The Paraventricular Nucleus of the Thalamus Is an Important Node in the Emotional Processing Network

Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
Jessica R BarsonWen-Jun Gao

Abstract

The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) has for decades been acknowledged to be an important node in the limbic system, but studies of emotional processing generally fail to incorporate it into their investigational framework. Here, we propose that the PVT should be considered as an integral part of the emotional processing network. Through its distinct subregions, cell populations, and connections with other limbic nuclei, the PVT participates in both major features of emotion: arousal and valence. The PVT, particularly the anterior PVT, can through its neuronal activity promote arousal, both as part of the sleep-wake cycle and in response to novel stimuli. It is also involved in reward, being both responsive to rewarding stimuli and itself affecting behavior reflecting reward, likely via specific populations of cells distributed throughout its subregions. Similarly, neuronal activity in the PVT contributes to depression-like behavior, through yet undefined subregions. The posterior PVT in particular demonstrates a role in anxiety-like behavior, generally promoting but also inhibiting this behavior. This subregion is also especially responsive to stressors, and it functions to suppress the stress response following c...Continue Reading

References

Jul 22, 1990·The Journal of Comparative Neurology·H S Su, M Bentivoglio
Apr 1, 1982·Brain Research Bulletin·R M Clavier, C R Gerfen
Dec 31, 1997·The Journal of Comparative Neurology·M M Moga, R Y Moore
Dec 18, 2001·The Journal of Comparative Neurology·E Timofeeva, D Richard
Nov 1, 2003·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·Seema BhatnagarCourtenay Vining
Sep 20, 2005·Brain Research·Gilbert J KirouacSa Li
Mar 4, 2008·The Journal of Comparative Neurology·Robert P Vertes, Walter B Hoover
Jan 5, 2010·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·Yonghui LiGilbert J Kirouac
Sep 10, 2011·Neuropharmacology·Nancy Padilla-CoreanoGregory J Quirk
Mar 22, 2014·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·David T HsuSeema Bhatnagar
Apr 2, 2014·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·Yonghui LiGilbert J Kirouac
Jan 21, 2015·Nature·Fabricio H Do-MonteGregory J Quirk
Aug 11, 2015·Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews·Gilbert J Kirouac
Feb 15, 2017·The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience·Eun A Choi, Gavan P McNally
Apr 21, 2017·Neuron·Fabricio H Do-MonteGregory J Quirk
Oct 22, 2017·Progress in Brain Research·E Zayra MillanGavan P McNally

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Feb 16, 2021·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·Genevieve R CurtisJessica R Barson
Apr 27, 2021·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·Robert G MairBrett M Gibson
May 15, 2021·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·Gorica D Petrovich
May 11, 2021·Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience·Sarah M KarkMichael A Yassa
May 15, 2021·Behavioural Brain Research·Mi-Seon Kong, Larry S Zweifel
Jun 4, 2021·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·Cassandra L KooikerTallie Z Baram
Jul 6, 2021·Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience·Amanda G Iglesias, Shelly B Flagel
Jul 25, 2021·Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology·Shelly B Flagel

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Brain Circuits in Emotional Learning

The neuronal circuits within the cortico-limbic brain regions form networks that mediate emotional behavior. Areas specific to emotional learning include the basal amygdala and sublenticular extended amygdala region along with a supplemental motor area. Discover the latest research on brain circuits in emotional learning here.

Basal Ganglia

Basal Ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei in the brain associated with control of voluntary motor movements, procedural and habit learning, emotion, and cognition. Here is the latest research.

Amygdala and Midbrain Dopamine

The midbrain dopamine system is widely studied for its involvement in emotional and motivational behavior. Some of these neurons receive information from the amygdala and project throughout the cortex. When the circuit and transmission of dopamine is disrupted symptoms may present. Here is the latest research on the amygdala and midbrain dopamine.

Amygdala: Sensory Processes

Amygdalae, nuclei clusters located in the temporal lobe of the brain, play a role in memory, emotional responses, and decision-making. Here is the latest research on sensory processes in the amygdala.