Study finds brain neurons that regulate altruistic behaviour

Source: Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

A team of researchers from the University of Milan has identified neural connections that regulate prosocial and selfish behavior in mice

Researchers examined the activation and firing of neurons in the brains of mice as the animals engaged in prosocial or selfish behaviors.

They found a series of prosocial or selfish behavior-specific reciprocal connections between neurons in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, two brain regions associated with complex behavioral planning and emotional regulation.

Using a 'dictator game' experiment, offered the animals two choices: sharing a reward with their peers or not. They then used synthetic drugs to silence particular neurons to observe what effect this would have.

'We observed that silencing the neurons in the prefrontal cortex that are connected to the basolateral amygdala modulated choices guided by self-interest,' study author Diego Scheggia said.

'As a result of the pandemic, more selfish and antisocial behavior have risen, thus threatening to multiply psychiatric diagnoses in the next few years,' Scheggia added.

'Unraveling the nature of brain mechanisms underlying social decision-making could represent a crucial step to suggest novel treatments for social dysfunctions and antisocial behavior. Building on the findings of our recent study, we are now exploring the role of previous experience and emotional memories on prosocial and selfish choices'.

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