Researchers at Washington State University studied a specific circuit that connects the prelimbic cortex with the paraventricular thalamus. The paraventricular thalamus responds to drug-associated cues and motivational states, and signals from the prelimbic cortex strongly activate it. The study appears in the Journal of Neuroscience and was carried out in the integrative physiology and neuroscience department in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Using a preclinical model to mimic human opioid use, the team found that reducing activity in this pathway significantly lowered drug-seeking. The project was led by graduate researcher Allison Jensen under assistant professor Giuseppe Giannotti.
They used two approaches. One introduced a designer receptor into prelimbic cortex neurons and activated it with a specific drug to reduce pathway activity. The other used a fiber-optic to deliver a low-frequency light pattern and further decreased heroin-seeking. The researchers note that the same pathway exists in humans and that stopping cravings is a major challenge.
Difficult words
- circuit — connected parts in a system that pass signals
- prelimbic cortex — part of the front area of the brain
- paraventricular thalamus — brain area that responds to drug cues and motivation
- preclinical model — an experiment that imitates human disease in animals
- designer receptor — a lab-made receptor placed into specific neurons
- fiber-optic — a thin glass cable that can carry light
- drug-seeking — behaviour of trying to get and use drugs
- craving — a strong desire for a drug or actioncravings
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think a treatment that reduces this brain pathway could help people with opioid addiction? Why or why not?
- What problems or risks might come from using designer receptors or fiber-optic devices in the brain?
- How might reducing cravings change daily life for someone recovering from heroin or opioid use?
Related articles
Human intelligence arises from coordinated brain networks
Researchers used neuroimaging and two adult datasets to test the Network Neuroscience Theory. They found that general intelligence reflects system-level organization and coordination across large-scale brain networks, with implications for development, injury and artificial systems.
Study: Year‑round RSV Immunization Could Reduce Big Outbreaks
A study in Science Advances finds that offering RSV immunizations year‑round would lower the chance of large seasonal outbreaks in the United States. Researchers compared spread in cities and rural areas and tested seasonal versus year‑round schedules.
Brain activity guides social adaptation
A University of Zurich study explains adaptive mentalization—how quickly people infer others' thoughts and change behavior. Over 550 participants played rock-paper-scissors while researchers used fMRI and a computational model to link brain activity to adaptation.
