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"... The researchers investigated a neural circuit that runs from the nucleus accumbens, part of the brain's reward system, to a region in the hypothalamus, which in turn is connected to the lateral habenula, an area that processes unpleasant experiences.
By activating this circuit using optogenetics, a method in which nerve cells are controlled by light, the researchers were able to induce a negative state in mice that led to repetitive behaviors such as digging and sniffing—even when food or other rewards were available. ..."
From the abstract:
"The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) integrates external stimuli with internal states to drive the choice between competing innate or value-driven motivated behaviors.
Here, we define a striosomal Tac1+/Tshz1+/Oprm1+ neuron subtype in the nucleus accumbens (ACB) that targets Esr1+ LHA neurons that project to the lateral habenula (LHb).
Intersectional cell type–specific and input-output defined optogenetic activation of this ACB-LHA-LHb pathway can progressively induce a negative behavioral state that depends on Esr1+ LHA-LHb neural activity.
We found that either activation of the D1+ ACB-LHA projection or inhibition of LHA-LHb neurons defined by ACB inputs can drive reward-independent compulsive-like behaviors that generalize across contexts.
We found that these complex yet stereotyped behaviors compete with highly motivated states and can override the drive for natural rewards or social interactions.
Our findings reveal a discrete Tac1+ striosomal ACB projection targeting the aversive Esr1+ LHA-LHb pathway as a key circuit that promotes stereotyped and compulsive-like behaviors over goal-directed actions."
Brain circuit controlling compulsive behaviour mapped (original news release) "Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a brain circuit that can drive repetitive and compulsive behaviours in mice, even when natural rewards such as food or social contact are available. The study has been published in the journal Science Advances and may contribute to increased knowledge about obsessive-compulsive disorder and addiction."
Brain pathways of aversion identified (similar research article by the same institute, but published in 2019)
Fig. 2. Neuroanatomical mapping of a cell type–specific ACB-LHA-LHb circuit.
Fig. 4. The D1+ ACB-LHA pathway drives a compulsive-like digging state.
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