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The lateral habenula, a core region in the psychological stress response, is involved in behavioral and autonomic stress responses through monoaminergic neurons, including dopamine neurons. Researchers at University of Tsukuba have found that this region also regulates stress-induced respiratory responses via dopaminergic neurons.

Tsukuba, Japan—Humans exhibit specific behavioral responses to stress, such as "freezing" and "fight-or-flight". Concurrently, various physiological responses occur, including increased respiratory frequency and blood pressure. These physiological responses can enhance the survival by enabling quick action. Regulating respiratory movements, in particular, is vital for life, as respiration is constantly adjusted during activities like exercise, speech, and stress, often without conscious awareness. However, the neural mechanisms driving stress-induced respiratory responses remain unclear.

The researchers focused on the lateral habenula (LHb), a brain region containing neurons activated by psychological stress. In anesthetized rats, electrical stimulation of the LHb mimicked a stress state, and significantly increased respiratory frequency. Researchers also found this respiratory response was mediated by the monoaminergic system, including dopaminergic and serotoninergic pathways. Moreover, dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area of the midbrain appear to be key mediators of stress-related respiratory responses originating in the LHb.

Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying stress-induced respiratory responses may aid in treating respiratory dysregulation in conditions such as hyperventilation syndrome.

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This research was supported by Kakenhi grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (19H03339, 22K19477, and 24K22082).

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

The lateral habenula regulates stress-related respiratory responses via the monoaminergic system

Journal:

Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology

DOI:

10.1007/s00424-024-03043-7

Correspondence

Associate Professor KOGANEZAWA Tadachika
Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba

MIZUKAMI Riko
Doctoral Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Related Link

Institute of Medicine