Computer-assisted 3D reconstruction of the human basal forebrain complex

The basal forebrain complex (BFC) is a small but intricate structure. Its organization and function is hard to investigate using conventional methods, especially in humans. By combining new methods of research we present a comprehensive overview of this complex, in order to better understand its function in normal and diseased brains. Methods The right and left BFC of a 29-year-old male were reconstructed from gallcocyanin (Nissl) stained 440 µm-thick serial horizontal sections by using advanced computer-assisted 3D reconstruction software. Results The reconstructed components in the present case include Ch2, Ch3, Ch4am-al, Ch4i, Ch4p, juxtacommissural, Ayala's medial (subpallidal) and lateral (periputaminal) subnuclei. These components are arranged in an arch-like course mainly beneath the anterior commissure. The bilateral volume of all subnuclei was 99.06 mm3, the left side accounting for 48.05 mm3. Some of the subnuclei exhibited volume asymmetry indices varying from 28.3 to 12.9%.The volume of Ayalas' lateral or periputaminal nucleus was 9.7% higher on the right, than on the left side. Conclusions Our methodological approach promises to be highly efficient and reproducible in studying morphofunctional correlations in complex cognitive features.