Researchers from McGill University have found a clue indicating that certain cognitive and mental disorders might involve two parts of the brain that were previously believed to function independently.
The team led by Prof. Yogita Chudasama from the University’s Laboratory of Brain and Behavior at the Department of Psychology made a vital discovery of a critical interaction between the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and inhibiting inappropriate behaviors. The findings were published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Prof. Chudasama says: “We had always thought that the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex functioned independently. Our latest study provides the first indication that that is not the case.”
The discovery shows a critical interaction between these two areas of the brain and behavior control, and may pave the way for new treatments of some cognitive and mental disorders like depression and schizophrenia. The vital interaction between hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex proves that brain circuits are linked together and function as a system.
Prof. Chudasama explains:
“Although the prefrontal cortex has long been known to be the driving force that steers our behavior, pushing us to make good decisions and withhold improper actions, it turns out that it can’t do this unless it interacts with the hippocampus. We found that when we prevented these two structures from communicating with each other, like humans with compulsive disorders, rats persisted with behaviors that were not good for them; they didn’t correct their errant behaviors and could not control their natural urges.”
He concludes saying: “The ability to control impulsive urges or inhibit our actions allows us to interact normally in personal or social situations, and this type of behavior depends on the normal interaction of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. This result provides a means for understanding the neural basis for social and cognitive deficits in disorders of brain and behavior, such as those with frontotemporal dementia.”
Written by Petra Rattue