Cited by 20Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeurotransmitter Receptor Influence on BehaviorMemory and Neural Mechanisms

Anxiety control by astrocytes in the lateral habenula

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Tan, Wanqin, Ikoma, Yoko, Takahashi, Yusuke, Konno, Ayumu, Hirai, Hirokazu, Hirase, Hajime, Matsui, Ko·2024·Neuroscience Research

Abstract

The potential role of astrocytes in lateral habenula (LHb) in modulating anxiety was explored in this study. The habenula are a pair of small nuclei located above the thalamus, known for their involvement in punishment avoidance and anxiety. Herein, we observed an increase in theta-band oscillations of local field potentials (LFPs) in the LHb when mice were exposed to anxiety-inducing environments. Electrical stimulation of LHb at theta-band frequency promoted anxiety-like behavior. Calcium (Ca2+) levels and pH in the cytosol of astrocytes and local brain blood volume changes were studied in mice expressing either a Ca2+ or a pH sensor protein specifically in astrocytes and mScarlet fluorescent protein in the blood plasma using fiber photometry. An acidification response to anxiety was observed. Photoactivation of archaerhopsin-T (ArchT), an optogenetic tool that acts as an outward proton pump, results in intracellular alkalinization. Photostimulation of LHb in astrocyte-specific ArchT-expressing mice resulted in dissipation of theta-band LFP oscillation in an anxiogenic environment and suppression of anxiety-like behavior. These findings provide evidence that LHb astrocytes modulate anxiety and may offer a new target for treatment of anxiety disorders.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.neures.2024.01.006

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  • Astrocytes and the vasculature may not only respond passively to neuronal activity but may also exhibit dynamics that precede changes in neuronal network states.

    “Together, these findings suggest that astrocytes and the vasculature may not only respond passively to neuronal activity but may also exhibit dynamics that precede changes in neuronal network states39,53–55.”

    From Energy paradox in REM sleep: balancing supply and consumption in brain metabolism (2026) · cites this paper as [39]

    The Discussion (p. 14) proposes that astrocytic activity can lead to theta-band oscillations in the lateral habenula, supporting the possibility that astrocytes help shape neuronal states rather than merely respond to them. The passage on brain blood volume during REM sleep (p. 10) describes an associated vascular change, but does not say that vascular dynamics precede changes in neuronal network states. (LLM, conf=0.82)

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Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. Barlow, D.H., 2002. Anxiety and its disorders: The nature and treatment of anxiety and panic, 2nd ed., Anxiety and its disorders: The nature and treatment of anxiety and panic, 2nd ed.,. The Guilford Press,, New York, NY, US. http://refhub.elsevier.com/S0168-0102(2400010-5/sbref6)
  2. Beck, A.T., Emery, G., Greenberg, R.L., 2005. Anxiety Disorders and Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective, Anxiety Disorders and Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective. Basic Books/ Hachette Book Group,, New York, NY, US. http://refhub.elsevier.com/S0168-0102(2400010-5/sbref8)
  3. Gray, J.A., 1982. The neuropsychology of anxiety: An enquiry into the functions of the septo-hippocampal system, The neuropsychology of anxiety: An enquiry into the functions of the septo-hippocampal system. Clarendon Press/Oxford University Press,, New York, NY, US. http://refhub.elsevier.com/S0168-0102(2400010-5/sbref27)
  4. Paxinos, G., Franklin, K.B.J., 2001. The Mouse Brain in Stereotaxic Coordinates, The Mouse Brain in Stereotaxic Coordinates. Academic Press,. http://refhub.elsevier.com/S0168-0102(2400010-5/sbref58)

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Authors
Tan, W., Ikoma, Y., Takahashi, Y., Konno, A., Hirai, H., Hirase, H., & Matsui, K.
Affiliations
  • Tohoku University (JP)
  • Gunma University (JP)
  • University of Copenhagen (DK)
Corresponding author
Matsui, Ko
Venue
Neuroscience Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2024-08
Volume
205
Pages
1-15
ISSN
0168-0102 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4391486105
Cited by
20
References
75
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 4
FWCI
3.51
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Neuroscience Research (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research at the University of Copenhagen (University of Copenhagen) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • Takeda Science Foundation
  • Uehara Memorial Foundation
  • AMED
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Keywords
astrocytes, lateral habenula, anxiety, theta oscillations, local field potentials, blood volume, optogenetics, anxiety-like behavior, anxiety disorders
MeSH terms
Animals, Anxiety, Astrocytes, Calcium, Male, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Transgenic, Theta Rhythm, Habenula, Mice

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