Elucidating the neural mechanisms of stress-induced cardiovascular responses
The lateral habenula is a brain region associated with behavioral changes and autonomic responses during psychological stress. Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have identified the involvement of the dopaminergic system in the cardiovascular responses triggered by neuronal excitation in the lateral habenula. They further determined that the ventral tegmental area of the midbrain, which is the origin of dopamine neurons, plays a mediating role in this response.
