Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kaihua Jiang, Peng Xue, Yue Xu, Yang Yi, Jie Zhu, Li Ding, Aibin Zheng
Summary: The study analyzed the brain function of PNE and TD children and found significant differences in the functional connectivity between the left PVT and left NAc in PNE children compared to TD children. The findings indicate that the functional connectivity between rPVT and lNAc is more reliable in assessing the awakening ability of PNE children, potentially assisting in establishing evaluation indices for PNE.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
D. S. Engelke, X. O. Zhang, J. J. O'Malley, J. A. Fernandez-Leon, S. Li, G. J. Kirouac, M. Beierlein, F. H. Do-Monte
Summary: The study reveals that specific CRF-positive neurons in the paraventricular thalamus of rats are crucial in mediating defensive behaviors during conflicts between seeking rewards and avoiding threats. These neurons project to the nucleus accumbens, impacting food seeking and avoidance behaviors. Furthermore, the interaction between the ventromedial hypothalamus and aPVT neurons plays a key role in the modulation of defensive responses during conflicts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Tom Macpherson, Claire I. Dixon, Jonathan Robertson, Marsha M. Sindarto, Patricia H. Janak, Delia Belelli, Jeremy J. Lambert, David N. Stephens, Sarah L. King
Summary: Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in the nucleus accumbens play a crucial role in modulating behavioral responses to rewards and the effects of cocaine. Knockout or knockdown of a4 subunits of GABAARs leads to increased instrumental responding for reward-paired stimuli and attenuated potentiation of cocaine effects. These findings highlight the importance of GABAergic signaling in the nucleus accumbens in mediating the effects of cocaine.
Article
Neurosciences
Eun A. Choi, Medina Husic, E. Zayra Millan, Sophia Gilchrist, John M. Power, Philip Jean-Richard Dit Bressel, Gavan P. McNally
Summary: This study investigates the decision-making process of mice in the presence of danger and demonstrates how mice balance decision speed and safety. The researchers identify the involvement of the corticothalamic pathway in cognitive control during decision-making under conflict, showing that increased activity in the paraventricular thalamus leads to increased decision caution and longer decision times in the presence of danger.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines M. Amaral, Laura Scheffauer, Angelika B. Langeder, Alex Hofer, Rana El Rawas
Summary: The study found that social interaction reward engages CaMKII in the NAc, different from cocaine reward. Inhibiting CaMKII in the NAc can alter rats' preference towards cocaine by shifting it away from social interaction.
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Gilbert J. Kirouac
Summary: This review discusses the anatomical connections of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) in the brain anxiety network and its role in promoting anxiety-related behaviors. Experimental findings show that the PVT receives signals from the cortex and hypothalamus, and modulates defensive responses by projecting to different brain regions. The PVT also plays a key role in social avoidance in rats.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Tatiana D. Viena, Gabriela E. Rasch, Timothy A. Allen
Summary: The paraventricular nucleus (PVT) of the midline thalamus is a crucial integration site for cortico-thalamo-cortical pathways and plays a critical role in various behaviors. This study characterized the projection populations of PVT neurons that send collaterals to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and/or ventral hippocampus (vHC) in rats. The study also examined the distribution of calcium binding proteins calretinin (CR) and calbindin (CB) in relation to these projection populations. The results revealed separate populations of PVT cells that project to mPFC, vHC, and both regions, with dual projecting cells lacking expression of CR and CB. The study suggests the presence of a functional mPFC-PVT-vHC system that may support interactions between the mPFC and vHC in PVT-dependent behaviors.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Mandy Rita LeCocq, Priya Chander, Nadia Chaudhri
Summary: The involvement of the & mu;-opioid system in the reinstatement of responding evoked by alcohol-predictive cues is well-established, but its role in the delayed reinstatement is unclear. This study investigated the role of & mu;-opioid receptors (MORs) in the delayed reinstatement of an extinguished Pavlovian conditioned response. The results showed that inhibiting MORs attenuated reinstatement elicited by an alcohol cue, but not by a sucrose cue, indicating an alcohol-specific involvement. Furthermore, blocking MORs in the ventral hippocampus prevented reinstatement of alcohol cue-induced responding, highlighting the importance of MORs in this brain region.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Houri Hintiryan, Ian Bowman, David L. Johnson, Laura Korobkova, Muye Zhu, Neda Khanjani, Lin Gou, Lei Gao, Seita Yamashita, Michael S. Bienkowski, Luis Garcia, Nicholas N. Foster, Nora L. Benavidez, Monica Y. Song, Darrick Lo, Kaelan Cotter, Marlene Becerra, Sarvia Aquino, Chunru Cao, Ryan P. Cabeen, Jim Stanis, Marina Fayzullina, Sarah Ustrell, Tyler Boesen, Amanda J. Tugangui, Zheng-Gang Zhang, Bo Peng, Michael S. Fanselow, Peyman Golshani, Joel D. Hahn, Ian R. Wickersham, Giorgio A. Ascoli, Li Zhang, Hong-Wei Dong
Summary: The authors used machine-learning based computational techniques to map the connectivity of the basolateral amygdalar complex, identifying distinct domains within the anterior BLA with target-specific projection neurons and morphological features. This study provides insights into the circuitry of BLA projection neurons and their connections to behavior networks within the brain.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Matthew B. Pomrenze, Daniel F. Cardozo Pinto, Peter A. Neumann, Pierre Llorach, Jason M. Tucciarone, Wade Morishita, Neir Eshel, Boris D. Heifets, Robert C. Malenka
Summary: Social isolation plays a major role in the current opioid addiction crisis. Research shows that sociability deficits during opioid withdrawal are linked to the activation of kappa opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens. Blocking the release of dynorphin from dorsal raphe neurons prevents these deficits, while optogenetic activation of these neurons reproduces sociability decreases. Deleting KORs from serotonin neurons prevents sociability deficits, but not from NAc neurons or dopamine neurons.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Amanda G. Iglesias, Shelly B. Flagel
Summary: This review highlights the role of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) in motivated behavior, discussing its neuroanatomical and neurochemical features, as well as its connections with other brain regions. It emphasizes the importance of the PVT in encoding incentive motivational value and regulating dopamine activity.
FRONTIERS IN INTEGRATIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Sa Li, Xinwen Dong, Gilbert J. Kirouac
Summary: Neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) respond to emotionally salient events and project densely to subcortical regions known to mediate adaptive behavioral responses, with recent tracing experiments revealing two intermixed populations of neurons that project to different subcortical regions. These neurons provide collateral innervation to a common set of forebrain regions, suggesting a potential broad regulatory role in influencing responses to physiological and psychological challenges.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Matthew C. Hartmann, Kristen E. Pleil
Summary: The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) serves as a crucial circuit node in regulating behaviors across affect, motivation, stress responses, and drug-and alcohol-related behaviors. Through its connections with various brain regions, the PVT integrates and conveys information about salience and valence, influencing a diverse array of behaviors. While understudied, recent research suggests that PVT efferents play complex roles in drug and alcohol-related phenotypes.
Article
Neurosciences
Jordan A. Brown, Nicholas Petersen, Samuel W. Centanni, Allie Y. Jin, Hye Jean Yoon, Stephanie A. Cajigas, Michelle N. Bedenbaugh, Joseph R. Luchsinger, Sachin Patel, Erin S. Calipari, Richard B. Simerly, Danny G. Winder
Summary: Alpha(2a)-adrenergic receptor agonists have the potential to be therapeutics for substance use disorder due to their ability to regulate stress system engagement. However, recent findings suggest that postsynaptic alpha(2a)-ARs are necessary for stress-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. In this study, the researchers utilized FosTRAP mice to identify a population of cells in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis that are activated by the partial agonist guanfacine. They found that these cells, called Guansembles, differ from cells activated by restraint stress. Guanfacine inhibited cAMP-dependent signaling in Guansembles, while chronic restraint stress increased signaling. Additionally, the researchers found that active coping events during restraint stress and exposure to unexpected shocks were associated with Guansemble recruitment. Using viral tracing, they identified a network of regions involved in stress and homeostatic functions that project to the BNST Guansembles. Activation of Guansembles also produced alterations in behavior consistent with task-specific anxiety-like behavior. Overall, this study provides important insights into the role of alpha(2a)-AR signaling and stress in regulating drug-seeking behavior.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Travis Francis, Francesco Leri
Summary: It has been found that the modulation of memory consolidation by opiates is dependent on the way the drug is experienced. Studies on male rats showed that passive injections of heroin enhanced memory consolidation, while self-administered heroin only enhanced memory at the beginning of self-administration or after a change in schedule. Blocking the dopamine D1 receptor with SCH23390 prevented the memory modulation effects of heroin, whether it was passively administered or self-administered.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Song Xue, Feng Kong, Yiying Song, Jia Liu
Summary: This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the relationship between individual's spontaneous neural activity and social interaction anxiety in a nonclinical population. The results showed that social interaction anxiety was correlated with the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in several brain regions, and that emotional intelligence partially mediated this relationship. This study provides evidence for the neural basis of social interaction anxiety in the normal population and highlights the role of emotional intelligence in this anxiety.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Katsuyuki Yamaguchi, Takuya Yazawa
Summary: This study provides morphometric data on the development of the human medullary arcuate nucleus (AN) by examining the brains of preterm and perinatal infants. The results show that AN morphology demonstrates asymmetry and individual variability during the fetal period. The volume and neuronal number of AN increase exponentially with age, while neuronal density decreases exponentially. The AN may undergo neuron death and neuroblasts production after mid-gestation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhan Zhou, Weixin Dai, Tianxiao Liu, Min Shi, Yi Wei, Lifei Chen, Yubo Xie
Summary: Studies have shown that propofol-induced neurotoxicity is caused by disruption of mitochondrial fission and fusion, leading to an energy supply imbalance for developing neurons. Healthy mitochondria released by astrocytes can migrate to compromised neurons to mitigate propofol-induced neurotoxicity, but the exact mechanisms involved still need further clarification.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
An Chen, Song Hao, Yongpeng Han, Yang Fang, Yibei Miao
Summary: This study explores the efficacy of two forms of BCI attention training games and finds that physical games may be more effective than video games. The research also offers valuable insights for future game design from a neuroscience perspective.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lina Liu, Luran Liu, Yunting Lu, Tianyuan Zhang, Wenting Zhao
Summary: This study reveals that GDI1 serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for AD and inhibition of GDI1 can attenuate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. The findings offer new insights for the treatment of AD.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zahra Gholami, Ava Soltani Hekmat, Ali Abbasi, Kazem Javanmardi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of alamandine on allodynia in a rat model and found the presence of MrgD receptors in the vlPAG and RVM regions. Microinjection of alamandine resulted in a significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold and could be blocked by an MrgD receptor antagonist. Upregulation of MrgD receptor expression following allodynia induction suggests a potential compensatory mechanism in response to pain.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Mingliang Xu, Lei Xia, Junjie Li, Yehong Du, Zhifang Dong
Summary: This study found that DHF effectively alleviates sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in developing mice by restoring the balance between tau O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation. Therefore, DHF has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment associated with anesthetics, such as sevoflurane.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Tsubasa Mitsutake, Hisato Nakazono, Takanori Taniguchi, Hisayoshi Yoshizuka, Maiko Sakamoto
Summary: The posterior parietal cortex plays a crucial role in postural stability, and transcranial electrical stimulation of this region can modulate physical control responses. This study found that cathodal stimulation significantly decreased joint angular velocity in multiple directions, while there were no significant differences with transcranial random noise stimulation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xishuai Yang, Wei Zhang, Xueli Chang, Zuopeng Li, Runquan Du, Junhong Guo
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose rituximab (RTX) in patients with muscle-specific kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG). The results showed that low-dose RTX treatment led to significant improvements in clinical symptoms and quality of life for patients with MuSK-MG.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Jian Zhang, Shunyuan Guo, Rong Tao, Fan Wang, Yihong Xie, Huizi Wang, Lan Ding, Yuejian Shen, Xiaoli Zhou, Junli Feng, Qing Shen
Summary: This study established an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model of zebrafish induced by AlCl3 and found that marine-derived plasmalogens (Pls) could alleviate cognitive impairments of AD zebrafish by reversing athletic impairment and altering the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress, ferroptosis, synaptic dysfunction, and apoptosis.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lu Li, Jiaqi Ren, Qi Fang, Liqiang Yu, Jintao Wang
Summary: ICU-AW is a common and severe neuromuscular complication in critically ill patients. Electrophysiological examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and early prediction of the disease. This study aimed to establish and validate an ICU-AW predictive model in SIRS patients, providing a practical tool for early clinical prediction.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Ahmad Alipour, Roghayeh Mohammadi
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the separate and combined effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3) regions on pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from neuropathic pain (NP). The results showed that tDCS had the potential to induce pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from NP. The mean perceived pain intensity in the posttest was lower in the M1 stimulation group than in the F3 stimulation group. However, more trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to define clinically relevant effects.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Eduardo J. Fusse, Franciele F. Scarante, Maria A. Vicente, Mariana M. Marrubia, Flavia Turcato, Davi S. Scomparin, Melissa A. Ribeiro, Maria J. Figueiredo, Tamires A. V. Brigante, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Alline C. Campos
Summary: Repeated exposure to psychosocial stress alters the endocannabinoid system and affects brain regions associated with emotional distress. Enhancing the effects of endocannabinoids through pharmacological inhibition induces an anti-stress behavioral effect, possibly mediated by the mTOR signaling pathway.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Giulia Agostoni, Luca Bischetti, Federica Repaci, Margherita Bechi, Marco Spangaro, Irene Ceccato, Elena Cavallini, Luca Fiorentino, Francesca Martini, Jacopo Sapienza, Mariachiara Buonocore, Michele Francesco D'Incalci, Federica Cocchi, Carmelo Guglielmino, Roberto Cavallaro, Marta Bosia, Valentina Bambini
Summary: This study found a general impairment in humor comprehension in individuals with schizophrenia, with mental jokes being more difficult for both patients and controls. Humor comprehension was closely associated with the patients' overall pragmatic and linguistic profile, while the association with Theory of Mind (ToM) was minimal. Another notable finding was the increased appreciation of humor in individuals with schizophrenia, who rated jokes as funnier than controls did, regardless of whether they were correctly or incorrectly completed. The funniness ratings were not predicted by any measure, suggesting a dimension of humor untied to cognition or psychopathology.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiuping Gong, Qi Li, Yang Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that Sev targets CREBBP to inhibit ALG13 transcription, leading to hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)