Brainstem neurons add new element to ‘already complex’ anxiety circuitry
Precise optogenetic modulation of a medullary neuron population reveals their role in anxiety-like behaviors.
A new study published in Neuron reveals that activating a specific subset of neurons in the medulla of mice's brains can induce anxiety-like behaviors. Professor Oliver Robinson of University College London expressed surprise at the significant impact this single cell type can have on anxiety, given that anxiety is typically associated with numerous interconnected brain regions.
Study investigator Carlos Fernández-Peña of the University of Nebraska highlighted that the complexity of anxiety circuitry has only grown, with the addition of these new findings. Using advanced genetic tools INTRSECT and ConVERGD, the researchers were able to selectively target and modulate C1 neurons within the rostral ventrolateral medulla, a task made particularly challenging due to their co-mingling with A1 neurons.
Once activated, C1 neurons led to increased time spent near walls and elevated zero maze performance in the mice, indicating heightened anxiety. Moreover, the study found that silencing C1 neurons reduced stress-induced freezing behavior in the mice during looming fear tests, suggesting a crucial role in anxiety regulation. While C1 neurons project to several brain areas, their connection to the periaqueductal gray matter appears to be key in processing stress-related physiological signals and modulating emotional responses.
The researchers are now eager to explore how these C1 neurons interact with other parts of the circuit, including astrocytes, which are believed to play a role in anxiety but have not been extensively studied in this region.
Written by urgent.news from The Transmitter's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
