The Lateral Habenula Directs Coping Styles Under Conditions of Stress via Recruitment of the Endocannabinoid System.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The ability to effectively cope with stress is a critical determinant of disease susceptibility. The lateral habenula (LHb) and the endocannabinoid (ECB) system have independently been shown to be involved in the selection of stress coping strategies, yet the role of ECB signaling in the LHb remains unknown.

Methods

Using a battery of complementary techniques in rats, we examined the localization of type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB₁Rs) and assessed the behavioral and neuroendocrine effects of intra-LHb CB₁R manipulations. We further tested the extent to which the ECB system in the LHb is impacted following chronic unpredictable stress or social defeat stress, and whether manipulation of LHb CB₁Rs can bias coping strategies in rats

SUBMITTER: Berger AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6162143 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature