セロトニン神経による腹側海馬の活動抑制が意欲行動の維持に必要である

Title: Serotonin-mediated inhibition of ventral hippocampus is required for sustained goal-directed behavior
Authors: Yoshida, Keitaro; Drew, Michael R.; Mimura, Masaru; Tanaka, Kenji F.
Journal: NATURE NEUROSCIENCE, 22, 770-777(2019)
DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0376-5

Abstract:
The ability to sustain goal-directed action is essential for success in many domains, but little is known about the corresponding neural substrates. Using fiber photometry to monitor population neural activity, we demonstrate that engagement in sustained food- or punishment-motivated behavior is associated with suppression of ventral but not dorsal hippocampal activity. Using optogenetic stimulation, we demonstrate that this suppression is required for goal-directed behavior, whereas optogenetic suppression of the ventral hippocampus (vHP) enhances the ability to sustain goal-directed behavior. Suppression of vHP during sustained goal-directed behavior was accompanied by increased activity in median but not dorsal raphe, implicating serotonergic signaling through Htr3a as a mechanism of vHP suppression during successful goal-directed behavior. Sustainment of goal-directed action may require suppression of vHP because of the structure's well-documented role in behavioral inhibition.

Links:
慶應義塾大学プレスリリース
根気を生み出す脳内メカニズムの発見－粘り強さは海馬とセロトニンが制御する－
https://www.keio.ac.jp/ja/press-releases/2019/4/16/28-52434/