Publications by authors named "M Ananth"

To better understand the function of cholinergic projection neurons in the ventral pallidum (VP), we examined behavioral responses to appetitive (APP) and aversive (AV) odors that elicited approach or avoidance, respectively. Exposure to each odor increased cFos expression and calcium signaling in VP cholinergic neurons. Activity and Cre-dependent viral vectors selectively labeled VP cholinergic neurons that were activated and reactivated in response to either APP or AV odors, but not both, identifying two non-overlapping populations of VP cholinergic neurons differentially activated by the valence of olfactory stimuli.

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Neurons of the basal forebrain nucleus basalis and posterior substantia innominata (NBM/SI) comprise the major source of cholinergic input to the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Using a genetically-encoded acetylcholine (ACh) sensor in mice, we demonstrate that BLA-projecting cholinergic neurons can "learn" the association between a naïve tone and a foot shock (training) and release ACh in the BLA in response to the conditioned tone 24h later (recall). In the NBM/SI cholinergic neurons express the immediate early gene, Fos following both training and memory recall.

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Neurons of the basal forebrain nucleus basalis and posterior substantia innominata (NBM/SI) comprise the major source of cholinergic input to the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Using a genetically encoded acetylcholine (ACh) sensor in mice, we demonstrate that BLA-projecting cholinergic neurons can 'learn' the association between a naive tone and a foot shock (training) and release ACh in the BLA in response to the conditioned tone 24 hr later (recall). In the NBM/SI cholinergic neurons express the immediate early gene, Fos following both training and memory recall.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study explores the relationship between the cholinergic system and cognitive decline with aging, revealing that early deficits in cholinergic innervation of the entorhinal cortex (EC) are indicators of cognitive performance decline.
  • - Using advanced imaging techniques like [F]VAT PET, researchers found measurable cholinergic loss in older adults without cognitive impairment, suggesting this could serve as an early warning sign for cognitive decline.
  • - Parallel experiments in mice showed that disruptions in cholinergic signaling correlated with memory performance, emphasizing the importance of acetylcholine in maintaining cognitive function as we age.
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The ventral pallidum (VP) mediates motivated behaviors largely via the action of VP GABA and glutamatergic neurons. In addition to these neuronal subtypes, there is a population of cholinergic projection neurons in the VP, whose functional significance remains unclear. To understand the functional role of VP cholinergic neurons, we first examined behavioral responses to an appetitive (APP) odor that elicited approach, and an aversive (AV) odor that led to avoidance.

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