Neuron Hyperactivation in the Brain Leads to Depression (IMAGE)

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Neuron Hyperactivation in the Brain Leads to Depression

Caption

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified the neurons in the brain that determine if a mouse will learn to cope with stress or become depressed. These neurons, located in a region of the brain known as the medial prefrontal cortex (green, top image), become hyperactive in depressed mice (bottom panel is close-up of above, yellow indicates activation). The team showed that this enhanced activity in fact causes depression.

Credit

Bo Li/ Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

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