scholarly journals Neurobiological mechanisms of the rewars and punishment systems in the brain afteractivation of nucleus accumbens

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-19
Author(s):  
Mariya Vladimirovna Sheveleva ◽  
Andrey Andreyevich Lebedev ◽  
Roman Olegovich Roik ◽  
Petr Dmitriyevich Shabanov
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Negative Reinforcement ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Addictive Behavior ◽  
Extended Amygdala ◽  
Efferent Connections ◽  
The Brain

The review devoted to neurobiological mechanisms of both positive and negative reinforcement is represented. The key role in these processes plays the nucleus accumbens as a part of the extended amygdala system. The afferent and efferent connections of the n.accumbens, starting mechanisms of the n.accumbens involvement in emotional reactions, interactions between n.accumbens and other structures of the extended amygdala system, and neurochemical organization of the n.accumbens and all system of reinforcement are discussed in the article. The special attention is taken to the n.accumbens participation in addictive behavior.

scholarly journals Comparing Quantitative Trait Loci and Gene Expression Data

2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Han ◽  
Naomi S. Altman ◽  
Jessica A. Mong ◽  
Laura Cousino Klein ◽  
Donald W. Pfaff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Quantitative Trait Loci ◽  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Quantitative Trait ◽  
Addictive Behavior ◽  
Expression Data ◽  
Statistical Methodology ◽  
Microarray Experiments ◽  
Trait Loci ◽  
The Brain

We develop methods to compare the positions of quantitative trait loci (QTL) with a set of genes selected by other methods, such as microarray experiments, from a sequenced genome. We apply our methods to QTL for addictive behavior in mouse, and a set of genes upregulated in a region of the brain associated with addictive behavior, the nucleus accumbens (NA). The association between the QTL and NA genes is not significantly stronger than expected by chance. However, chromosomes 2 and 16 do show strong associations suggesting that genes on these chromosomes might be associated with addictive behavior. The statistical methodology developed for this study can be applied to similar studies to assess the mutual information in microarray and QTL analyses.

scholarly journals The Role of Neuropeptide Y in the Nucleus Accumbens

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7287
Author(s):  
Masaki Tanaka ◽  
Shunji Yamada ◽  
Yoshihisa Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Neuropeptide Y ◽  
Emotional Behavior ◽  
Characteristic Functions ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Neuroendocrine Mechanisms ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
The Brain

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), an abundant peptide in the central nervous system, is expressed in neurons of various regions throughout the brain. The physiological and behavioral effects of NPY are mainly mediated through Y1, Y2, and Y5 receptor subtypes, which are expressed in regions regulating food intake, fear and anxiety, learning and memory, depression, and posttraumatic stress. In particular, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) has one of the highest NPY concentrations in the brain. In this review, we summarize the role of NPY in the NAc. NPY is expressed principally in medium-sized aspiny neurons, and numerous NPY immunoreactive fibers are observed in the NAc. Alterations in NPY expression under certain conditions through intra-NAc injections of NPY or receptor agonists/antagonists revealed NPY to be involved in the characteristic functions of the NAc, such as alcohol intake and drug addiction. In addition, control of mesolimbic dopaminergic release via NPY receptors may take part in these functions. NPY in the NAc also participates in fat intake and emotional behavior. Accumbal NPY neurons and fibers may exert physiological and pathophysiological actions partly through neuroendocrine mechanisms and the autonomic nervous system.

scholarly journals Management of Mathematics Anxiety through Behaviour Modification, Super brain Yoga and JPMR in Ninth Standard Student

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Rajesh Ganesan ◽  
Pankaj Singh
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Mathematics Anxiety ◽  
Math Anxiety ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Progressive Muscle Relaxation ◽  
Hemispheric Dominance ◽  
Human Information Processing ◽  
Behaviour Modification ◽  
The Brain

Mathematics Anxiety is an irrational fear of Mathematics. Mathematics Anxiety is defined as “the presence of a syndrome of emotional reactions to arithmetic and mathematics” (Dreger & Aiken, 1957, p.344). It creates a feeling of tension, apprehension, or fear that interferes with performance in Mathematics and also results in ‘Mathematics-Avoidance’. Further, ‘Mathematics-Avoidance’ leads to less competency, exposure and practice of Mathematics, leaving students more anxious and mathematically, unprepared to achieve. Math anxiety is a learned response that inhibits cognitive performance in the math classroom. It is widespread among students from elementary age through college. Students suffering from math anxiety have difficulty performing calculations and maintaining a positive outlook on mathematics. Math anxiety is the result of a cycle of math avoidance that begins with negative experiences regarding mathematics. These students avoid Mathematic courses and tend to feel negative towards Mathematics and this also affects student’s overall confidence level. However, Behaviour Modification techniques have proven instruments that can reduce various types of anxieties and Super Brain Yoga for improving integration of the brain. This is a case study of a student of IX standard, Kendriya Vidalaya, Who was referred by his Mathematics teacher and parent complaining that the student becomes anxious whenever he encounters Mathematic problems. After taking Math autobiography it was revealed that the anxiety began due to harsh handling by father while teaching Mathematics. Students score in recent Mathematic exam was noted very low i.e 12/40. His Mathematics Anxiety was assessed by using Suri, Monroe and Koc’s (2012) short Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale. Student’s hemispheric dominance of the brain was measured by using Taggart and Torrance’s Human Information Processing Survey (1984). This student was treated with Behaviour Modification techniques and Super Brain Yoga for six weeks. Interventions used are: (i) Reduction of Rate of Breathing (Ganesan, 2012). (ii) Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation (Jacobson, 1938) (iii) Laughter Technique (Ganesan, 2008b). (iv) Develpoment of Alternate Emotional Responses to the Threatening Stimulus (Ganesan, 2008a). (v) Super Brain Yoga (Sui, 2005). The anxiety level and performance in Mathematics exam was reassessed after six weeks. Results showed that Mathematics Anxiety was significantly reduced (60 to 20, 40%) and he performed better in the Mathematics exam (12/40 to 24/40, 30%). After reassessing student on Human Information Processing Survey by Taggart and Torrance (1984), it was found that student’s dominant information processing mode was ‘Integrated’ and this shows that Behaviour Modification techniques and Super Brain Yoga are efficient in treating Mathematics Anxiety.

Tactile Stimulation in Adult Rats Modulates Dopaminergic Molecular Parameters in the Nucleus Accumbens Preventing Amphetamine Relapse.

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domênika Rubert Rossato ◽  
Higor Zuchetto Rosa ◽  
Jéssica Leandra Oliveira Rosa ◽  
Laura Hautrive Milanesi ◽  
Vinícia Garzella Metz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Tactile Stimulation ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Delta Fosb ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Molecular Assessment ◽  
Drug Abstinence ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Abstinence Period

Abstract Amphetamine (AMPH) is a psychostimulant drug frequently related to addiction, which is characterized by functional and molecular changes in the brain reward system, favoring relapse development and pharmacotherapies have shown low effectiveness. Considering the beneficial influences of tactile stimulation (TS) in different diseases that affect the central nervous system (CNS), here we evaluated if TS applied in adult rats could prevent or minimize the AMPH-relapse behavior also accessing molecular neuroadaptations in the Nucleus accumbens (NAc). Following AMPH conditioning in the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, male rats were submitted to TS (15-min session, 3 times a day, for 8 days) during the drug abstinence period, which were re-exposed to the drug in the CPP paradigm for additional 3 days for relapse observation and molecular assessment. Our findings showed that besides AMPH relapse; TS prevented the dopamine transporter (DAT), dopamine 1 receptor (D1R), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), mu opioid receptor (MOR) increase and AMPH-induced delta FosB (ΔFosB). Based on these outcomes, we propose TS as a useful tool to treat psychostimulant addiction, which subsequent to clinical studies; it could be included in detoxification programs together with pharmacotherapies and psychological treatments already conventionally established.

scholarly journals Tetracosahexaenoylethanolamide, a novel N-acylethanolamide, is elevated in ischemia and increases neuronal output

2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (11) ◽  
pp. 1480-1490
Author(s):  
Lin Lin ◽  
Adam H. Metherel ◽  
Mathieu Di Miceli ◽  
Zhen Liu ◽  
Cigdem Sahin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Acid Amide ◽  
Biological Tissues ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Transient Transfection Assay ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Neuronal Output

N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) are endogenous lipid-signaling molecules derived from fatty acids that regulate numerous biological functions, including in the brain. Interestingly, NAEs are elevated in the absence of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and following CO2-induced ischemia/hypercapnia, suggesting a neuroprotective response. Tetracosahexaenoic acid (THA) is a product and precursor to DHA; however, the NAE product, tetracosahexaenoylethanolamide (THEA), has never been reported. Presently, THEA was chemically synthesized as an authentic standard to confirm THEA presence in biological tissues. Whole brains were collected and analyzed for unesterified THA, total THA, and THEA in wild-type and FAAH-KO mice that were euthanized by either head-focused microwave fixation, CO2 + microwave, or CO2 only. PPAR activity by transient transfection assay and ex vivo neuronal output in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the nucleus accumbens by patch clamp electrophysiology were determined following THEA exposure. THEA in the wild-type mice was nearly doubled (P < 0.05) following ischemia/hypercapnia (CO2 euthanization) and up to 12 times higher (P < 0.001) in the FAAH-KO compared with wild-type. THEA did not increase (P > 0.05) transcriptional activity of PPARs relative to control, but 100 nM of THEA increased (P < 0.001) neuronal output in MSNs of the nucleus accumbens. Here were identify a novel NAE, THEA, in the brain that is elevated upon ischemia/hypercapnia and by KO of the FAAH enzyme. While THEA did not activate PPAR, it augmented the excitability of MSNs in the nucleus accumbens. Overall, our results suggest that THEA is a novel NAE that is produced in the brain upon ischemia/hypercapnia and regulates neuronal excitation.

scholarly journals Endogenous opioids in the nucleus accumbens promote approach to high-fat food in the absence of caloric need

eLife ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Caref ◽  
Saleem M Nicola
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Neural Control ◽  
Neural Mechanism ◽  
Endogenous Opioids ◽  
Neuronal Firing ◽  
Palatable Food ◽  
Sugar Consumption ◽  
High Fat ◽  
The Brain

When relatively sated, people (and rodents) are still easily tempted to consume calorie-dense foods, particularly those containing fat and sugar. Consumption of such foods while calorically replete likely contributes to obesity. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) opioid system has long been viewed as a critical substrate for this behavior, mainly via contributions to the neural control of consumption and palatability. Here, we test the hypothesis that endogenous NAc opioids also promote appetitive approach to calorie-dense food in states of relatively high satiety. We simultaneously recorded NAc neuronal firing and infused a µ-opioid receptor antagonist into the NAc while rats performed a cued approach task in which appetitive and consummatory phases were well separated. The results reveal elements of a neural mechanism by which NAc opioids promote approach to high-fat food despite the lack of caloric need, demonstrating a potential means by which the brain is biased towards overconsumption of palatable food.

Investigating the dynamics of the brain response to music: A central role of the ventral striatum/nucleus accumbens

NeuroImage ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 116 ◽  
pp. 68-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karsten Mueller ◽  
Thomas Fritz ◽  
Toralf Mildner ◽  
Maxi Richter ◽  
Katrin Schulze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Ventral Striatum ◽  
Brain Response ◽  
The Brain

scholarly journals Differential effects of D-cycloserine and amantadine on motor behavior and D2/3 receptor binding in the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic system of the adult rat

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Nikolaus ◽  
Hans-Jörg Wittsack ◽  
Frithjof Wickrath ◽  
Anja Müller-Lutz ◽  
Hubertus Hautzel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Motor Behavior ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Exploratory Activity ◽  
Reference Region ◽  
Post Challenge ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Agonist And Antagonist ◽  
The Brain

Abstract D-cycloserine (DCS) and amantadine (AMA) act as partial NMDA receptor (R) agonist and antagonist, respectively. In the present study, we compared the effects of DCS and AMA on dopamine D2/3R binding in the brain of adult rats in relation to motor behavior. D2/3R binding was determined with small animal SPECT in baseline and after challenge with DCS (20 mg/kg) or AMA (40 mg/kg) with [123I]IBZM as radioligand. Immediately post-challenge, motor/exploratory behavior was assessed for 30 min in an open field. The regional binding potentials (ratios of the specifically bound compartments to the cerebellar reference region) were computed in baseline and post-challenge. DCS increased D2/3R binding in nucleus accumbens, substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area, thalamus, frontal, motor and parietal cortex as well as anterodorsal and posterior hippocampus, whereas AMA decreased D2/3R binding in nucleus accumbens, caudateputamen and thalamus. After DCS, ambulation and head-shoulder motility were decreased, while sitting was increased compared to vehicle and AMA. Moreover, DCS increased rearing relative to AMA. The regional elevations of D2/3R binding after DCS reflect a reduction of available dopamine throughout the mesolimbocortical system. In contrast, the reductions of D2/3R binding after AMA indicate increased dopamine in nucleus accumbens, caudateputamen and thalamus. Findings imply that, after DCS, nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine levels are directly related to motor/exploratory activity, whereas an inverse relationship may be inferred for AMA.

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