Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
06:18
Author Spotlight: Deciphering Neural Circuit Formation from Two-Photon Microscopy and Single Neuron Imaging
Published on: November 21, 2023
1.5K
Function and developmental origin of a mesocortical inhibitory circuit.
Anna Kabanova1, Milan Pabst2, Markus Lorkowski3
1Neurodevelopmental Genetics, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Nature Neuroscience
|May 12, 2015
Summary
Researchers discovered a new mesocortical circuit originating from ventral tegmental neurons that inhibits prefrontal cortex activity. This circuit
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Midbrain ventral tegmental neurons influence cognitive functions via prefrontal cortex projections.
- The precise circuitry and developmental origins of these projections are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a previously un Tdentityed mesocortical circuit.
- To investigate the developmental origins and functional impact of this circuit.
Main Methods:
- Viral tracing
- Optogenetics
- Electrophysiology in mouse models
Main Results:
- Identified a mesocortical circuit where ventral tegmental neurons excite inhibitory interneurons in the prefrontal cortex, inhibiting pyramidal neurons.
- Demonstrated that these neurons derive from dopaminergic progenitors dependent on Sonic Hedgehog signaling.
- Showed that loss of these progenitors disrupts the inhibitory circuit, increasing perseverative behavior while sparing other dopaminergic pathways and functions.
Conclusions:
- A novel mesocortical inhibitory circuit has been identified, contributing to perseverative behaviors.
- Dopaminergic neuron diversity is established during the progenitor phase.
- This circuit represents a new target for understanding and potentially treating disorders involving perseverative behaviors.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Neural Circuits
3.3K
Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
3.3K
01:30Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
6.9K
The diencephalon, etymologically translated as 'through brain,' plays an integral role as the conduit between the cerebrum and the vast extent of the nervous system. However, the olfactory system is an exception, as it interfaces directly with the cerebrum. The diencephalon, deeply ensconced beneath the cerebrum, primarily consists of three paired structures — the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithelamus. It also includes accessory structures such as the subthalamus, which houses the...
6.9K
01:22Indirect Motor Pathways
3.9K
The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
3.9K
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
4.3K
A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential....
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential....
4.3K
01:11Direct Motor Pathways
5.3K
The direct motor pathways, also known as the pyramidal tracts, are a group of neural pathways that originate in the brain and descend through the spinal cord. They control the voluntary movement of the body. There are two major direct motor pathways: the corticospinal and the corticobulbar tracts.
The corticospinal tract is responsible for the voluntary movement of the limbs and trunk. It originates in the cerebral cortex of the brain and descends through the cerebrum's internal capsule and...
The corticospinal tract is responsible for the voluntary movement of the limbs and trunk. It originates in the cerebral cortex of the brain and descends through the cerebrum's internal capsule and...
5.3K
01:15Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
9.3K
The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...
9.3K