丘脑连结核(nucleus reuniens)是丘脑中线最大的核团。该核团传入联系广泛,而传出相对局限。在功能方面,丘脑连结核是连接内侧前额叶皮质与海马的枢纽核团,在空间学习记忆、识别记忆、恐惧记忆活动中发挥重要作用。除了这些基本的生理功能,近期研究显示,该核团与神经系统多种疾病,如精神分裂、癫痫、阿尔茨海默病、抑郁症、焦虑症也有密切的关系。本文对丘脑连结核参与这些疾病发生发展的机制进展进行综述,以期揭示脑疾病发生发展的新机制,为基础和临床研究提供新思路。

The nucleus reuniens is the largest nucleus in the midline of the thalamus, with extensive afferent inputs and relatively limited efferent outputs. Functionally, this nucleus serves as a pivotal hub connecting the medial prefrontal cortex with the hippocampus, playing significant roles in spatial learning and memory, recognition memory, and fear memory. In addition to these basic physiological functions, recent research has demonstrated the involvement of the nucleus reuniens in various neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and anxiety. This review summarizes the evidence on the role of the nucleus reuniens in the progression of these disorders, aiming to elucidate novel pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the onset and development of brain disorders, and to provide insights for both basic and clinical research.