Resilience is not a fixed trait, but is based on active neurobiological changes in the brain. A joint study by the Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), the University Medical Center Halle and the University of Münster shows for the first time that resilient humans and mice process visual information more precisely and have greater control by the frontal lobe. The plasticity of the visual cortex thus seems to be a central mechanism of resilience.

In 103 subjects, the researchers first determined an individual resilience score from stressful life events. In tests with emotional images and tasks for visual behavior control, more resilient participants reacted faster and more accurately. The EEG measurements revealed a more structured cooperation of the brain regions: The frontal lobe controlled the visual cortex in a more targeted manner, while the activity there was less random and disordered.

At the same time, the scientists examined mice in a social stress model. Animals that showed normal social behavior despite repeated confrontation with aggressive conspecifics showed less spontaneous nerve cell activity in the visual cortex and were able to distinguish visual stimuli more finely. Non-resilient stressed mice and even non-stressed control animals, on the other hand, showed less precise processing patterns. The results indicate that resilience due to stress can be actively trained under certain conditions and is associated with improved neuronal plasticity in the visual center.

The study shows for the first time that the plasticity of visual circuits is a mechanism of resilience, summarize the last authors Prof. Dr. Oliver Tüscher (University Medical Center Halle) and Prof. Dr. Albrecht Stroh (University of Münster). The findings could enable new approaches for the prevention and treatment of stress-related mental illnesses in the long term.

The results were published in the journal “Science Partner Journal Research”. The study was funded by the German Research Foundation, the Leibniz Association and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, among others.

Original Paper:

A Translational Neural Network Mechanism of Resilience: Top-Down Control and Plasticity of the Visual Cortex Relates to Resilient Outcome and Performance | Research

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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