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
January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and the rise in virtual health visits
A study of 3.7 million Kaiser Permanente members found that the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires caused large increases in virtual care, especially for respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms, and raised other outpatient visits.
New device measures blood viscosity in real time
Researchers at the University of Missouri created a non-invasive device that monitors blood viscosity and density in real time using ultrasound and software. It can read blood without drawing samples and may help in diseases like sickle cell.
AI coach helps medical students learn suturing
Researchers at Johns Hopkins developed an explainable AI tool that gives immediate text feedback to medical students practicing suturing. A small randomized study found faster learning for students with prior experience; beginners showed less benefit.
