Striatum (IMAGE)

Duke University

Striatum

Caption

A genetically altered mouse that excessively washes its face shows an imbalance in brain activity involved in compulsive behavior. Cells responsible for driving particular behaviors are more active in these mice. A Duke study found that blocking a brain receptor called mGluR5 restores the balance of activity between these so-called 'go' cells (red) and the cells that inhibit action, which are labeled in green.

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Kristen Ade, Duke University

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