Neurovascular coupling in the basolateral amygdala modulates negative emotions

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Physiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Emotion influences brain blood flow via neurovascular coupling (NVC).
• The feedback role of NVC in actively modulating emotional states is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if NVC actively modulates stress-induced negative emotions.
• To explore the mechanisms by which NVC influences emotional responses in the basolateral amygdala (BLA).

Main Methods:

• Developed bidirectional NVC manipulation in mice using pharmacology, genetics, and optogenetics.
• Assessed emotional responses during environmental transitions.
• Analyzed neuronal activity patterns (c-Fos) and stress configurations.

Main Results:

• NVC deficiencies in the BLA exacerbated emotional responses to anxiogenic environments.
• Restoring BLA NVC normalized heightened emotional responses.
• NVC dysfunction impaired neuronal scaling and altered stress responses during state transitions.
• Genetic enhancement of NVC counteracted chronic stress effects and alleviated emotional distress.

Conclusions:

• NVC actively and bidirectionally modulates stress-induced negative emotions.
• BLA NVC functions as an allostatic mechanism regulating neural circuits during emotional states.
• Findings suggest NVC modulation as a potential therapeutic target for emotional disorders.