Social Behavior Is Modulated by Valence-Encoding mPFC-Amygdala Sub-circuitry.

Cell Reports
Wen-Chin HuangDamon T Page

Abstract

The prefrontal cortex and amygdala are anatomical substrates linked to both social information and emotional valence processing, but it is not known whether sub-circuits in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) that project to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) are recruited and functionally contribute to social approach-avoidance behavior. Using retrograde labeling of mPFC projections to the BLA, we find that BLA-projecting neurons in the infralimbic cortex (IL) are preferentially activated in response to a social cue as compared with BLA-projecting neurons in the prelimbic cortex (PL). Chemogenetic interrogation of these sub-circuits shows that activation of PL-BLA or inhibition of IL-BLA circuits impairs social behavior. Sustained closed-loop optogenetic activation of PL-BLA circuitry induces social impairment, corresponding to a negative emotional state as revealed by real-time place preference behavioral avoidance. Reactivation of foot shock-responsive PL-BLA circuitry impairs social behavior. Altogether, these data suggest a circuit-level mechanism by which valence-encoding mPFC-BLA sub-circuits shape social approach-avoidance behavior.

Citations

Mar 12, 2021·Cell·Shelly A BuffingtonMauro Costa-Mattioli
Mar 16, 2021·Frontiers in Neuroscience·Hector Bravo-RiveraGregory J Quirk
May 4, 2021·Psychoneuroendocrinology·Fengmei WeiYuhong Jing
May 13, 2021·Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology·Janardhan P BhattaraiMinghong Ma

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