Neurons Involved in Generating Anxiety After Cannabinoid Drug Exposure Identified in Mice
Working with mice, scientists have for the first time identified a set of neurons in the brain that play a role in generating anxiety after exposure to cannabinoid drugs, especially under stressful conditions. The post Neurons Involved in Generating Anxiety After Cannabinoid Drug Exposure Identified in Mice appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News .
Northwestern scientists have discovered specific neurons in the brains of mice that trigger anxiety after exposure to cannabinoid drugs like THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. The researchers exposed the mice to a predator odor, and those given the cannabinoid drug froze more often and spent less time investigating the scent.
By tracking brain activity using microscopes, the team identified somatostatin neurons in the central amygdala that were activated by the drug and drove anxious behaviors. When these neurons were silenced, the drug no longer caused anxiety. This finding could help researchers understand how cannabis affects brain function and potentially lead to strategies for reducing anxiety symptoms in people, including those with anxiety disorders.
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