E. Oyarzabal

2 papers in the library · publishing 2021-2022

Papers

Chemogenetic stimulation of tonic locus coeruleus activity strengthens the default mode network

Science Advances April 1, 2022 E. Oyarzabal, Li-Ming Hsu, Manasmita Das et al.

Activating norepinephrine-releasing neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) of the mouse brain alters the default mode network (DMN). Chemogenetic stimulation of these neurons decreased cerebral blood volume and glucose uptake while increasing synchronous low-frequency fMRI activity in the frontal cortices of the DMN. Fiber photometry confirmed that LC-NE activation triggered norepinephrine release, enhanced calcium-weighted neuronal spiking, and reduced cerebral blood volume in the anterior cingulate cortex. These findings indicate that LC-NE changes the typical relationship between neuronal activity and blood volume in the frontal DMN. The activation also strengthened functional connectivity within the frontal DMN, an effect mediated by reduced inputs from retrosplenial and hippocampal regions.

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9898 Full text Medicine Biology

Meditation and Mindfulness in Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Review of the Evidence.

Clinical obstetrics and gynecology June 23, 2021 S. Babbar, Alejandro J Oyarzabal, E. Oyarzabal

A literature review of clinical trials on mindfulness practices, including meditation, during pregnancy and the postpartum period finds sufficient evidence that these practices reduce anxiety, depression, and stress during pregnancy, with benefits possibly extending into the postpartum period. Evidence for other pregnancy-related outcomes is limited. The authors contend that, because mindfulness techniques are low-risk, all pregnant women should be encouraged to engage in them.

DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000640 Medicine Psychology