Mediodorsal Thalamus and Prefrontal Cognition

Patients with schizophrenia show decreased activation of the mediodorsal thalamus but it is unclear whether this could generate cognitive deficits. This study shows that a primary decrease in the activity of the mouse mediodorsal thalamus is sufficient to induce cognitive deficits potentially by disrupting communication between the thalamus and the prefrontal cortex. For more information, see Parnaudeau et al., Neuron 77(6).