Neural network involving medial orbitofrontal cortex and dorsal periaqueductal gray regulation in human alcohol abuse

Prompted by recent evidence of neural circuitry in rodent models, functional magnetic resonance imaging and functional connectivity analyses were conducted for a large adolescent population at two ages, together with alcohol abuse measures, to characterize a neural network that may underlie the onset of alcoholism. A network centered on the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), as well as including the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG), central nucleus of the amygdala, and nucleus accumbens, was identified, consistent with the rodent models, with evidence of both inhibitory and excitatory coregulation by the mOFC over the dPAG. Furthermore, significant relationships were detected between raised baseline excitatory coregulation in this network and impulsivity measures, supporting a role for negative urgency in alcohol dependence.

Automated summary

Using neural imaging techniques, a study explored the neural network underlying alcoholism onset in adolescents. It identified a network centered on the medial orbitofrontal cortex, with evidence of inhibitory and excitatory coregulation by this region over the dorsal periaqueductal gray. Additionally, the study found significant relationships between baseline excitatory coregulation in this network and impulsivity, supporting the role of negative urgency in alcohol dependence.