Autonomic Functions of the Prefrontal Cortex

Aleksandrov, V. G.; Kokurina, T. N.; Rybakova, G. I.; Tumanova, Tatiana

doi:10.1134/s0362119721050029

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…249,250 In particular, the vmPFC region located around the genu of the corpus callosum is a core autonomic regulatory region. 251 Table S1 presents a list of brain regions receiving vmPFC projections in monkeys and rats. Consistent with its role in coordinating autonomic activity, the vmPFC projects to sympathetic/noradrenergic nuclei (e.g., rostral ventrolateral medulla, LC), parasympathetic nuclei (e.g., nucleus ambiguus, dorsal motor vagal nucleus), and other nuclei that modulate autonomic function (e.g., nucleus of the solitary tract, paraventricular nucleus in the hypothalamus, raphe nuclei, periaqueductal gray region).…”

Section: Autonomic Pathways Influenced By Vmpfcmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The vmPFC has connections to many cortical and subcortical regions that respond to autonomic signals from the body to maintain current target autonomic states 249,250 . In particular, the vmPFC region located around the genu of the corpus callosum is a core autonomic regulatory region 251 . Table S1 presents a list of brain regions receiving vmPFC projections in monkeys and rats.…”

Section: The Autonomic Compensation Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The emotion paradox in the aging body and brain

Mather

2024

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

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With age, parasympathetic activity decreases, while sympathetic activity increases. Thus, the typical older adult has low heart rate variability (HRV) and high noradrenaline levels. Younger adults with this physiological profile tend to be unhappy and stressed. Yet, with age, emotional experience tends to improve. Why does older adults’ emotional well‐being not suffer as their HRV decreases? To address this apparent paradox, I present the autonomic compensation model. In this model, failing organs, the initial phases of Alzheimer's pathology, and other age‐related diseases trigger noradrenergic hyperactivity. To compensate, older brains increase autonomic regulatory activity in the pregenual prefrontal cortex (PFC). Age‐related declines in nerve conduction reduce the ability of the pregenual PFC to reduce hyperactive noradrenergic activity and increase peripheral HRV. But these pregenual PFC autonomic compensation efforts have a significant impact in the brain, where they bias processing in favor of stimuli that tend to increase parasympathetic activity (e.g., stimuli that increase feelings of safety) and against stimuli that tend to increase sympathetic activity (e.g., threatening stimuli). In summary, the autonomic compensation model posits that age‐related chronic sympathetic/noradrenergic hyperactivity stimulates regulatory attempts that have the side effect of enhancing emotional well‐being.

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Section: Autonomic Pathways Influenced By Vmpfcmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Autonomic Compensation Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%