'We're often told how the foods we eat, the amount of exercise we do, and even the quality of our sleep can all impact our mood and mental health.' But what about our reproductive hormones?
In a parallel line of research, my laboratory at The University of Texas at Austin has mapped out a direct line from the mPOA to the VTA, and the brain's reward centers. Members of my laboratory have been studying the connections between the mPOA and the brain's reward system, particularly in the context of drug addiction.
Several members of my laboratory have focused on the interaction between estradiol, a form of estrogen, in the mPOA and the VTA. We found that estradiol in the mPOA influences the output of GABA to the VTA, which in turn influences the brain's reward response to addictive drugs, particularly cocaine.
Moreover, my former graduate student, Julia Martz, now at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, recently showed that the pattern of VTA innervation was comparable between male and female rats, but that sex differences existed in the hormone-receptor profile of projections to the VTA.
In other words, sex differences in depression and substance abuse disorders may be, at least partly, dependent on activity in the mPOA.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Ohioans vote in high-stakes special election that could affect abortion rightsVoting is underway in Ohio in a special election concerning whether to make it harder to amend the state's constitution — a vote which could have big implications for abortion rights in the state.
Baca lebih lajut »
Elon Musk says he's 300 pounds, Zuck may win on enduranceElon Musk says he weighs 300 pounds, and if the Zuckerberg cage match becomes a long fight, Zuck will 'win on endurance'
Baca lebih lajut »
Deadly Traps May Still Be Hidden in The Tomb of China's First EmperorArchaeologists are too scared to open up the 2,200-year-old tomb of China's first emperor Qin Shi Huang because they fear it might harbor deadly booby traps.
Baca lebih lajut »
Elon Musk says he may need surgery before fight with Mark ZuckerbergElon Musk bragged about lifting '45 lb weights' on Friday. Now he says he has to get an MRI on his neck and back and may need surgery before his cage match with Zuck.
Baca lebih lajut »
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Donatello Is Underrated — But That May Be About to ChangeDonatello has always been the brains of the operation, but Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem shows he may become much more.
Baca lebih lajut »