Analysis of neural circuitry mechanism of the central amygdala in the control of feeding behavior

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15929
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Ueda Shuhei 名古屋大学, 環境医学研究所, 助教 (10769037)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 扁桃体中心核 / 摂食行動 / 情動 / カルシウムイメージング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

It is thought that neural circuit of emotional regulation is involved in the control of feeding behavior, however its neural circuitry mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we focused on the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), which is the output nucleus of the emotional amygdala circuit, and recorded neuronal activity by using in vivo calcium imaging system about the three major cell-populations of the CeA. We analyzed neuronal activity responses in each cell population during feeding behavior, various tastant stimulations, and administration of gastrointestinal hormones, which are important factors of feeding behavior, and found that various feeding-related information are accumulated in the CeA and represented in a more complex way than previously thought.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年増加傾向にある摂食障害の一因には、情動神経回路の機能異常による摂食行動調節機構の破綻があると考えられるが、その病態の理解は進んでいない。本研究の成果は、摂食行動を制御する情動システムとして扁桃体中心核が重要な役割を果たしていることを示唆しており、情動的摂食調節機構の全容解明の足がかりとなるものである。本研究による摂食行動調節の正常な神経回路機構の理解が、今後、摂食障害を呈する様々な精神疾患の病態理解につながると考えられる。