(P25-042-24) Regulation of PVT-CeA Circuit in Deoxynivalenol-Induced Anorexia and Aversive-Like Emotions

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the circuitry adaptations that mediate the effects of Deoxynivalenol (DON) on feeding behaviors and emotional responses, focusing on the role of GABA neurons in the central amygdala (CeA). The study aims to understand how acute oral administration of DON influences feeding behavior, locomotor activity, and emotional states, potentially offering insights for therapeutic strategies to mitigate DON's adverse effects on human health.

Methods: The methods section describes the experimental approach used to investigate the effects of DON, including the targeting of GABA neurons in the CeA. Techniques such as chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulations of CeAGABA neurons were employed to observe changes in feeding and overall activity in mice.

Results: The results indicate that exposure to DON leads to an increase in connectivity between the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) and CeAGABA neurons, suggesting the involvement of this pathway in mediating DON's adverse effects on feeding and emotional states. These outcomes highlight the significant role of the PVT-CeA circuit and CeAGABA neurons in regulating the physiological and emotional impacts of DON.

Conclusions: The study concludes that the PVT-CeA circuit and CeAGABA neurons play a pivotal role in modulating the adverse effects of DON on feeding behaviors and emotional responses. The findings suggest that targeting these neural mechanisms could offer potential therapeutic strategies to alleviate DON's negative impacts on health, with significant implications for public health and clinical interventions.

Funding Sources: This work was supported by the Foundation for the National Key R&D Program of China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.