Cao Wei, Li Huiyi, Luo Jianhong
Institute of Brain Science and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2024 Nov 15;25(11):941-955. doi: 10.1631/jzus.B2300743.
Social behaviors are fundamental and intricate functions in both humans and animals, governed by the interplay of social cognition and emotions. A noteworthy feature of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), is a pronounced deficit in social functioning. Despite a burgeoning body of research on social behaviors, the precise neural circuit mechanisms underpinning these phenomena remain to be elucidated. In this paper, we review the pivotal role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in modulating social behaviors, as well as its functional alteration in social disorders in ASD or SCZ. We posit that PFC dysfunction may represent a critical hub in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders characterized by shared social deficits. Furthermore, we delve into the intricate connectivity of the medial PFC (mPFC) with other cortical areas and subcortical brain regions in rodents, which exerts a profound influence on social behaviors. Notably, a substantial body of evidence underscores the role of -methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and the proper functioning of parvalbumin-positive interneurons within the mPFC for social regulation. Our overarching goal is to furnish a comprehensive understanding of these intricate circuits and thereby contribute to the enhancement of both research endeavors and clinical practices concerning social behavior deficits.
社会行为是人类和动物的基本且复杂的功能，受社会认知和情感的相互作用支配。包括自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）和精神分裂症（SCZ）在内的几种神经精神疾病的一个显著特征是社会功能明显缺陷。尽管关于社会行为的研究不断涌现，但支撑这些现象的精确神经回路机制仍有待阐明。在本文中，我们综述了前额叶皮质（PFC）在调节社会行为中的关键作用，以及其在ASD或SCZ等社会障碍中的功能改变。我们认为，PFC功能障碍可能是具有共同社会缺陷的精神疾病发病机制中的一个关键枢纽。此外，我们深入探讨了啮齿动物内侧前额叶皮质（mPFC）与其他皮质区域和皮质下脑区的复杂连接，这对社会行为有深远影响。值得注意的是，大量证据强调了mPFC内的N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸受体（NMDARs）和小白蛋白阳性中间神经元的正常功能在社会调节中的作用。我们的总体目标是全面理解这些复杂的神经回路，从而有助于加强关于社会行为缺陷的研究工作和临床实践。
