Development of mPFC-pPVT neuronal circuits involved with juvenile social experience

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15935
• 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: Nara Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Yamamuro Kazuhiko 奈良県立医科大学, 医学部, 学内講師 (60526721)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: オキシトシン / 視床室傍核 / 社会性行動 / 自閉スペクトラム症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

When iDREADD was used to specifically suppress cells with oxytocin receptors in the posterior paraventricular nucleus in Oxtr-cre mice, we found that a 3-chamber task caused social deficits. On the other hand, there was no difference in OF or EPM, confirming that there were no problems with activity and anxiety. Furthermore, when we observed behavior in free-moving mice using AR-LABO (Simultaneous Behavior Analysis of Multiple Mice), we found that mice in which oxytocin receptor cells in the posterior paraventricular nucleus were specifically suppressed decreased the number of times they contacted new mice, while the number of times they were contacted by new mice increased The number of times they were contacted by new mice increased, while the number of times they were contacted by new mice decreased.

Free Research Field

電気生理学的研究

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

オキシトシンは自閉スペクトラム症に対して効果的と報告されているが、そのメカニズムは分かっていない。オキシトシンは自閉スペクトラム症に対して有力な候補となるため、その作用機序の解明が喫緊の課題となっている。今回、視床室傍核のオキシトシン受容体のある細胞を薬理遺伝学的に操作することで社会性行動に関わることを明らかにした。本研究で得られる結果によって、オキシトシンが社会性行動に関与することが明らとなり、社会性障害を呈する患者の新規治療法などのヒト研究を飛躍的に促進するため医学的に非常に意義がある。今後、さらなる研究が行われることが期待される。