Princeton breakthrough links brain's emotion centre to food aversion
Scientists from Princeton have discovered that the amygdala in the brain is responsible for the long-term avoidance of food after poisoning. Studies on mice show how emotions affect our taste preferences.
Researchers from the Princeton Neuroscience Institute have conducted studies that shed light on the mechanisms responsible for avoiding food post-poisoning. The amygdala, the brain's region responsible for processing emotions, plays a pivotal role in forming lasting memories related to unpleasant taste experiences.
Studies conducted on mice revealed that the central nucleus of the amygdala is activated by new flavours at every stage of learning. Dr Christopher Zimmerman, the lead author of the study published in "Nature," explained that this part of the brain is active when a mouse consumes something poisonous, feels ill, and even when recalling negative memories.
In the experiment, the mice were given a grape-flavoured drink, which they had not encountered previously. After consuming it, the animals received an injection that induced symptoms similar to food poisoning. Two days later, even though they had recovered, they avoided the grape drink, confirming the scientists' hypothesis.
Brain imaging of the mice showed that memories related to the uncomfortable food were formed in the central nucleus of the amygdala. The same region was activated when the animal encountered the suspicious product again. Scientists also identified cells in the posterior part of the brain that connect with the amygdala and are responsible for transmitting illness signals.
The importance of the research
Researchers also noted that neurons previously activated by the grape drink were reactivated when the mouse felt ill—as if it was recalling its earlier consumption.
According to the researchers, understanding the mechanisms of food poisoning in mice may help develop clinical treatment methods for humans. This knowledge could be applicable not only in cases of poisoning but also in the context of traumatic experiences that lead to PTSD.
