A brainstem circuit amplifies aversion.

Neuron

Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), Beijing 102206, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen 518054, China; Research Unit of Medical Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005, China; Beijing Institute for Brain Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 102206, China. Electronic address:

Published: November 2024

Dynamic gain control of aversive signals enables adaptive behavioral responses. Although the role of amygdalar circuits in aversive processing is well established, the neural pathway for amplifying aversion remains elusive. Here, we show that the brainstem circuit linking the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) with the nucleus incertus (NI) amplifies aversion and promotes avoidant behaviors. IPN GABA neurons are activated by aversive stimuli and their predicting cues, with their response intensity closely tracking aversive values. Activating these neurons does not trigger aversive behavior on its own but rather amplifies responses to aversive stimuli, whereas their ablation or inhibition suppresses such responses. Detailed circuit dissection revealed anatomically distinct subgroups within the IPN GABA neuron population, highlighting the NI-projecting subgroup as the modulator of aversiveness related to fear and opioid withdrawal. These findings unveil the IPN-NI circuit as an aversion amplifier and suggest potential targets for interventions against affective disorders and opioid relapse.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2024.08.010DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

brainstem circuit
8
amplifies aversion
8
ipn gaba
8
aversive stimuli
8
aversive
6
circuit amplifies
4
aversion
4
aversion dynamic
4
dynamic gain
4
gain control
4

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!