Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
05:23
Investigating Migraine-Like Behavior Using Light Aversion in Mice
Published on: August 11, 2021
4.3K
A glial switch for pain-driven anxiety
Hector E Yarur1, Sofia E Shirley2, Huikun Wang1
1Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Neuron
|December 4, 2025
Summary
Glial cells in the brain's central amygdala (CeA) influence defensive behaviors. Dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor signaling in CeA astrocytes modulates anxiety during chronic pain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The central amygdala (CeA) is crucial for defensive behaviors.
- The roles of glial cells and stress neuromodulators in the CeA are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of glial cells and neuromodulators in the CeA.
- To explore the function of dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor signaling in CeA astrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized advanced techniques to study CeA astrocyte signaling.
- Investigated the impact of dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor pathways.
Main Results:
- Dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor signaling in CeA astrocytes was found to be active.
- This signaling pathway modulates anxiety-like behavior.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes in the CeA play a significant role in defensive behavior modulation.
- Dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor signaling in CeA astrocytes is a key mechanism influencing anxiety during chronic pain.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Anxiety: Overview
865
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
865
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
610
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
610
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
3.7K
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
3.7K
01:31Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells
6.4K
Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial...
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial...
6.4K
01:04Glial Cells
92.9K
Overview
92.9K
01:26Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
1.0K
Anxiolytic drugs are vital in managing anxiety disorders by effectively alleviating symptoms such as excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors. There are several classes of anxiolytic medications, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic...
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic...
1.0K