Functions of the neural pathway between a new hypothalamic area and lateral septum in the mouse brain

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K21299
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Nerve anatomy/Neuropathology; Environmental physiology(including physical medicine and nutritional physiology)
• Research Institution: Nara Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Horii Noriko 奈良県立医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (80433332)
• Research Collaborator: SASAGAWA Takayo ; HAYASHI Yasunori ; SAITO Yasuhiko
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 視床下部 / 防御行動 / ウロコルチン / エンケファリン / 物体 / リスクアセスメント / burying / 外側中隔

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to clarify functions of the perifornical area of the anterior hypothalamus (PeFAH), a new hypothalamic area that we recently identified in the mouse brain. Activation of PeFAH neurons by pharmacogenetic technology induced the behaviors of sniffing a floor and bedding materials and replacing them by treading-like movement in individual home cages. Although anxiety and stress hormone levels in PeFAH-activated mice were comparable to those of control mice, risk assessment of a novel object was significantly increased and time spending for burying the object was longer compared with control mice when bedding materials existed. Although ethological significance of the behaviors observed in home cages has not been fully understood, PeFAH neurons may be involved in regulation of risk assessment of potentially dangerous objects for self-protection.

Free Research Field

神経科学