Scientists Discover Causative Pathway and Potential Treatments of Anxiety

⁤Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have made a notable discovery in understanding and even potentially treating anxiety. ⁤⁤Researchers discovered that a specific region of the brain called the delta opioid receptor (DOP) is essential for controlling anxiety. ⁤⁤The research team used a drug called KNT-127, which targets the DOP and reduces anxiety in mice without causing significant side effects. ⁤⁤However, how the exact function of KNT-127 has not been evident. ⁤

⁤To investigate the precise cause, the research team led by Professor Akiyoshi Saitoh conducted experiments on mice on how the brain's prelimbic cortex(PL) and basolateral nucleus of the amygdala(BLA) regions interact - these regions are interconnected and play an important role in anxiety and depression. ⁤

⁤The scientists used a technique called optogenetics, in which a particular chip is inserted in the mice and enables them to control specific brain pathways with light. ⁤⁤Through optogenetics, scientists could observe how triggering or inhibiting the PL-BLA pathway affects anxiety. ⁤

⁤The experiments demonstrated that when the PL-BLA pathway was more active, mice showed more signs of anxiety. ⁤⁤However, the anxious behaviors decreased when the mice were treated with the drug KNT-127, suggesting that KNT-127 helps reduce anxiety by affecting this specific brain pathway. ⁤

⁤The study is significant as it enables scientists to understand how anxiety works in the brain and how they can assist it with drugs. ⁤⁤The researchers hope that this discovery can lead to new treatments for people with anxiety disorders, especially those who haven't had success with existing medications. ⁤