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Ricci A, Rubino E, Serra GP, Wallén-Mackenzie Å. Concerning neuromodulation as treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorder: Insights gained from selective targeting of the subthalamic nucleus, para-subthalamic nucleus and zona incerta in rodents. Neuropharmacology 2024; 256:110003. [PMID: 38789078 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Neuromodulation such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) is advancing as a clinical intervention in several neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, dystonia, tremor, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for which DBS is already applied to alleviate severely afflicted individuals of symptoms. Tourette syndrome and drug addiction are two additional disorders for which DBS is in trial or proposed as treatment. However, some major remaining obstacles prevent this intervention from reaching its full therapeutic potential. Side-effects have been reported, and not all DBS-treated individuals are relieved of their symptoms. One major target area for DBS electrodes is the subthalamic nucleus (STN) which plays important roles in motor, affective and associative functions, with impact on for example movement, motivation, impulsivity, compulsivity, as well as both reward and aversion. The multifunctionality of the STN is complex. Decoding the anatomical-functional organization of the STN could enhance strategic targeting in human patients. The STN is located in close proximity to zona incerta (ZI) and the para-subthalamic nucleus (pSTN). Together, the STN, pSTN and ZI form a highly heterogeneous and clinically important brain area. Rodent-based experimental studies, including opto- and chemogenetics as well as viral-genetic tract tracings, provide unique insight into complex neuronal circuitries and their impact on behavior with high spatial and temporal precision. This research field has advanced tremendously over the past few years. Here, we provide an inclusive review of current literature in the pre-clinical research fields centered around STN, pSTN and ZI in laboratory mice and rats; the three highly heterogeneous and enigmatic structures brought together in the context of relevance for treatment strategies. Specific emphasis is placed on methods of manipulation and behavioral impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Ricci
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 756 32 Uppsala, Sweden; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Eleonora Rubino
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 756 32 Uppsala, Sweden; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Gian Pietro Serra
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 756 32 Uppsala, Sweden; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Åsa Wallén-Mackenzie
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 756 32 Uppsala, Sweden; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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2
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Ghanbari A, Ghasemi S, Khaleghian A. Effects of swimming exercise on neuropathic pain in a rat model: role of glutamate. Neurol Res 2024; 46:330-338. [PMID: 38323336 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2024.2313901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pain-reducing effects of the exercise were exerted through different mechanisms. Knowing more clear mechanisms helps to find more approach that is therapeutic. The objective of the present study is the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glutamate level alteration in neuropathic pain rats and whether physical activity could modulate it. METHODS In the present study 104 male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (Sham, Sham + Exe, Neuropathy, and Neuropathy + Exe) which in turn each group subdivided into 4 groups according to time points for behavioral testing and CSF sampling (Baseline, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks). To induction of neuropathy (by chronic constriction injury,), after anesthetizing with a mixture of ketamine (80 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg), the animal's right sciatic nerve was exposed and was ligated using four movable catgut chromic suture 4/0. The exercise protocol included 25 min of daily swimming, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical tactile threshold were detected using the plantar test and Von Frey filaments, respectively. CSF glutamate level was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS Findings indicated that mechanical and thermal thresholds significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 respectively) decreased in the neuropathy group against that in sham groups. On the other hand, exercise significantly increased mechanical tactile threshold (p < 0.0012) and thermal threshold (p < 0.05) compared to the neuropathy group. Moreover, CSF glutamate level prominently (p < 0.01) was increased in the neuropathy group compared to the sham group, and swimming exercise significantly (p < 0.001) reduced it. IN CONCLUSION The present findings provide new evidence showing that medium-intensity swimming exercise attenuates pain-like behaviors in neuropathic pain animals, which is possibly due to decreasing CSF glutamate level and its neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ghanbari
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Sahar Ghasemi
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Khaleghian
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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3
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Reis FMCV, Maesta-Pereira S, Ollivier M, Schuette PJ, Sethi E, Miranda BA, Iniguez E, Chakerian M, Vaughn E, Sehgal M, Nguyen DCT, Yuan FTH, Torossian A, Ikebara JM, Kihara AH, Silva AJ, Kao JC, Khakh BS, Adhikari A. Control of feeding by a bottom-up midbrain-subthalamic pathway. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2111. [PMID: 38454000 PMCID: PMC10920831 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46430-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Investigative exploration and foraging leading to food consumption have vital importance, but are not well-understood. Since GABAergic inputs to the lateral and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (l/vlPAG) control such behaviors, we dissected the role of vgat-expressing GABAergic l/vlPAG cells in exploration, foraging and hunting. Here, we show that in mice vgat l/vlPAG cells encode approach to food and consumption of both live prey and non-prey foods. The activity of these cells is necessary and sufficient for inducing food-seeking leading to subsequent consumption. Activation of vgat l/vlPAG cells produces exploratory foraging and compulsive eating without altering defensive behaviors. Moreover, l/vlPAG vgat cells are bidirectionally interconnected to several feeding, exploration and investigation nodes, including the zona incerta. Remarkably, the vgat l/vlPAG projection to the zona incerta bidirectionally controls approach towards food leading to consumption. These data indicate the PAG is not only a final downstream target of top-down exploration and foraging-related inputs, but that it also influences these behaviors through a bottom-up pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando M C V Reis
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Sandra Maesta-Pereira
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Matthias Ollivier
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Peter J Schuette
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ekayana Sethi
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Blake A Miranda
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Emily Iniguez
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Meghmik Chakerian
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Eric Vaughn
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Megha Sehgal
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Darren C T Nguyen
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Faith T H Yuan
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Anita Torossian
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Juliane M Ikebara
- Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, 09606-070, Brazil
| | - Alexandre H Kihara
- Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, 09606-070, Brazil
| | - Alcino J Silva
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jonathan C Kao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Avishek Adhikari
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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4
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Arena G, Londei F, Ceccarelli F, Ferrucci L, Borra E, Genovesio A. Disentangling the identity of the zona incerta: a review of the known connections and latest implications. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 93:102140. [PMID: 38008404 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The zona incerta (ZI) is a subthalamic region composed by loosely packed neurochemically mixed neurons, juxtaposed to the main ascending and descending bundles. The extreme neurochemical diversity that characterizes this area, together with the diffuseness of its connections with the entire neuraxis and its hard-to-reach positioning in the brain caused the ZI to keep its halo of mystery for over a century. However, in the last decades, a rich albeit fragmentary body of knowledge regarding both the incertal anatomical connections and functional implications has been built mostly based on rodent studies and its lack of cohesion makes difficult to depict an integrated, exhaustive picture regarding the ZI and its roles. This review aims to provide a unified resource that summarizes the current knowledge regarding the anatomical profile of interactions of the ZI in rodents and non-human primates and the functional significance of its connections, highlighting the aspects still unbeknown to research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Arena
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; PhD program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Londei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; PhD program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ceccarelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ferrucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Borra
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Unit, Italy
| | - Aldo Genovesio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Condon LF, Yu Y, Park S, Cao F, Pauli JL, Nelson TS, Palmiter RD. Parabrachial Calca neurons drive nociplasticity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.26.564223. [PMID: 37961621 PMCID: PMC10634894 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.26.564223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Pain that persists beyond the time required for tissue healing and pain that arises in the absence of tissue injury are poorly understood phenomena mediated by plasticity within the central nervous system. The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) is a hub that relays aversive sensory information and appears to play a role in nociplasticity. Here, by preventing PBN Calca neurons from releasing neurotransmitter or directly stimulating them we demonstrate that activation of Calca neurons is both necessary for the manifestation of chronic pain after nerve ligation and is sufficient to drive nociplasticity in wild-type mice. Aversive stimuli such as exposure to nitroglycerin, cisplatin, or LiCl can drive nociplasticity in a Calca-neuron-dependent manner. Calcium fluorescence imaging reveals that nitroglycerin activates PBN Calca neurons and potentiates their responses to mechanical stimulation. The activity and excitability of Calca neurons increased for several days after aversive events, but prolonged nociplasticity likely occurs in downstream circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan F Condon
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ying Yu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sekun Park
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Feng Cao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jordan L Pauli
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tyler S Nelson
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, NY 10010, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Lead Contact
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6
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Ramawad HA, Paridari P, Jabermoradi S, Gharin P, Toloui A, Safari S, Yousefifard M. Muscimol as a treatment for nerve injury-related neuropathic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies. Korean J Pain 2023; 36:425-440. [PMID: 37732408 PMCID: PMC10551397 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.23161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background : Muscimol's quick onset and GABAergic properties make it a promising candidate for the treatment of pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies aimed at summarizing the evidence regarding the efficacy of muscimol administration in the amelioration of nerve injury-related neuropathic pain. Methods : Two independent researchers performed the screening process in Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science extracting data were extracted into a checklist designed according to the PRISMA guideline. A standardized mean difference (SMD [95% confidence interval]) was calculated for each. To assess the heterogeneity between studies, I2 and chi-square tests were utilized. In the case of heterogeneity, meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the potential source. Results : Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Pooled data analysis showed that the administration of muscimol during the peak effect causes a significant reduction in mechanical allodynia (SMD = 1.78 [1.45-2.11]; P < 0.0001; I2 = 72.70%), mechanical hyperalgesia (SMD = 1.62 [1.28-1.96]; P < 0.0001; I2 = 40.66%), and thermal hyperalgesia (SMD = 2.59 [1.79-3.39]; P < 0.0001; I2 = 80.33%). This significant amendment of pain was observed at a declining rate from 15 minutes to at least 180 minutes post-treatment in mechanical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia, and up to 30 minutes in thermal hyperalgesia (P < 0 .0001). Conclusions : Muscimol is effective in the amelioration of mechanical allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia, and thermal hyperalgesia, exerting its analgesic effects 15 minutes after administration for up to at least 3 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamzah Adel Ramawad
- Department of Emergency Medicine, NYC Health + Hospitals, Coney Island, NY, USA
| | - Parsa Paridari
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Jabermoradi
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pantea Gharin
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirmohammad Toloui
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Safari
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Yousefifard
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Asgharpour-Masouleh N, Rezayof A, Alijanpour S, Delphi L. Pharmacological activation of mediodorsal thalamic GABA-A receptors modulates morphine/cetirizine-induced changes in the prefrontal cortical GFAP expression in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Behav Brain Res 2023; 438:114213. [PMID: 36372242 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the involvement of mediodorsal thalamic (MD) GABA-A receptors in cetirizine/morphine-induced anti-allodynia using a rat model of neuropathic pain. To assess the importance of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) for chronic pain processing, its expression level changes of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were measured following drug treatments. Each animal was subjected to chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve surgery simultaneously with the MD cannulation under stereotaxic surgery. The results showed that the administration of morphine (3-5 mg/kg) or cetirizine (1-3 mg/kg) produced significant analgesia in neuropathic rats. Systemic administration of cetirizine (2.5 and 3 mg/kg) potentiated the analgesic response to a low and intolerance dose of morphine (3 mg/kg). Intra-MD microinjection of muscimol, a selective GABA-A receptor agonist (0.005-0.01 μg/rat), increased the cetirizine/morphine-induced anti-allodynia, while muscimol by itself did not affect neuropathic pain. The neuropathic pain was associated with the increased PFC expression level of GFAP, suggesting the impact of chronic pain on PFC glial management. Interestingly, the anti-allodynia was associated with a decrease in the PFC expression level of GFAP under the drugs' co-administration. Thus, cetirizine has a significant potentiating effect on morphine response in neuropathic pain via interacting with the MD GABA-A receptors. It seems that neuropathic pain affects the prefrontal cortex GFAP signaling pathway. In clinical studies, these findings can be considered to create a combination therapy with low doses of GABA-A receptor agonist plus cetirizine and morphine to manage neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sakineh Alijanpour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran
| | - Ladan Delphi
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Wu FL, Chen SH, Li JN, Zhao LJ, Wu XM, Hong J, Zhu KH, Sun HX, Shi SJ, Mao E, Zang WD, Cao J, Kou ZZ, Li YQ. Projections from the Rostral Zona Incerta to the Thalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Mediate Nociceptive Neurotransmission in Mice. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020226. [PMID: 36837844 PMCID: PMC9966812 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Zona incerta (ZI) is an integrative subthalamic region in nociceptive neurotransmission. Previous studies demonstrated that the rostral ZI (ZIR) is an important gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) source to the thalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVT), but whether the ZIR-PVT pathway participates in nociceptive modulation is still unclear. Therefore, our investigation utilized anatomical tracing, fiber photometry, chemogenetic, optogenetic and local pharmacological approaches to investigate the roles of the ZIRGABA+-PVT pathway in nociceptive neurotransmission in mice. We found that projections from the GABAergic neurons in ZIR to PVT were involved in nociceptive neurotransmission. Furthermore, chemogenetic and optogenetic activation of the ZIRGABA+-PVT pathway alleviates pain, whereas inhibiting the activities of the ZIRGABA+-PVT circuit induces mechanical hypersensitivity and partial heat hyperalgesia. Importantly, in vivo pharmacology combined with optogenetics revealed that the GABA-A receptor (GABAAR) is crucial for GABAergic inhibition from ZIR to PVT. Our data suggest that the ZIRGABA+-PVT pathway acts through GABAAR-expressing glutamatergic neurons in PVT mediates nociceptive neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ling Wu
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Preclinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Si-Hai Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Preclinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Jia-Ni Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Liu-Jie Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Preclinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Xue-Mei Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jie Hong
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, Baotou Medical College Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014040, China
| | - Ke-Hua Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Han-Xue Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Su-Juan Shi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - E Mao
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zang
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Preclinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Preclinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Kou
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.K.); (Y.-Q.L.); Tel.: +86-29-8477-2706; Fax: +86-29-8328-3229 (Y.-Q.L.)
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Preclinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710038, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research and Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.K.); (Y.-Q.L.); Tel.: +86-29-8477-2706; Fax: +86-29-8328-3229 (Y.-Q.L.)
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9
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Gan Z, Gangadharan V, Liu S, Körber C, Tan LL, Li H, Oswald MJ, Kang J, Martin-Cortecero J, Männich D, Groh A, Kuner T, Wieland S, Kuner R. Layer-specific pain relief pathways originating from primary motor cortex. Science 2022; 378:1336-1343. [PMID: 36548429 DOI: 10.1126/science.add4391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The primary motor cortex (M1) is involved in the control of voluntary movements and is extensively mapped in this capacity. Although the M1 is implicated in modulation of pain, the underlying circuitry and causal underpinnings remain elusive. We unexpectedly unraveled a connection from the M1 to the nucleus accumbens reward circuitry through a M1 layer 6-mediodorsal thalamus pathway, which specifically suppresses negative emotional valence and associated coping behaviors in neuropathic pain. By contrast, layer 5 M1 neurons connect with specific cell populations in zona incerta and periaqueductal gray to suppress sensory hypersensitivity without altering pain affect. Thus, the M1 employs distinct, layer-specific pathways to attune sensory and aversive-emotional components of neuropathic pain, which can be exploited for purposes of pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Gan
- Pharmacology Institute, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vijayan Gangadharan
- Pharmacology Institute, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sheng Liu
- Pharmacology Institute, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Körber
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Linette Liqi Tan
- Pharmacology Institute, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Han Li
- Pharmacology Institute, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manfred Josef Oswald
- Pharmacology Institute, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Juhyun Kang
- Pharmacology Institute, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jesus Martin-Cortecero
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Deepitha Männich
- Pharmacology Institute, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Groh
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wieland
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty Heidelberg and University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rohini Kuner
- Pharmacology Institute, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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The caudal prethalamus: Inhibitory switchboard for behavioral control? Neuron 2022; 110:2728-2742. [PMID: 36076337 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Prethalamic nuclei in the mammalian brain include the zona incerta, the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, and the intergeniculate leaflet, which provide long-range inhibition to many targets in the midbrain, hindbrain, and thalamus. These nuclei in the caudal prethalamus can integrate sensory and non-sensory information, and together they exert powerful inhibitory control over a wide range of brain functions and behaviors that encompass most aspects of the behavioral repertoire of mammals, including sleep, circadian rhythms, feeding, drinking, predator avoidance, and exploration. In this perspective, we highlight the evidence for this wide-ranging control and lay out the hypothesis that one role of caudal prethalamic nuclei may be that of a behavioral switchboard that-depending on the sensory input, the behavioral context, and the state of the animal-can promote a behavioral strategy and suppress alternative, competing behaviors by modulating inhibitory drive onto diverse target areas.
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11
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Yang Y, Jiang T, Jia X, Yuan J, Li X, Gong H. Whole-Brain Connectome of GABAergic Neurons in the Mouse Zona Incerta. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1315-1329. [PMID: 35984621 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00930-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The zona incerta (ZI) is involved in various functions and may serve as an integrative node of the circuits for global behavioral modulation. However, the long-range connectivity of different sectors in the mouse ZI has not been comprehensively mapped. Here, we obtained whole-brain images of the input and output connections via fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography and viral tracing. The principal regions in the input-output circuits of ZI GABAergic neurons were topologically organized. The 3D distribution of cortical inputs showed rostro-caudal correspondence with different ZI sectors, while the projection fibers from ZI sectors were longitudinally organized in the superior colliculus. Clustering results show that the medial and lateral ZI are two different major functional compartments, and they can be further divided into more subdomains based on projection and input connectivity. This study provides a comprehensive anatomical foundation for understanding how the ZI is involved in integrating different information, conveying motivational states, and modulating global behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Research Unit of Multimodal Cross Scale Neural Signal Detection and Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xueyan Jia
- Research Unit of Multimodal Cross Scale Neural Signal Detection and Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.,Research Unit of Multimodal Cross Scale Neural Signal Detection and Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xiangning Li
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China. .,Research Unit of Multimodal Cross Scale Neural Signal Detection and Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Hui Gong
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China. .,Research Unit of Multimodal Cross Scale Neural Signal Detection and Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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12
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Farzinpour Z, Liu A, Cao P, Mao Y, Zhang Z, Jin Y. Microglial Engulfment of Spines in the Ventral Zona Incerta Regulates Anxiety-Like Behaviors in a Mouse Model of Acute Pain. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:898346. [PMID: 35910255 PMCID: PMC9337222 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.898346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although activation of microglial cells is critical in developing brain disorders, their role in anxiety-like behaviors in pain is still vague. This study indicates that alteration of microglia’s neuronal spine engulfment capacity in ventral zona incerta (ZIV) leads to significant pain and anxiety-like behaviors in mice 1-day post-injection of Complete Freud’s Adjuvant (CFA1D). Performing whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in GABAergic neurons in the ZIV (ZIVGABA) in brain slices, we observed decreased activity in ZIvGABA and reduced frequency of the miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in ZIVGABA of CFA1D mice compared with the saline1D mice. Besides, chemogenetic activation of ZIVGABA significantly relieved pain and anxiety-like behaviors in CFA1D mice. Conversely, in naïve mice, chemogenetic inhibition of ZIVGABA induced pain and anxiety-like behaviors. Interestingly, we found changes in the density and morphology of ZIVMicroglia and increased microglial engulfment of spines in ZIV of CFA1D mice. Furthermore, pain sensitization and anxiety-like behaviors were reversed when the ZIVMicroglia of CFA1D-treated mice were chemically inhibited by intra-ZIV minocycline injection, accompanied by the recovery of decreased ZIVGABA excitability. Conclusively, our results provide novel insights that dysregulation of microglial engulfment capacity encodes maladaptation of ZIVGABA, thus promoting the development of anxiety-like behaviors in acute pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Farzinpour
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - An Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi Zhang,
| | - Yan Jin
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Yan Jin,
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13
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Li J, Bai Y, Liang Y, Zhang Y, Zhao Q, Ge J, Li D, Zhu Y, Cai G, Tao H, Wu S, Huang J. Parvalbumin Neurons in Zona Incerta Regulate Itch in Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:843754. [PMID: 35299695 PMCID: PMC8920991 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.843754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain and itch are intricately entangled at both circuitry and behavioral levels. Emerging evidence indicates that parvalbumin (PV)-expressing neurons in zona incerta (ZI) are critical for promoting nocifensive behaviors. However, the role of these neurons in itch modulation remains elusive. Herein, by combining FOS immunostaining, fiber photometry, and chemogenetic manipulation, we reveal that ZI PV neurons act as an endogenous negative diencephalic modulator for itch processing. Morphological data showed that both histamine and chloroquine stimuli induced FOS expression in ZI PV neurons. The activation of these neurons was further supported by the increased calcium signal upon scratching behavior evoked by acute itch. Behavioral data further indicated that chemogenetic activation of these neurons reduced scratching behaviors related to histaminergic and non-histaminergic acute itch. Similar neural activity and modulatory role of ZI PV neurons were seen in mice with chronic itch induced by atopic dermatitis. Together, our study provides direct evidence for the role of ZI PV neurons in regulating itch, and identifies a potential target for the remedy of chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi Liang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- The Cadet Team 6 of School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qiuying Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Junye Ge
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dangchao Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guohong Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Huiren Tao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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14
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Lu CW, Harper DE, Askari A, Willsey MS, Vu PP, Schrepf AD, Harte SE, Patil PG. Stimulation of zona incerta selectively modulates pain in humans. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8924. [PMID: 33903611 PMCID: PMC8076305 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87873-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of zona incerta in rodent models has been shown to modulate behavioral reactions to noxious stimuli. Sensory changes observed in Parkinsonian patients with subthalamic deep brain stimulation suggest that this effect is translatable to humans. Here, we utilized the serendipitous placement of subthalamic deep brain stimulation leads in 6 + 5 Parkinsonian patients to directly investigate the effects of zona incerta stimulation on human pain perception. We found that stimulation at 20 Hz, the physiological firing frequency of zona incerta, reduces experimental heat pain by a modest but significant amount, achieving a 30% reduction in one fifth of implants. Stimulation at higher frequencies did not modulate heat pain. Modulation was selective for heat pain and was not observed for warmth perception or pressure pain. These findings provide a mechanistic explanation of sensory changes seen in subthalamic deep brain stimulation patients and identify zona incerta as a potential target for neuromodulation of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, SPC 5338, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel E Harper
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Asra Askari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, SPC 5338, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA
| | - Matthew S Willsey
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, SPC 5338, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Philip P Vu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, SPC 5338, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrew D Schrepf
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven E Harte
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Parag G Patil
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, SPC 5338, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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15
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Alonso-Matielo H, Gonçalves ES, Campos M, Oliveira VRS, Toniolo EF, Alves AS, Lebrun I, de Andrade DC, Teixeira MJ, Britto LRG, Hamani C, Dale CS. Electrical stimulation of the posterior insula induces mechanical analgesia in a rodent model of neuropathic pain by modulating GABAergic signaling and activity in the pain circuitry. Brain Res 2021; 1754:147237. [PMID: 33400930 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The insula has emerged as a critical target for electrical stimulation since it influences pathological pain states. We investigated the effects of repetitive electrical stimulation of the insular cortex (ESI) on mechanical nociception, and general locomotor activity in rats subjected to chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. We also studied neuroplastic changes in central pain areas and the involvement of GABAergic signaling on ESI effects. CCI rats had electrodes implanted in the left agranular posterior insular cortex (pIC), and mechanical sensitivity was evaluated before and after one or five daily consecutive ESIs (15 min each, 60 Hz, 210 μs, 1 V). Five ESIs (repetitive ESI) induced sustained mechanical antinociception from the first to the last behavioral assessment without interfering with locomotor activity. A marked increase in Fos immunoreactivity in pIC and a decrease in the anterior and mid-cingulate cortex, periaqueductal gray and hippocampus were noticed after five ESIs. The intrathecal administration of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide reversed the stimulation-induced antinociception after five ESIs. ESI increased GAD65 levels in pIC but did not interfere with GABA, glutamate or glycine levels. No changes in GFAP immunoreactivity were found in this work. Altogether, the results indicate the efficacy of repetitive ESI for the treatment of experimental neuropathic pain and suggest a potential influence of pIC in regulating pain pathways partially through modulating GABAergic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heloísa Alonso-Matielo
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of University of São Paulo - Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB-III, Cidade Universitária, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizamara S Gonçalves
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of University of São Paulo - Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB-III, Cidade Universitária, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Campos
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of University of São Paulo - Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB-III, Cidade Universitária, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Victória R S Oliveira
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of University of São Paulo - Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB-III, Cidade Universitária, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Elaine F Toniolo
- Center of Research in Neuroscience, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, R. Cesário Galero, 448/475 - Tatuapé, São Paulo, SP 03071-000, Brazil
| | - Adilson S Alves
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of University of São Paulo - Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, ICB-I, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ivo Lebrun
- Laboratoryof Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel C de Andrade
- Department of Neurology, Central Institute, Av. Dr Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 255, 5(th) Floor, Room 5084, Cerqueira César, 05403-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Instituto do Câncer Octavio Frias de Oliveira, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manoel J Teixeira
- Department of Neurology, Central Institute, Av. Dr Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 255, 5(th) Floor, Room 5084, Cerqueira César, 05403-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz R G Britto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of University of São Paulo - Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, ICB-I, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Clement Hamani
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N3M5, Canada
| | - Camila S Dale
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of University of São Paulo - Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB-III, Cidade Universitária, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Surgical Technique, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, 01246-903 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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16
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Fecal transplantation and butyrate improve neuropathic pain, modify immune cell profile, and gene expression in the PNS of obese mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:26482-26493. [PMID: 33020290 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006065117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity affects over 2 billion people worldwide and is accompanied by peripheral neuropathy (PN) and an associated poorer quality of life. Despite high prevalence, the molecular mechanisms underlying the painful manifestations of PN are poorly understood, and therapies are restricted to use of painkillers or other drugs that do not address the underlying disease. Studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiome is linked to metabolic health and its alteration is associated with many diseases, including obesity. Pathologic changes to the gut microbiome have recently been linked to somatosensory pain, but any relationships between gut microbiome and PN in obesity have yet to be explored. Our data show that mice fed a Western diet developed indices of PN that were attenuated by concurrent fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT). In addition, we observed changes in expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and calcium handling in cells of the peripheral nerve system (PNS). FMT also induced changes in the immune cell populations of the PNS. There was a correlation between an increase in the circulating short-chain fatty acid butyrate and pain improvement following FMT. Additionally, butyrate modulated gene expression and immune cells in the PNS. Circulating butyrate was also negatively correlated with distal pain in 29 participants with varied body mass index. Our data suggest that the metabolite butyrate, secreted by the gut microbiome, underlies some of the effects of FMT. Targeting the gut microbiome, butyrate, and its consequences may represent novel viable approaches to prevent or relieve obesity-associated neuropathies.
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17
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Loutit AJ, Vickery RM, Potas JR. Functional organization and connectivity of the dorsal column nuclei complex reveals a sensorimotor integration and distribution hub. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:187-220. [PMID: 32374027 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal column nuclei complex (DCN-complex) includes the dorsal column nuclei (DCN, referring to the gracile and cuneate nuclei collectively), external cuneate, X, and Z nuclei, and the median accessory nucleus. The DCN are organized by both somatotopy and modality, and have a diverse range of afferent inputs and projection targets. The functional organization and connectivity of the DCN implicate them in a variety of sensorimotor functions, beyond their commonly accepted role in processing and transmitting somatosensory information to the thalamus, yet this is largely underappreciated in the literature. To consolidate insights into their sensorimotor functions, this review examines the morphology, organization, and connectivity of the DCN and their associated nuclei. First, we briefly discuss the receptors, afferent fibers, and pathways involved in conveying tactile and proprioceptive information to the DCN. Next, we review the modality and somatotopic arrangements of the remaining constituents of the DCN-complex. Finally, we examine and discuss the functional implications of the myriad of DCN-complex projection targets throughout the diencephalon, midbrain, and hindbrain, in addition to their modulatory inputs from the cortex. The organization and connectivity of the DCN-complex suggest that these nuclei should be considered a complex integration and distribution hub for sensorimotor information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair J Loutit
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Richard M Vickery
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason R Potas
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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18
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Incerta-thalamic Circuit Controls Nocifensive Behavior via Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptors. Neuron 2020; 107:538-551.e7. [PMID: 32502461 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a source of substantial discomfort. Abnormal activity in both the zona incerta (ZI) and posterior complex of the thalamus (Po) are implicated in neuropathic pain, but their exact roles remain unclear. In particular, the precise cell types and molecular mechanisms of the ZI-Po circuit that regulate nociception are largely uncharacterized. Here, we found that parvalbumin (PV)-positive neuronal projections from the ventral ZI (ZIv) to the Po (ZIv-Po) are critical for promoting nocifensive behaviors, whereas selectively inhibiting ZIv-Po activity reduces nocifensive withdrawal responses. Furthermore, cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) are expressed specifically at ZIv-Po axon terminals in this circuit, and cannabinoids attenuate nocifensive responses through presynaptic inhibition. Selective inhibition of the ZIv-Po circuit or administration of cannabinoids into the Po are sufficient to ameliorate pathological pain. These findings identify the critical role of the ZIv-Po circuit and its modulation by endocannabinoids in controlling nocifensive behaviors.
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19
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Li C, Lei Y, Tian Y, Xu S, Shen X, Wu H, Bao S, Wang F. The etiological contribution of GABAergic plasticity to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Mol Pain 2020; 15:1744806919847366. [PMID: 30977423 PMCID: PMC6509976 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919847366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain developing after peripheral or central nerve injury is the result of pathological changes generated through complex mechanisms. Disruption in the homeostasis of excitatory and inhibitory neurons within the central nervous system is a crucial factor in the formation of hyperalgesia or allodynia occurring with neuropathic pain. The central GABAergic pathway has received attention for its extensive distribution and function in neural circuits, including the generation and development of neuropathic pain. GABAergic inhibitory changes that occur in the interneurons along descending modulatory and nociceptive pathways in the central nervous system are believed to generate neuronal plasticity, such as synaptic plasticity or functional plasticity of the related genes or proteins, that is the foundation of persistent neuropathic pain. The primary GABAergic plasticity observed in neuropathic pain includes GABAergic synapse homo- and heterosynaptic plasticity, decreased synthesis of GABA, down-expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase and GABA transporter, abnormal expression of NKCC1 or KCC2, and disturbed function of GABA receptors. In this review, we describe possible mechanisms associated with GABAergic plasticity, such as central sensitization and GABAergic interneuron apoptosis, and the epigenetic etiologies of GABAergic plasticity in neuropathic pain. Moreover, we summarize potential therapeutic targets of GABAergic plasticity that may allow for successful relief of hyperalgesia from nerve injury. Finally, we compare the effects of the GABAergic system in neuropathic pain to other types of chronic pain to understand the contribution of GABAergic plasticity to neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caijuan Li
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanying Lei
- 2 Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yi Tian
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Haikou People's Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Shiqin Xu
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Shen
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Senzhu Bao
- 2 Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Fuzhou Wang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China.,4 Group of Neuropharmacology and Neurophysiology, Division of Neuroscience, The Bonoi Academy of Science and Education, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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20
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Ossowska K. Zona incerta as a therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol 2020; 267:591-606. [PMID: 31375987 PMCID: PMC7035310 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09486-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The zona incerta has recently become an important target for deep-brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD). The present review summarizes clinical, animal and anatomical data which have indicated an important role of this structure in PD, and discusses potential mechanisms involved in therapeutic effects of DBS. Animal studies have suggested initially some role of neurons as well as GABAergic and glutamatergic receptors of the zona incerta in locomotion and generation of PD signs. Anatomical data have indicated that thanks to its multiple interconnections with the basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebral cortex, brainstem, spinal cord and cerebellum, the zona incerta is an important link in a neuronal chain transmitting impulses involved in PD pathology. Finally, clinical studies have shown that DBS of this structure alleviates parkinsonian bradykinesia, muscle rigidity and tremor. DBS of caudal zona incerta seemed to be the most effective therapeutic intervention, especially with regard to reduction of PD tremor as well as other forms of tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Ossowska
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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Wang X, Chou XL, Zhang LI, Tao HW. Zona Incerta: An Integrative Node for Global Behavioral Modulation. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:82-87. [PMID: 31864676 PMCID: PMC7439563 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Zona incerta (ZI) is a largely inhibitory subthalamic region connecting with many brain areas. Early studies have suggested involvement of ZI in various functions such as visceral activities, arousal, attention, and locomotion, but the specific roles of different ZI subdomains or cell types have not been well examined. Recent studies combining optogenetics, behavioral assays, neural tracing, and neural activity-recording reveal novel functional roles of ZI depending on specific input-output connectivity patterns. Here, we review these studies and summarize functions of ZI into four categories: sensory integration, behavioral output control, motivational drive, and neural plasticity. In view of these new findings, we propose that ZI serves as an integrative node for global modulation of behaviors and physiological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyue Wang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Xiao-Lin Chou
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Li I Zhang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Huizhong Whit Tao
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Activation of the Intrinsic Pain Inhibitory Circuit from the Midcingulate Cg2 to Zona Incerta Alleviates Neuropathic Pain. J Neurosci 2019; 39:9130-9144. [PMID: 31604834 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1683-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is one of the most common and notorious neurological diseases. The changes in cerebral structures after nerve injury and the corresponding contributions to neuropathic pain are not well understood. Here we found that the majority of glutamatergic neurons in the area 2 of midcingulate cortex (MCC Cg2Glu) were inhibited by painful stimulation in male mice. Optogenetic manipulation revealed that these neurons were tonically involved in the inhibitory modulation of multimodal nociception. We further identified the projections to GABAergic neurons in the zona incerta (ZIGABA) mediated the pain inhibitory role. However, MCC Cg2Glu became hypoactive after nerve injury. Although a brief activation of the MCC Cg2Glu to ZIGABA circuit was able to relieve the aversiveness associated with spontaneous ongoing pain, consecutive activation of the circuit was required to alleviate neuropathic allodynia. In contrast, glutamatergic neurons in the area 1 of MCC played opposite roles in pain modulation. They became hyperactive after nerve injury and only consecutive inhibition of their activity relieved allodynia. These results demonstrate that MCC Cg2Glu constitute a component of intrinsic pain inhibitory circuitry and their hypoactivity underlies neuropathic pain. We propose that selective and persistent activation of the MCC Cg2Glu to ZIGABA circuit may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for this disease.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Glutamatergic neurons in the area 2 of midcingulate cortex (MCC Cg2Glu) are tonically involved in the intrinsic pain inhibition via projecting to GABAergic neurons in the zona incerta. They are hypoactive after nerve injury. Selective activation of the circuit compensates the reduction of its analgesic strength and relieves neuropathic pain. Therefore, MCC Cg2Glu and the related analgesic circuit may serve as therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain. In contrast, MCC Cg1Glu have an opposite role in pain modulation and become hyperactive after nerve injury. The present study provides novel evidence for the concept that neuropathic pain is associated with the dysfunction of endogenous pain modulatory system and new perspective on the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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HCN channel antagonist ZD7288 ameliorates neuropathic pain and associated depression. Brain Res 2019; 1717:204-213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Inhibitory gain modulation of defense behaviors by zona incerta. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1151. [PMID: 29559622 PMCID: PMC5861117 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03581-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona incerta (ZI) is a functionally mysterious subthalamic nucleus containing mostly inhibitory neurons. Here, we discover that GABAergic neurons in the rostral sector of ZI (ZIr) directly innervate excitatory but not inhibitory neurons in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral compartments of periaqueductal gray (PAG), which can drive flight and freezing behaviors respectively. Optogenetic activation of ZIr neurons or their projections to PAG reduces both sound-induced innate flight response and conditioned freezing response, while optogenetic suppression of these neurons enhances these defensive behaviors, likely through a mechanism of gain modulation. ZIr activity progressively increases during extinction of conditioned freezing response, and suppressing ZIr activity impairs the expression of fear extinction. Furthermore, ZIr is innervated by the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and silencing mPFC prevents the increase of ZIr activity during extinction and the expression of fear extinction. Together, our results suggest that ZIr is engaged in modulating defense behaviors.
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