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    Synchronization-suppressing stimulation of the amygdala circuitry reduces pathological anxiety in sub-chronic stress rat model


    Réboli, Larissa Altoé and Cota, Vinícius Rosa (2025) Synchronization-suppressing stimulation of the amygdala circuitry reduces pathological anxiety in sub-chronic stress rat model. Brain Network Disorders, 1 (1). pp. 49-56. ISSN 30506239

    Abstract

    Background Synchronization across neural circuits is inextricably associated with brain function and pathology. Although not largely explored, this framework can be applied to baseline anxiety and its disorder, which is characterized by aberrant levels of synchronization between the amygdala nuclei and other areas of the extended amygdala, particularly the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and those outside this complex. Here, we aimed to test the hypothesis that a temporally complex form of electrical stimulation (non-periodic stimulation [NPS]) of the amygdala, specifically designed to disrupt hypersynchronous activity in epilepsy, a major comorbidity of pathological anxiety, may reduce its symptoms. Methods Wistar rats were subjected to a physical restriction protocol model of stress to induce pathological anxiety and were assessed using the gold standard elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OF) tests. Result In all criteria measured by the tests, NPS animals displayed reduced levels of anxiety-related symptoms, back at physiological levels. Conclusions Considering the known effects and mechanisms of NPS on epileptic phenomena, we hypothesized that the therapeutic effects were achieved by desynchronization (or normalization of synchronism levels) across brain circuits involving the amygdala, BNST, and others. Overall, past and present findings suggest that NPS may be considered as a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Temporally complex stimulation; Anxiety; Neural network; Neural synchronization; Electroceuticals;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Electronic Engineering
    Item ID: 20851
    Identification Number: 10.1016/j.bnd.2024.07.001
    Depositing User: Vinicius Cota
    Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2025 10:39
    Journal or Publication Title: Brain Network Disorders
    Publisher: Elsevier
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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