Animal study shows abnormal activity of brain circuit causes anorexia

Researchers have found that genetically and pharmacologically restoring the normal activity of the brain circuit improved anorexia, opening the possibility of developing a treatment strategy for affected individuals in the future. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, Louisiana State University and collaborating institutions has discovered that abnormal activity in a particular brain circuit underlies anorexia in an animal model of the condition. Genetically and pharmacologically restoring the normal activity of the brain circuit improved the condition, opening the possibility of developing a treatment strategy for affected individuals in the future. Anorexia has no approved treatment, and the underlying causes is unclear. The study was recently published in Nature Neuroscience.