Scientists have discovered a way to suppress anxiety through correction of neural circuits
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- Scientists have discovered a way to suppress anxiety through correction of neural circuits
Scientists led by Juan Lerma from the Institute of Neuroscience in Spain have identified a specific neural circuit in the brain that plays a key role in the formation of anxiety, depressive behavior and social isolation. This was reported on June 3 by Science Daily magazine.
During the experiments, biologists focused on the work of the amygdala, an area of the brain responsible for regulating emotions, including fear. The researchers found that an imbalance of activity in a certain group of neurons in this area is sufficient to trigger pathological behavioral reactions.
Juan Lerma, head of research at the Spanish Neuroscience Institute
We already knew that the amygdala is involved in anxiety and fear, but now we have identified a specific population of neurons whose unbalanced activity is sufficient in itself to trigger pathological behavior.
To study the mechanism, the team used genetically modified mice with an increased expression level of the Grik4 gene. This led to an increase in the number of GluK4 glutamate receptors, making the neurons more excitable. The animals exhibited behaviors characteristic of anxiety disorders, autism, and schizophrenia.
Scientists have managed to normalize the work of the gene in the basalateral amygdala, restoring communication with inhibitory neurons. This led to the immediate disappearance of the symptoms. According to the author of the study, Alvaro Garcia, this simple adjustment was enough to reverse the disturbing behavior and eliminate social deficits, which in itself is remarkable.
Experts have tested the effectiveness of the method on ordinary mice with naturally high levels of anxiety. The intervention also helped to reduce stress levels in the animals, which confirms the universality of the open mechanism.
Despite their success in combating anxiety, the subjects' deficits in object recognition persisted. This indicates that other areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus, may be responsible for other aspects of cognitive disorders. Nevertheless, the authors emphasize that targeting specific neural circuits can become the basis for creating effective local therapies for affective disorders in the future.
Medical Xpress magazine reported on May 19 that cleaning the house and regularly performing everyday household tasks can bring significant benefits to mental health, promoting awareness and reducing anxiety levels. It was noted that, unlike complex cognitive or emotional tasks, the result of cleaning is immediately visible, which gives a person a sense of control and satisfaction.
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