VGluT3 BNST neurons transmit GABA and restrict feeding without affecting rewarding or aversive processing

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 2, 2025

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is involved in feeding, reward, aversion, and anxiety-like behavior. We identify BNST neurons defined by expression vesicular glutamate transporter 3, VGluT3. VGluT3 were localized to anteromedial BNST, molecularly distinct from accumbal neurons, co-express GABA (VGaT). Cell-type specific presynaptic processes identified arcuate (ARC) paraventricular hypothalamus (PVN), regions critical for feeding homeostatic regulation. Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology revealed that, while these VGaT, they functionally transmit both ARC PVN, with rare co-transmission ARC. Neuronal recordings showed greater calcium-dependent signaling response sucrose consumption sated compared fasted. When fasted, optogenetic stimulation decreased using several conditions but not when occurred prior access, suggesting that activation concurrent fasted state reduces feeding. during paradigms (novelty-suppressed open field, elevated zero maze) real-time place conditioning resulted no changes or reward/aversion interpret data such represent a unique cellular population within provides inhibitory input hypothalamic decrease without affecting

Language: Английский

Assessing the role of BNST GABA neurons in backward conditioned suppression

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 2, 2025

ABSTRACT Conditioned suppression is a useful paradigm for measuring learned avoidance. In most conditioned studies, forward conditioning used where cue predicts an aversive stimulus. However, backward conditioning, in which stimulus cue, provides unique insights into avoidance due to its influence on both excitation and inhibition. We trained mice consume sucrose context A, associated B few or many backwards paired cues (CS+), then tested A response the CS+. found that CS+ produced suppression, but did not. Administration of diazepam, positive allosteric modulator GABA-A receptor, prevented not Furthermore, freezing behavior was observed CS+, diazepam had no effect locomotion. next examined BNST GABA neurons potential sensitivity suppression. VGaT signaling increased licks during outside onset offset. Using designer receptors, we neuron activation, inhibition, expression. conclude dependent modulation receptors by neurons.

Language: Английский

The neurobiological basis of emotions and their connection to facial expressions in non-human mammals: insights in nonverbal communication

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: March 7, 2025

Recognizing that nonhuman animals are sentient beings has increased interest in studying their emotional state. Similar to humans, research shown some mammals can modify facial expressions by contraction/relaxation of muscles according affective From a neurophysiological perspective, emotions processed several brain structures, mainly from the limbic system, such as hypothalamus, hypophysis, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala. The converged pathways between amygdala, motor its projections nerve control movement or mimetic muscles. Thus, expression is suggested reflect internal state could serve an essential mode nonverbal communication mammals. In Facial Action Coding System (FACS) method objectively analyzes movements using anatomical base. veterinary medicine, AnimalFACS adaptation this system eight animal species, including domestic (dogs, cats, horses) primates (chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, macaques, common marmosets). Considering these coded movements, current aims associate certain with animals’ states contexts. review discuss recent findings associated neurobiology non-human mammals, understand communication. Characterizing each different contexts might help identify if expressing positive negative response event, which improve human-animal

Language: Английский