Role of the Nucleus Incertus in Cognition

Abstract

Stress is an important modulator of cognition. Recent evidence suggests that the nucleus incertus (NI) plays a potential role in stress and cognition modulation. In this thesis, to test the hypothesis that the NI plays a critical role in cognition under stress, especially in PFC modulation: (1) The chemoarchitecture of NI neurons projecting to mPFC and ACC was characterized, demonstrating the high expression levels of CRF1 receptor, RLN3 and dopamine D2S in NI-PFC projection neurons; (2) The role of the NI in stressor-induced HP-mPFC LTP modulation was validated by the rescue effects of intra-NI CRF1 antagonist treatment on HP-mPFC LTP suppression caused by elevation stress; (3) The role of the NI in stress-induced mPFC working memory behavior modulation was also studied by delayed spatial win-shift task. All results strongly suggested the critical role of NI in PFC modulation under stress.