Scientists find cells in hippocampus linked to bravery and anxiety

Scientists have identified cells in the hippocampus that may be responsible for the degree of bravery exhibited by an individual, according to a new study. The findings may pave the way for future anxiety treatments that target only the part of the brain responsible for the anxious disposition rather than the entire brain. The research comes out of Brazil's Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte and Sweden's Department of Neuroscience of Uppsala University.

According to the newly published study, a type of cell in the hippocampus called OLM cells may be responsible for someone's bravery or anxiety. These neurons result in a brain rhythm compared to states found in animals that feel safe in a dangerous environment, such as secured in a hiding place with a predator in the vicinity.

The changes were observed when the OLM cells were stimulated, indicating that controlling the OLM cells could provide a way to treat anxiety disorders. The OLM cells, which are also identified as so-called memory gatekeepers, can be controlled using pharmaceuticals.

Interestingly enough, these OLM cells may also explain why some people turn to cigarettes when anxious — the cells are quite sensitive to the presence of nicotine. Future medications that target these OLM cells specifically, rather than the entire brain like present pharmaceuticals, may result in more effective anxiety treatments without unwanted side effects.

Talking about the study is Uppsala University's Dr. Sanja Mikulovic:

It is fascinating how different regions of the same brain structure control distinct behaviors and how they interact with each other. Identifying specific circuits that underlie either cognitive or emotional processes is crucial for the general understanding of brain function and for more specific drug development to treat disorders.

SOURCE: EurekAlert