Identify the paraventricular thalamic nucleus in humans using a structural connectivity approach

We attempted to identify the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT), which is known to regulate emotion, motivation, stress, and drug- and alcohol-related behaviors in humans. We used data-driven connectivity profiles obtained using probabilistic tractography and a k-means clustering method with diffusion-weighted imaging data. We consistently identified an anatomical connectivity-based parcellation of the PVT in two independent cohorts that included 601 healthy subjects. Furthermore, we discerned the specific structural pattern of the PVT, which agreed with findings from animal studies. Finally, we noted significant correlations between PVT structural and functional connectivity with the limbic structures and drug-, nicotine-, or alcohol-related scores.