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Ny roll för dopamin i sociala beteenden hos möss

The study published today in Cell explores a group found in a particular area of the brain called the dorsal raphe nucleus.

The researchers used optogenetics to show that when this group of dopamine neurons is activated in mice this prompts the animal to interact with others. The finding could hold important clues about how isolation affects people. “Social interactions are no doubt important for our mental health and play a role in conditions such as schizophrenia and depression. Interestingly, these disorders are also associated with dysfunction of dopamine neurons,” said Ungless. “We’re less likely to be able to help with such conditions if we continue to assume that all dopamine neurons do the same thing.”