What is the relationship between dorsal raphe serotonin neuron expression and malignancy?5 answersDorsal raphe serotonin neuron expression is involved in various aspects of mammalian behavior and physiology. It has been found to play a role in maternal care and nursing behavior in mice, as well as in the initiation and maintenance of normal nursing behavior. Additionally, serotonin circuitry in the dorsal raphe undergoes significant changes during postnatal development, which could potentially be influenced by external stressors and alter circuit formation. Furthermore, dorsal raphe serotonin neurons have been shown to be important for CO2-induced arousal from sleep, independent of respiratory activation. However, there is no direct evidence in the provided abstracts regarding the relationship between dorsal raphe serotonin neuron expression and malignancy.
Are the dorsal raphe nuclei part of the limbic system?5 answersThe dorsal raphe nuclei are part of the limbic system. They have connections with different limbic structures involved in the formation of various emotional states. The dorsomedial subregion of the dorsal raphe nucleus is particularly important in this regard, as it is implicated in the circuitry targeted by psychotherapeutic agents that act through neuropeptide systems such as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors. This subregion contains CRF-containing neurons that are co-transmitters with serotonin, as well as dendrites laden with immunoreactivity for NK1 receptors. Additionally, axons from the dorsomedial dorsal raphe nucleus project to CRF-containing neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala, further implicating this subregion in emotional responses.
What is the role of serotonin in panic attacks?5 answersSerotonin plays a dual role in panic attacks. It is believed to inhibit defensive responses to proximal danger, such as one-way escape, which are related to panic. This action is exerted in the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter of the midbrain. On the other hand, serotonin facilitates defensive responses to potential threat, like inhibitory avoidance, which are related to anxiety. This action is exerted in the forebrain, particularly the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex. Experimental results obtained in rat models of panic indicate that serotonin interacts synergistically with endogenous opioids in the dorsal periaqueductal gray to inhibit panic attacks. The inhibitory action of serotonin on defense is connected with activation of endogenous opioids in the periaqueductal gray. Therefore, serotonin is involved in both the inhibition of panic attacks and the facilitation of anxiety-related responses.
How does serotonin affects anxiety behaviors through the projections from the raphe to the hippocampus?5 answersSerotonin affects anxiety behaviors through projections from the raphe to the hippocampus. Activation of serotonin neurons in the median raphe nucleus (MRN) promotes an anxiogenic state, and this effect may be mediated by serotonergic signaling within the dorsal hippocampus (dHC). Optogenetic stimulation of MRN serotonin neurons elicits anxiety-like behaviors, and stimulation of serotonin terminals in the dHC recapitulates these anxiety-like behaviors. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the dorsal subregion of the dorsal raphe (DRD), which sends serotonergic projections to the ventral hippocampus, induces anxiolytic-like effects. Serotonergic inputs from the raphe nuclei to the hippocampus carry reward and locomotion information, suggesting a role in integrating locomotion and reward information into the hippocampus. The dorsal raphe serotonin system contains parallel sub-systems that differ in input and output connectivity, physiological response properties, and behavioral functions. Serotonin from the dorsal raphe enhances fear and anxiety by activating a subpopulation of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST).
What is the brain circuitry of PTSD?5 answersThe brain circuitry of PTSD involves dysfunction in several regions. The amygdala is hyperresponsive, while the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is hyporesponsive, leading to a failure of fear inhibition. The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and insula are hyperresponsive, indicating heightened threat processing. The hippocampus also functions abnormally, although the direction of this abnormality varies. Additionally, there is increased neural activity and functional connectivity between brain regions involved in the innate alarm system (IAS), including the locus coeruleus, superior colliculus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. These alterations are observed during both subconscious threat processing and at rest, suggesting increased defensive posturing. Overall, dysregulations in these neurocircuits contribute to the development and expression of key PTSD symptoms.
Does serotonin decrease in brain during anxiety?5 answersSerotonin is involved in anxiety, but its role is complex and can both intensify and diminish anxiety depending on the context. Serotonin depletion in the brain has been associated with increased anxiety-like behavior in animal models. Inhibition of serotonin synthesis has been shown to mimic the anxiety-reducing effects of minor tranquilizers. Additionally, long-term administration of lipophilic statins, which decrease serum cholesterol levels, has been found to lead to anxiety. These findings suggest that serotonin levels in the brain may decrease during anxiety, but further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between serotonin and anxiety.