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Specific ensembles of neurons in the basolateral amygdala representing unconditioned stimuli that mediate innate behaviours are also found to be necessary for the expression learned behaviours.
A system inDrosophila melanogasterthat involves Diuretic hormone 44 (a homologue of mammalian corticotropin-releasing hormone) mediates the preferential ingestion and digestion of nutritive sugars.
Lung nociceptors contribute to inflammation in a model of allergic asthma, in part by release of vasoactive intestinal peptide, and silencing these neurons may be a promising strategy for reducing inflammation in this disease.
The health of the vertebrate brain is dependent on appropriate levels of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is secreted by the choroid plexus (ChP). In this Review, Lehtinen and colleagues examine ChP structure and development and explore recently discovered functions of the ChP–CSF system.
Local circuit GABAergic inhibitory interneurons regulate almost all aspects of cortical and hippocampal circuitry. In this Review, Overstreet-Wadiche and McBain discuss how neurogliaform cells are emerging as an inhibitory interneuron type with unique cellular and signalling properties that diverge from canonical roles for interneurons.
Various lines of evidence suggest that immune system dysregulation has a key role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Estes and McAllister review this evidence, covering genetic and maternal immune system-related risk factors, chronic immune system changes in individuals with ASD and in animal models, and potential pathophysiological mechanisms.
Cajal's description of the neuron as the structural and functional unit of the nervous system formed the basis of much subsequent neuroscientific research. In this Timeline article, Yuste considers the contribution of the 'neuron doctrine' to neuroscience and discusses the recent transition in paradigm from the single neuron to neural networks.
There is emerging evidence that the interactions of oxytocin, GABAergic signals and stress molecules during birth can contribute to autism spectrum disorders. In this Opinion article, Ben-Ari suggests that, during birth, oxytocin can attenuate certain neurodevelopmental alterations, thereby attenuating the pathogenesis of autism in offspring.
