Neural network interactions and ingestive behavior control during anorexia.

Many models have been proposed over the years to explain how motivated feeding behavior is controlled. One of the most compelling is based on the original concepts of Eliot Stellar whereby sets of interosensory and exterosensory inputs converge on a hypothalamic control network that can either stimulate or inhibit feeding. These inputs arise from information originating in the blood, the viscera, and the telencephalon.

Activation in neural networks controlling ingestive behaviors: what does it mean, and how do we map and measure it?

Over the past thirty years many of different methods have been developed that use markers to track or image the activity of the neurons within the central networks that control ingestive behaviors. The ultimate goal of these experiments is to identify the location of neurons that participate in the response to an identified stimulus, and more widely to define the structure and function of the networks that control specific aspects of ingestive behavior. Some of these markers depend upon the rapid accumulation of proteins, while others reflect altered energy metabolism as neurons change their firing rates.

Medial preoptic area interactions with the nucleus accumbens-ventral pallidum circuit and maternal behavior in rats.

Several experiments explored the roles of nucleus accumbens (NA), ventral pallidum (VP) and medial preoptic area (MPOA) in the regulation of maternal behavior in rats. A preliminary experiment found that bilateral radiofrequency lesions of medial NA did not disrupt maternal behavior. Experiment 1 found that bilateral infusions of muscimol into VP, but not into medial NA, reversibly disrupted maternal behavior.

Rates and symptoms of PTSD among cocaine-dependent patients.

Objective: This study evaluated lifetime traumatic events and current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a substance abuse sample.

Method: Participants in the study consisted of 558 (75.1% male) cocaine-dependent individuals who completed self-report measures of trauma and PTSD symptoms prior to entry into treatment.