METHODS: Trained midwives gathered IPV data using the Index of Spouse Abuse validated in the Spanish language (score ranges: 0-100, higher scores reflect more severe IPV; cut-off: psychological IPV = 25). Sociodemographic data including lack of kin support, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes were collected. Multivariate logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), of the relationship between psychological IPV and breastfeeding, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and obstetric complications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Breastfeeding avoidance defined as lack of breastfeeding or pumping of breast milk to feed the new baby in the immediate post-partum period. RESULTS: Response rate was 92.2%. A total of 70% (n = 545) of women initiated breastfeeding. Psychological IPV, reported by 21.0% (n = 151), increased the odds of breastfeeding avoidance (aOR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.2-3.3) adjusting for the presence of obstetric complications (aOR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.0-2.4). CONCLUSIONS: Mothers with psychological IPV avoid breastfeeding. Clinicians should be aware of the risks to infant arising from this deficiency due to IPV in pregnancy. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Psychological intimate partner violence, reported by one in five mothers in this study, on average doubles the avoidance of breastfeeding.

Replacing serum in culture medium with albumin and insulin, transferrin and selenium is the key to successful bovine embryo development in individual culture.

Individual culture of bovine embryos is usually associated with low blastocyst development. However, during preliminary experiments in our laboratory we observed high blastocyst development after individual embryo culture in a serum-free culture system. We therefore hypothesised that serum has a negative effect on embryos cultured individually whereas embryos in groups can counteract this. First, we determined whether the timing of removal of serum (during maturation or culture) had an influence on individual embryo development. The results clearly showed that removal of serum during embryo culture was the main contributing factor since high blastocyst development was observed after individual culture in synthetic oviductal fluid supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and insulin, transferrin and selenium (ITS), independent of the maturation medium. Second, we investigated whether an individual factor of the ITS supplement was essential for individual embryo development. We demonstrated that repeatable high blastocyst percentages were due to the synergistic effect of ITS. Finally, we investigated if a group-culture effect can still be observed under serum-free conditions. Group culture generated blastocysts with higher total cell numbers and less apoptosis. These data show that individual culture in serum-free conditions leads to high blastocyst development, but group culture still improves blastocyst quality.

Therapeutic effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a porcine model of abdominal sepsis.

BACKGROUND: The term sepsis refers to a complex and heterogeneous syndrome. Although great progress has been made in improving the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, it continues to have a huge impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells are a population of multipotent cells that have immunomodulatory properties, anti-apoptotic effects, and antimicrobial activity. We studied these capacities in a porcine model of peritoneal sepsis. METHODS: We infused human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) into a porcine model of peritoneal sepsis. Twenty piglets were treated with antibiotics alone (control group) or antibiotics plus peritoneal infusion of ADSCs at a concentration of 2 × 106 cells/kg or 4 × 106 cells/kg (low- and high-dose experimental groups, respectively). The animals were evaluated at different time points to determine their clinical status, biochemical and hematologic parameters, presence of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in blood and peritoneal fluid, and finally by histologic analysis of the organs of the peritoneal cavity. RESULTS: One day after sepsis induction, all animals presented peritonitis with bacterial infection as well as elevated C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, IL-1Ra, IL-6, and IL-1b. Xenogeneic ADSC infusion did not elicit an immune response, and peritoneal administration of the treatment was safe and feasible. One day after infusion, the two experimental groups showed a superior physical condition (e.g., mobility, feeding) and a significant increase of IL-10 and TGF-ß in blood and a decrease of IL-1Ra, IL-1b, and IL-6. After 7 days, all animals treated with ADSCs had better results concerning blood biomarkers, and histopathological analysis revealed a lower degree of inflammatory cell infiltration of the organs of the peritoneal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal administration of ADSCs as an adjuvant therapy for sepsis improves the outcome and diminishes the effects of peritonitis and associated organ damage by regulating the immune system and reducing intra-abdominal adhesions in a clinically relevant porcine model of abdominal sepsis.

Prevalence and European comparison of dementia in a ≥75-year-old composite population in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate dementia prevalence in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine probabilistic and geographically defined samples participated. A screening design based on the MMSE was implemented. Positively screened individuals underwent clinical evaluation. The total number of cases in Spain was estimated. Prevalence was confronted to that of other European countries. RESULTS: Five hundred and forty-six persons aged ≥75 participated, 49 had dementia (35 with Alzheimer's disease [AD], 10 with vascular dementia [VD], 4 other; 25 first diagnosed in the study). Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence and estimated nationwide cases were 7.5% (95% CI 5.4-9.7), 5.6 (95% CI 3.7-7.5) and 1.4 (95% CI 0.5-2.3), and 290,000 (95% CI 208,000-372,000), 214,000 (95% CI 141,000-288,000) and 54,000 (95% CI 20,000-88,000) for dementia, AD and VD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Dementia prevalence in Spain is comparable to other European populations, while a high number of undiagnosed cases live in the community. The potential impact of Mediterranean diet, hypertension control and decreasing vascular risk factors is discussed.

Preoperative management of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: Role of endoscopy and Helicobacter eradication.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a pandemic disease associated to severe health problems. Management is usually multimodal, but many patients eventually need surgery to reduce weight. Many guidelines recommend endoscopy prior to surgery. This study reviews a series of patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy to see whether endoscopy performance and histopathological findings influence surgery outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective series of patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy as bariatric procedure at a single institution. We have reviewed the demographic data, the associated pathologies, endoscopic findings prior to surgery, histopathological findings in the surgical resection specimen and postoperative complication rate. RESULTS: 259 patients fulfilled criteria for the study. Over 70% were women and the mean age was 46.9 (SD 9.8). Preoperative endoscopy was performed in 28.9% of the patients and biopsy only in 19.3%. Helicobacter pylori was detected in 28% of the patients undergoing endoscopy (either in the biopsy or the urease test) and eradicated before surgery in all the patients. Helicobacter pylori was present in 9.7% of the surgical resection specimens and its presence was significantly associated with the development of postoperative complications, mostly staple line leaks (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that Helicobacter infection is significantly associated with postoperative complications after sleeve gastrectomy. It is therefore important to detect its presence and eradicate it before surgery.

Effect of follicle size on hormonal status of follicular fluid, oocyte ATP content, and in vitro embryo production in prepubertal sheep.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of follicular size on estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels in intrafollicular fluid, ATP content in oocytes, and the embryo development rate in prepubertal sheep. Slaughterhouse ovaries were dissected to recover the follicles, which were classified according to the follicle diameter as <3 mm (n = 20) and ≥3 mm (n = 17). Then, follicular fluid was obtained and analyzed by radioimmunoassay to determine the E2 and P4 concentrations. Another group of ovaries was used to recover cumulus-oocyte complexes according to follicle size. In vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and embryo culture were performed using standard procedures, and ATP level was assessed at 0 and 24 h of IVM. Intrafollicular concentrations of E2 and P4 and E2:P4 ratio were higher in ≥3 mm (18.7 ± 5.9 ng/mL, 7.8 ± 1.2 ng/mL, and 3.6 ± 1.3, respectively) than <3 mm (1.8 ± 0.4 ng/mL, 2.6 ± 0.3 ng/mL and 0.9 ± 0.3, respectively) follicles. The rate of ATP increased during IVM and was higher in oocytes from ≥3 mm than <3 mm (22.4 ± 0.7 and 8.6 ± 2.2-fold change; respectively) follicles. After IVF, the blastocyst development was higher in oocytes recovered from ≥3 mm (11.1 ± 0.9%) than from <3 mm (6.5 ± 0.7%) follicles. These results indicate an improvement in the competence and development of oocytes from ≥3 mm follicles with a higher E2:P4 ratio. Thus, this ratio could be used as reference to design IVM medium and to enhance the in vitro embryo production in lambs.

Intraperitoneal collagenase as a novel therapeutic approach in an experimental model of colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis.

The usefulness of local collagenase in therapeutic approaches to solid tumors has been tested recently. In this study, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraperitoneal collagenase associated or not to mitomycin for treatment of colorectal peritoneal metastases in an experimental rat model. Using a fixed-dose procedure, we found that a dose of collagenase of 37 IU/mL administered for 15 min with a hyperthermia pump at 37.5 °C, both in isolation or associated to sequential treatment with intraperitoneal mitomycin, led to a macroscopic decrease in tumor volume as evaluated by the modified peritoneal cancer index (mPCI). Concerning the safety of the procedure, the animals showed no physiological or behavioral disorders during 8 weeks of follow-up. Local treatment for peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin with intraperitoneal collagenase has proved safe and effective in an experimental murine model. Therefore, the stroma-first approach by enzymatic breakdown of collagen from the tumor's extracellular matrix provides a new therapeutic target for colorectal peritoneal metastases.

Melanism in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) is associated with a deletion of Phenylalanine-256 in the MC1R gene.

We have characterized a deletion in the MC1R gene causing the loss of one amino acid (p.Phe256del), which is perfectly associated with melanism in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Co-segregation of the p.Phe256del with melanism was confirmed in 25 offspring born from a cross of two heterozygote birds; therefore we suggest that this mutation is responsible for the black phenotype. Interestingly, this is the first case of recessive melanism linked to MC1R.

Analysis of genetic structure of the red shrimp Aristeus antennatus from the Western Mediterranean employing two mitochondrial regions.

In this paper we addressed the phylogeographical genetic structure of the economically important red shrimp, Aristeus antennatus (Crustacea, Aristeidae) in the Western Mediterranean. Partial mitochondrial regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (514 bp) and ribosomal 16S subunit (547 bp) were sequenced in 137 individuals collected at three localities: Catalan Sea, Ligurian Sea and the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. Values of haplotypic diversity were h = 0.552-0.724, whereas those for nucleotide diversity were pi = 0.0012-0.0026. Among-sample genetic diversity was not significant and no geographical patterns in the distribution of haplotypes were apparent. Results of the present study are consistent with a past population expansion that occurred <2,000 years ago. Despite the current fishing pressure, genetic variability appears to be sufficiently high to keep A. antennatus populations stable over time. Dispersal-related life history traits may account for the shallow genetic structure. Our results are not in contrast with the hypothesis of sustainability of Western Mediterranean red shrimp fisheries predicted on the basis of previously obtained biological results.

Histopathological changes associated to an absorbable fibrin patch (Tachosil®) covering in an experimental model of high-risk colonic anastomoses.

BACKGROUND: TachoSil® is a fibrin sponge that contains fibrinogen and thrombin and is a useful adjuvant to enhance control of air leaks in thoracic surgery and to control bleeding in vascular and general surgery. Its use in intestinal surgery to prevent suture dehiscence is currently under investigation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report the results of a prospective randomized experimental study on 33 large white pigs in which a high-risk suture was created by induction of ischemia. We randomly employed TachoSil® to cover the anastomosis in half of the animals compared to a control group of uncovered anastomosis. After euthanasia, postmortem analysis was performed describing the findings related to anastomotic leakage, peritonitis and grade of adhesions. The entire anastomosis was resected in bloc and sent for histopathological analysis. A single blinded-pathologist evaluated the histopathological features of the specimens. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences favouring the patch in decreasing leakage in the covered group. The healing process did not show significant differences between groups, although a higher rate of microscopic abscess was observed in the covered group. CONCLUSION: The use of fibrin sealants covering high-risk intestinal sutures has a positive effect in avoiding macroscopic anastomotic leakage. The patch did not have any influence in the anastomotic healing process, however, as a result of the effect in containing the inflammatory response, it may increase the rate of abscess.

Pestivirus in alpine wild ruminants and sympatric livestock from the Cantabrian Mountains, Spain.

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and Border disease virus (BDV) were investigated at the wildlife-livestock interface in the distribution area of chamois in the Cantabrian Mountains, North-Western Spain. From 2010 to 2014, sera from sympatric wild (n=167) and domestic (n=272) ruminants were analysed for pestivirus antibodies by cELISA, virus neutralisation test (VNT) and for the presence of pestiviral RNA using a reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Results showed a higher seroprevalence in cattle (59.4 per cent, 13/13 of herds) than in domestic small ruminants (5.9 per cent sheep, 2/8 of flocks; 0 per cent goats of 4 flocks) and wildlife (10.8 per cent in red deer, 0 per cent in roe deer and 0 per cent in Cantabrian chamois). High VNT titres were detected in two cattle herds, suggesting the circulation of BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 strains. BVDV-1 RNA was detected in one cattle calf by RT-PCR and sequencing. Conversely to other similar grazing systems, sheep flocks did not play a relevant role in the pestivirus epidemiology in this region. Pestivirus infections in wild ruminants were sporadic and most probably dependent on a domestic source.

Organization of thalamic projections to the ventral striatum in the primate.

Although thalamic projections to the dorsal striatum are well described in primates and other species, little is known about thalamic projections to the ventral or "limbic" striatum in the primate. This study explores the organization of the thalamic projections to the ventral striatum in the primate brain by means of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) and Lucifer yellow (LY) retrograde tracer techniques. In addition, because functional and connective differences have been described for the core and shell components of the nucleus accumbens in the rat and are thought to be similar in the primate, this study also explores whether these regions of the nucleus accumbens can be distinguished by their thalamic input. Tracer injections are placed in different portions of the ventral striatum, including the medial and lateral regions of the ventral striatum; the central region of the ventral striatum, including the dorsal part of the core of the nucleus accumbens; and the shell region of the nucleus accumbens. Retrogradely labeled neurons are located mainly in the midline nuclear group (anterior and posterior paraventricular, paratenial, rhomboid, and reuniens thalamic nuclei) and in the parafascicular thalamic nucleus. Additional labeled cells are found in other portions of the intralaminar nuclear group as well as in other thalamic nuclei in the ventral, anterior, medial, lateral, and posterior thalamic nuclear groups. The distribution of labeled cells varies depending on the area of the ventral striatum injected. All regions of the ventral striatum receive strong projections from the midline thalamic nuclei and from the parafascicular nucleus. In addition, the medial region of the ventral striatum receives numerous projections from the central superior lateral nucleus, the magnocellular subdivision of the ventral anterior nucleus, and parts of the mediodorsal nucleus. After injection into the lateral region of the ventral striatum, few labeled neurons are seen scattered in nuclei of the intralaminar and ventral thalamic groups and occasional labeled cells in the mediodorsal nucleus. The central region of the ventral striatum, including the dorsal part of the core of the nucleus accumbens, receives a limited projection from the midline thalamic, predominantly from the rhomboid nucleus. It receives much smaller projections from the central medial nucleus and the ventral, anterior, and medial thalamic groups. The shell of the nucleus accumbens receives the most limited projection from the thalamus and is innervated almost exclusively by the midline thalamic nuclei and the central medial and parafascicular nuclei. The shell is distinguished from the rest of the ventral striatum in that it receives the fewest projections from the ventral, anterior, medial, and lateral thalamic nuclei.

A topographic re-evaluation of the nigrostriatal projections to the caudate nucleus in the cat with multiple retrograde tracers.

The anatomical organization of the cat nigrostriatal projections to the caudate nucleus was studied by retrograde tracer techniques. Horseradish peroxidase conjugated with wheat germ agglutinin and fluorescent retrograde tracers such as Fast Blue and Diamidino Yellow were injected concomitantly in different regions of the caudate nucleus. The distribution of single and double retrogradely labeled neurons was analysed in the substantia nigra pars compacta, substantia nigra pars lateralis, retrorubral area and adjacent ventral tegmental area. Adjacent sections processed for acetylcholinesterase were used as histochemical markers for the densocellular zone of the substantia nigra. The main findings of this study are: (1) The rostral caudate nucleus receives projections mainly from the caudal substantia nigra while the caudal caudate nucleus receives projections from all rostrocaudal levels of the substantia nigra. (2) The substantia nigra pars lateralis projects very specifically to the caudal caudate nucleus. (3) The ventral retrorubral area close to the medial lemniscus projects to all rostrocaudal levels of the caudate nucleus. (4) The rostral caudate nucleus receives projections mainly from the medial substantia nigra while more caudal sectors of the caudate nucleus receive projections from the medial and lateral substantia nigra. (5) A dorsoventral inversion of nigrostriatal projections from the medial substantia nigra pars compacta and the adjacent ventral tegmental area to the caudate nucleus was established. In contrast, we found zones within the retrorubral area projecting both to the dorsal and ventral caudate nucleus. (6) Distant injections of two different fluorescent tracers regarding both the dorsoventral and the rostrocaudal coordinates, yielded double-labeled neurons that were mainly located in the medial and caudal portions of the substantia nigra and in the ventral retrorubral area. However, the number of double-labeled neurons was higher after separated injections in the dorsoventral axis, suggesting that the collateralization to the caudate nucleus occurs mainly in the dorsoventral plane. (7) A clustering organization of nigrostriatal cells projecting to the caudate nucleus was detected mainly in the intermediate rostrocaudal part of the substantia nigra pars compacta and in the retrorubral area. The results of this comprehensive study on the cat nigrostriatal pathway to the caudate nucleus show novel findings on the anatomical organization of the nigrostriatal projections which might help the understanding of the complex architecture of nigral neurons projecting to the caudate nucleus in carnivores.

Thalamic interaction between the input and the output systems of the basal ganglia.

The striatal return through the thalamus is largely neglected in current studies dealing with basal ganglia function, and its role within this circuitry remains obscure. In this contribution the thalamus is regarded as an important place of interaction between the input and the output organization of the basal ganglia. In support of this idea, a brief overview is provided of some of the most recent findings concerning the thalamus in relation to the basal ganglia circuitry. In particular, we have focused on the thalamostriatal projections themselves, on the output of the basal ganglia to the thalamus and also on the overlapping territories between the thalamic projection of the output nuclei and the thalamostriatal neurons. These data support the existence of several thalamic feedback circuits within the basal ganglia neural system. Finally, some considerations are provided upon the functional significance of these thalamic feedback circuits in the overall organization of the basal ganglia.

Considerations on the thalamostriatal system with some functional implications.

The thalamostriatal projections are largely neglected in current reviews dealing with basal ganglia function. In the past few years, however, several studies have re-evaluated these projections and have postulated their implication in more complex tasks within the basal ganglia organization. In this review, we try to focus on the morphological and functional importance of this system in the basal ganglia of the rat, cat and monkey. Special attention is paid to the thalamus as an important place for interaction between the input and the output systems of the basal ganglia through the thalamostriatal projections. Thus, we stress on the overlapping thalamic territories between the thalamic projection of the output nuclei of the basal ganglia and the thalamostriatal neurons. Our experimental data support the existence of several thalamic feedback circuits within the basal ganglia functional design. Finally, some considerations are provided upon the functional significance of these thalamic feedback circuits in the overall organization of the basal ganglia in health and disease.

Sympathetic sprouting in dorsal root ganglia (DRG): a recent histological finding?

During the nineties it was described, as an original finding, the existence of afferent amyelinic nerve endings in animal dorsal root ganglia (DRG) caused by diverse experimental lesions. These works do not take into account the historical studies carried out by Ehrlich (1886), Ramón y Cajal (1890) and Dogiel (1885) among others. Ramón y Cajal (1899) confirmed the existence of these nerve endings naming them after their discoverer as "Dogiel's arborisations". Ramón y Cajal claims that these endings originate from fibres of sympathetic nature, something supported by later authors devoted to this topic. In any case, the same authors remarked already a possible relationship with pathological phenomena, nonetheless always referring to the frequent occasions in which the same images appeared in healthy animals. In this work we review the bibliography about the classically named "Terminal Dogiel's nests" which in modern literature have been referred to as sprouting of sympathetic axons in dorsal root ganglia likely related with sympathetically maintained pain. Furthermore, we present the finding, not described up to date, of multiple afferent amyelinic nervous endings related with the "Terminal Dogiel's nests" observed in different DRG from young adult healthy rabbits.

Overlapping territories between the thalamostriatal and nigrothalamic projections in cats.

Fluorescent tracers were injected into different regions of the caudate nucleus and HRP-WGA in the substantia nigra of the cat in order to analyse the thalamic distribution of retrogradely labelled thalamostriatal neurones and anterogradely labelled nigrothalamic terminals within the thalamus. Overlapping thalamic territories between the thalamostriatal neurones projecting to areas of the caudate nucleus and the nigrothalamic connections were observed in the rostral nuclei of the central thalamic group (ventral anterior nucleus, ventral anterior-ventral lateral complex and ventral medial nucleus) and, more restricted, in the rostral (rhomboid, paracentral, ventral lateral, dorsal mediodorsal nuclei) and caudal intralaminar nuclei (centromedian-parafascicular complex). This study provides evidence of the existence of thalamic areas in which the input and output of the basal ganglia converge.