Neurobiology of Tourette's syndrome: concepts of neuroanatomic localization and neurochemical abnormalities.
Despite a preponderance of evidence suggesting an organic rather than psychogenic origin for Tourette syndrome, the precise neurobiological abnormality remains speculative. Neuroanatomically, there is expanding confirmation that cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical pathways represent the site of origin for tics and accompanying neuropsychiatric problems. Pathophysiological hypothesis are generally defined based on involvement of (1) a specific anatomical site (striato-thalamic circuits, striatal compartments), (2) physiologic abnormality (excess thalamic excitation, impaired intracortical inhibition), or (3) involvement of a specific neurotransmitter or synaptic component. This review provides information essential for understanding current and future proposals pertaining to the neurobiology of this intriguing disorder.
Singer
Harvey S
HS
Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. hsinger@jhmi.edu
Minzer
Karen
K
D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003342:Corpus Striatum / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology; D013788:Thalamus / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005879:Tourette Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents