Modelling the influence of thalamo-cortical projections on prefrontal activity

Altered connections between the thalamus and the prefrontal cortex are often implicated in theories concerning the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Using a model based on anatomically realistic connection patterns between thalamus and prefrontal cortex, we analyzed changes of prefrontal activity resulting from stimulation of the mediodorsal thalamus. Here we demonstrate that the specific influence of thalamo-cortical projections is smaller than the importance of intra-prefrontal connectivity in shaping prefrontal activity patterns. These results might be helpful in explaining experimentally observed hypo- and hyperactive states of prefrontal cortex in schizophrenic patients, (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.