Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201619, China.
Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
Neurosci Bull. 2023 Apr;39(4):589-601. doi: 10.1007/s12264-022-00994-8. Epub 2022 Dec 16.
The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) integrates interoceptive and exteroceptive information to control various behavioral and physiological processes including breathing, emotion, and sleep/wake regulation through the neural circuits that connect to the forebrain and the brainstem. However, the precise identity and function of distinct PBN subpopulations are still largely unknown. Here, we leveraged molecular characterization, retrograde tracing, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and electrocortical recording approaches to identify a small subpopulation of neurotensin-expressing neurons in the PBN that largely project to the emotional control regions in the forebrain, rather than the medulla. Their activation induces freezing and anxiety-like behaviors, which in turn result in tachypnea. In addition, optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations of these neurons revealed their function in promoting wakefulness and maintaining sleep architecture. We propose that these neurons comprise a PBN subpopulation with specific gene expression, connectivity, and function, which play essential roles in behavioral and physiological regulation.
臂旁核（PBN）通过连接前脑和脑干的神经网络整合内感受和外感受信息，以控制各种行为和生理过程，包括呼吸、情绪和睡眠/觉醒调节。然而，不同 PBN 亚群的确切身份和功能仍在很大程度上未知。在这里，我们利用分子特征分析、逆行追踪、光遗传学、化学遗传学和脑电记录方法，鉴定出 PBN 中一小群表达神经降压素的神经元，这些神经元主要投射到前脑的情绪控制区域，而不是延髓。它们的激活会引起冻结和类似焦虑的行为，进而导致呼吸急促。此外，对这些神经元的光遗传学和化学遗传学操作揭示了它们在促进觉醒和维持睡眠结构中的作用。我们提出，这些神经元构成了一个具有特定基因表达、连接和功能的 PBN 亚群，在行为和生理调节中发挥着重要作用。
