scholarly journals Two opposing hippocampus to prefrontal cortex pathways for the control of approach and avoidance behavior

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Candela Sánchez-Bellot ◽  
Andrew F. MacAskill
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Avoidance Behavior ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Ventral Hippocampus ◽  
Inhibitory Interneurons ◽  
Approach And Avoidance ◽  
Parallel Circuits ◽  
Neural Populations ◽  
Fast Spiking ◽  
Approach Avoidance

SUMMARYThe decision to either approach or avoid a potentially threatening environment is thought to rely upon complex connectivity between heterogenous neural populations in the ventral hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, how this circuitry can flexibly promote both approach or avoidance at different times has remained elusive. Here, we show that the projection to PFC is composed of two parallel circuits located in the superficial or deep hippocampal pyramidal layers. These circuits have unique upstream and downstream connectivity, and are differentially active during approach and avoidance behavior. The superficial population is preferentially connected to widespread PFC inhibitory interneurons, and its activation promotes exploration; while the deep circuit is connected to PFC pyramidal neurons and fast spiking interneurons, and its activation promotes avoidance. Together this provides a mechanism for regulation of behavior during approach avoidance conflict: through two specialized, parallel circuits that allow bidirectional hippocampal control of PFC.

scholarly journals Posture as index for approach-avoidance behavior

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Eerland ◽  
Tulio M. Guadalupe ◽  
Ingmar H.A. Franken ◽  
Rolf Antonius Zwaan
Keyword(s):  
Avoidance Behavior ◽  
Affective State ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Lateral Movement ◽  
Approach And Avoidance ◽  
Posterior Direction ◽  
Approach Avoidance ◽  
The Right ◽  
Balance Board ◽  
Anterior Posterior

Approach and avoidance are two behavioral responses that make people tend to approach positive and avoid negative situations. This study examines whether postural behavior is influenced by the affective state of pictures. While standing on the Wii™ Balance Board, participants viewed pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant pictures (passively viewing phase). Then they had to move their body to the left or the right (lateral movement phase) to make the next picture appear. We recorded movements in the anterior-posterior direction to examine approach and avoidant behavior. During passively viewing, people approached pleasant pictures. They avoided unpleasant ones while they made a lateral movement. These findings provide support for the idea that we tend to approach positive and avoid negative situations.

The Role of the Dorsal–Lateral Prefrontal Cortex in Reward Sensitivity During Approach–Avoidance Conflict

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camarin E Rolle ◽  
Mads L Pedersen ◽  
Noriah Johnson ◽  
Ken-ichi Amemori ◽  
Maria Ironside ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Avoidance Behavior ◽  
Reward Sensitivity ◽  
Diffusion Modeling ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Current Task ◽  
Approach Avoidance ◽  
Cortical Regions ◽  
The Right

Abstract Approach–Avoidance conflict (AAC) arises from decisions with embedded positive and negative outcomes, such that approaching leads to reward and punishment and avoiding to neither. Despite its importance, the field lacks a mechanistic understanding of which regions are driving avoidance behavior during conflict. In the current task, we utilized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and drift-diffusion modeling to investigate the role of one of the most prominent regions relevant to AAC—the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). The first experiment uses in-task disruption to examine the right dlPFC’s (r-dlPFC) causal role in avoidance behavior. The second uses single TMS pulses to probe the excitability of the r-dlPFC, and downstream cortical activations, during avoidance behavior. Disrupting r-dlPFC during conflict decision-making reduced reward sensitivity. Further, r-dlPFC was engaged with a network of regions within the lateral and medial prefrontal, cingulate, and temporal cortices that associate with behavior during conflict. Together, these studies use TMS to demonstrate a role for the dlPFC in reward sensitivity during conflict and elucidate the r-dlPFC’s network of cortical regions associated with avoidance behavior. By identifying r-dlPFC’s mechanistic role in AAC behavior, contextualized within its conflict-specific downstream neural connectivity, we advance dlPFC as a potential neural target for psychiatric therapeutics.

scholarly journals Alterations of specific inhibitory circuits of the prefrontal cortex underlie abnormal network activity in a mouse model of Down syndrome

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Zorrilla de San Martin ◽  
Cristina Donato ◽  
Jérémy Peixoto ◽  
Andrea Aguirre ◽  
Vikash Choudhary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Phase Locking ◽  
Network Activity ◽  
Inhibitory Circuits ◽  
Network Oscillations ◽  
Fast Spiking

AbstractDown syndrome (DS) results in various degrees of cognitive deficits. In DS mouse models, recovery of behavioral and neurophysiological deficits using GABAAR antagonists led to hypothesize an excessive activity of inhibitory circuits in this condition. Nonetheless, whether over-inhibition is present in DS and whether this is due to specific alterations of distinct GABAergic circuits is unknown. In the prefrontal cortex of Ts65Dn mice (a well-established DS model), we found that the dendritic synaptic inhibitory loop formed by somatostatin-positive Martinotti cells (MCs) and pyramidal neurons (PNs) was strongly enhanced, with no alteration of their excitability. Conversely, perisomatic inhibition from parvalbumin-positive (PV) interneurons was unaltered, but PV cells of DS mice lost their classical fast-spiking phenotype and exhibited increased excitability. These microcircuit alterations resulted in reduced pyramidal-neuron firing and increased phase locking to cognitive-relevant network oscillations in vivo. These results define important synaptic and circuit mechanisms underlying of cognitive dysfunctions in DS.

scholarly journals Repeated cocaine exposure increases fast-spiking interneuron excitability in the rat medial prefrontal cortex

2013 ◽  
Vol 109 (11) ◽  
pp. 2781-2792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilie Campanac ◽  
Dax A. Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Medial Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Compensatory Mechanism ◽  
Cocaine Exposure ◽  
Membrane Excitability ◽  
Chronic Cocaine ◽  
Fast Spiking ◽  
Circuit Output

The medial prefrontal cortex plays a key role in cocaine addiction. However, how chronic cocaine exposure affects cortical networks remains unclear. Most studies have focused on layer 5 pyramidal neurons (the circuit output), while the response of local GABAergic interneurons to cocaine remains poorly understood. Here, we recorded from fast-spiking interneurons (FS-IN) after repeated cocaine exposure and found altered membrane excitability. After cocaine withdrawal, FS-IN showed an increase in the number of spikes evoked by positive current injection, increased input resistance, and decreased hyperpolarization-activated current. We also observed a reduction in miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, whereas miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current activity was unaffected. We show that, in animals with cocaine history, dopamine receptor D2 activation is less effective in increasing FS-IN intrinsic excitability. Interestingly, these alterations are only observed 1 wk or more after the last cocaine exposure. This suggests that the dampening of D2-receptor-mediated response may be a compensatory mechanism to rein down the excitability of FS-IN.

Mechanisms of Dopamine Activation of Fast-Spiking Interneurons That Exert Inhibition in Rat Prefrontal Cortex

2002 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 3150-3166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Gorelova ◽  
Jeremy K. Seamans ◽  
Charles R. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Sch 23390 ◽  
Membrane Depolarization ◽  
Inward Rectifier ◽  
Repetitive Firing ◽  
Gabaergic Interneurons ◽  
Fast Spiking

Prefrontal cortical dopamine (DA) modulates pyramidal cell excitability directly and indirectly by way of its actions on local circuit GABAergic interneurons. DA modulation of interneuronal functions is implicated in the computational properties of prefrontal networks during cognitive processes and in schizophrenia. Morphologically and electrophysiologically distinct classes of putative GABAergic interneurons are found in layers II-V of rat prefrontal cortex. Our whole cell patch-clamp study shows that DA induced a direct, TTX-insensitive, reversible membrane depolarization, and increased the excitability of fast-spiking (FS) interneurons. The DA-induced membrane depolarization was reduced significantly by D1/D5 receptor antagonist SCH 23390, but not by the D2 receptor antagonist (−)sulpiride, D4 receptor antagonists U101958 or L-745870, α1-adrenoreceptor antagonist prazosin, or serotoninergic receptor antagonist mianserin. The D1/5 agonists SKF81297 or dihydrexidine, but not D2 agonist quinpirole, also induced a prolonged membrane depolarization. Voltage-clamp analyses of the voltage-dependence of DA-sensitive currents, and the effects of changing [K+]O on reversal potentials of DA responses, revealed that DA suppressed a Cs+-sensitive inward rectifier K+ current and a resting leak K+ current. D1/D5, but not D2 agonists mimicked the suppressive effects of DA on the leak current, but the DA effects on the inward rectifier K+ current were not mimicked by either agonist. In a subgroup of FS interneurons, the slowly inactivating membrane outward rectification evoked by depolarizing voltage steps was also attenuated by DA. Collectively, these data showed that DA depolarizes FS interneurons by suppressing a voltage-independent ‘leak’ K+ current (via D1/D5 receptor mechanism) and an inwardly rectifying K+ current (via unknown DA mechanisms). Additional suppression of a slowly inactivating K+ current led to increase in repetitive firing in response to depolarizing inputs. This D1-induced increase in interneuron excitability enhances GABAergic transmission to PFC pyramidal neurons and could represent a mechanism via which DA suppresses persistent firing of pyramidal neurons in vivo.

scholarly journals Control of Parallel Hippocampal Output Pathways by Amygdalar Long-Range Inhibition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rawan AlSubaie ◽  
Ryan W S Wee ◽  
Anne Ritoux ◽  
Karyna Mischanchuk ◽  
Daniel Regester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Long Range ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Ventral Hippocampus ◽  
Excitatory Input ◽  
Place Value ◽  
Inhibitory Input ◽  
Downstream Targets ◽  
Basal Amygdala

ABSTRACTProjections from the basal amygdala (BA) to the ventral hippocampus (vH) are proposed to provide information about the rewarding or threatening nature of learned associations to support appropriate goal-directed and anxiety-like behaviour. Such behaviour occurs via the differential activity of multiple, parallel populations of pyramidal neurons in vH that project to distinct downstream targets, but the nature of BA input and how it connects with these populations is unclear. Using channelrhodopsin-2-assisted circuit mapping in mice, we show that BA input to vH consists of both excitatory and inhibitory projections. Excitatory input specifically targets BA- and nucleus accumbens-projecting vH neurons, and avoids prefrontal cortex-projecting vH neurons; while inhibitory input preferentially targets BA-projecting neurons. Through this specific connectivity, BA inhibitory projections gate place-value associations by controlling the activity of nucleus accumbens-projecting vH neurons. Our results define a parallel excitatory and inhibitory projection from BA to vH that can support goal-directed behaviour.

scholarly journals Assessing Automatic Approach-Avoidance Behavior in an Immersive Virtual Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliane Degner ◽  
Lea Steep ◽  
Susanne Schmidt ◽  
Frank Steinicke
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Avoidance Behavior ◽  
Body Movement ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Approach And Avoidance ◽  
Stimulus Response ◽  
Immersive Virtual Environment ◽  
Behavioral Tendencies ◽  
Approach Avoidance ◽  
And Behavior

The use of virtual reality (VR) promises enormous potential for studying human behavior. While approach and avoidance tendencies have been explored in various areas of basic and applied psychology, such as attitude and emotion research, basic learning psychology, and behavior therapy, they have rarely been studied in VR. One major focus of this research is to understand the psychological mechanisms underlying automatic behavioral tendencies towards and away from positively or negatively evaluated stimuli. We implemented a whole-body movement stimulus-response compatibility task to explore approach-avoidance behavior in an immersive virtual environment. We chose attitudinal stimuli—spiders and butterflies—on which people widely agree in their general evaluations (in that people evaluate spiders negatively and butterflies positively), while there is still substantial inter-individual variance (i. e., the intensity in which people dislike spiders or like butterflies). We implemented two parallel approach-avoidance tasks, one in VR, one desktop-based. Both tasks revealed the expected compatibility effects that were positively intercorrelated. Interestingly, however, the compatibility effect in the VR measure was unrelated to participants’ self-reported fear of spiders and stimulus evaluations. These results raise important implications about the usage of VR to study automatic behavioral tendencies.

scholarly journals Control of parallel hippocampal output pathways by amygdalar long-range inhibition

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rawan AlSubaie ◽  
Ryan WS Wee ◽  
Anne Ritoux ◽  
Karyna Mishchanchuk ◽  
Jessica Passlack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Long Range ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Ventral Hippocampus ◽  
Excitatory Input ◽  
Place Value ◽  
Inhibitory Input ◽  
Downstream Targets ◽  
Basal Amygdala

Projections from the basal amygdala (BA) to the ventral hippocampus (vH) are proposed to provide information about the rewarding or threatening nature of learned associations to support appropriate goal-directed and anxiety-like behaviour. Such behaviour occurs via the differential activity of multiple, parallel populations of pyramidal neurons in vH that project to distinct downstream targets, but the nature of BA input and how it connects with these populations is unclear. Using channelrhodopsin-2-assisted circuit mapping in mice, we show that BA input to vH consists of both excitatory and inhibitory projections. Excitatory input specifically targets BA- and nucleus accumbens-projecting vH neurons, and avoids prefrontal cortex-projecting vH neurons; while inhibitory input preferentially targets BA-projecting neurons. Through this specific connectivity, BA inhibitory projections gate place-value associations by controlling the activity of nucleus accumbens-projecting vH neurons. Our results define a parallel excitatory and inhibitory projection from BA to vH that can support goal-directed behaviour.

scholarly journals Cocaine memory reactivation induces functional adaptations of fast-spiking interneurons in the rat medial prefrontal cortex

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily T. Jorgensen ◽  
Angela E. Gonzalez ◽  
John H. Harkness ◽  
Deborah M. Hegarty ◽  
Delta J. Burchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Memory Reactivation ◽  
Electrophysiological Properties ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats ◽  
Cocaine Seeking ◽  
Fast Spiking ◽  
Inhibitory Tone ◽  
Wisteria Floribunda

AbstractPerineuronal nets (PNNs) are specialized extracellular matrix structures that ensheathe parvalbumin-containing fast-spiking interneurons (PV FSIs) and play a key role in neuroplasticity. We previously showed that PNNs within the prelimbic prefrontal cortex (PL PFC) are required for the maintenance of cocaine-associated memories following cocaine memory reactivation. However, how cocaine memory reactivation affects PNNs, PV, and corresponding changes in PV FSI function are unknown. In this study, we characterized the electrophysiological properties of PV FSIs and corresponding changes in PNN and PV intensity within the PL PFC prior to and after cocaine memory reactivation. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to acquire cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP) and, following cocaine-CPP memory reactivation (30 m, 2 h, and 24 h post-reactivation), we measured PNN intensity (determined by Wisteria floribunda agglutinin [WFA] staining) as well as PV intensity using immunohistochemistry. The intensity of PV staining was reduced at all time points following memory reactivation with no changes in WFA intensity. Using whole-cell electrophysiology we found a reduction in the number of action potentials at 30 m and 2 h that returned to control levels by 24 h. The attenuation in firing was accompanied by a presumed compensatory increase in excitatory synaptic transmission, which was corroborated by an increase in VGluT1 puncta apposing PV/PNN neurons. Collectively, our results indicate that cocaine memory reactivation decreases PV intensity, which may play a role in decreasing excitation of PV FSIs. Thus, the inhibitory tone onto pyramidal neurons may be decreased following memory reactivation, resulting in an increase in PFC output to promote cocaine-seeking behaviors.

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