Exploration of motivational neural circuit using intracranial self-stimulation behavior in rats

• Project/Area Number: 16K08403
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Medical pharmacy
• Research Institution: Okayama University
• Principal Investigator: SENDO Toshiaki 岡山大学, 大学病院, 教授 (30437561)
• Research Collaborator: GOMITA yutaka ; KITAMURA yoshihisa ; ESUMI satoru
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Project Status: Completed (Fiscal Year 2018)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,680,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,080,000); Fiscal Year 2018: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000); Fiscal Year 2017: ¥1,300,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥300,000); Fiscal Year 2016: ¥1,950,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥450,000)
• Keywords: 脳内自己刺激行動 / 神経マーカー / 際簿内伝達経路 / p38 MAPK / 報酬志向性行動 / 神経細胞 / グリア細胞 / 神経科学 / 医療・福祉 / 脳・神経 / 薬学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we developed a model experiment that can measure the strength of "motivation for reward" using rats in order to elucidate the mechanism of the motivation of animals, and what kind of brain does the rat do for that model experiment I checked if the area was activated.
As a result of the experiment, the size or number of neurons or glial cells changed in the area related to reward called nucleus accumbens and the brain area related to memory called hippocampus. In other words, it has become clear that these brain areas are related to motivational activities that want rewards.

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年問題となっている「引きこもりの増加」や「難治性のうつ」には、意欲の低下が関わっていると言われていますが、意欲を改善する薬は今のところ商品化されていません。また、脳内のどのようなメカニズムが意欲低下や意欲の改善につながるのかわかっていませんでした。
本研究成果は意欲に関わる脳領域の一端を明らかにする結果であり、意欲のメカニズムを解明し意欲を改善する新たな治療法・治療薬開発に応用できると考えられます。