The roles of habenula and related neural circuits in neuropsychiatric diseases / 浙江大学学报·医学版

The habenula is a small and bilateral nucleus above dorsal thalamus, which contains several different types of neurons. The habenula has extensive connections with the forebrain, septum and monoaminergic nuclei in the midbrain and brainstem. Habenula is known as an 'anti-reward' nucleus, which can be activated by aversive stimulus and negative reward prediction errors. Accumulating researchs have implicated that the habenula is involved in several behaviors crucial to survival. Meanwhile, the roles of the habenula in neuropsychiatric diseases have received increasing attention. This review summaries the studies regarding the roles of habenula and the related circuits in neuropathic pain, depression, drug addiction and schizophrenia, and discusses the possibility to use the habenula as a treatment target.

Effect of auricular point sticking on menstrual distending pains of breasts / 现代临床护理

Objective To observe the curative effect of auricular point sticking on menstrual distending pains of breasts. Methods Sixty-two patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands were randomized evenly into experiment group and control group:the former were managed with auricular point sticking and the latter with oral administration of Xiaoyao Pills for three treatment courses, each menstrual cycle as a course.The two groups were compared in terms of menstrual distending pains of breasts.Results The experiment group was significantly better than the control group in terms relieves of pains as well as the curative effect after the trial (P<0.01 for both).Conclusions Auricular point sticking is effective in relieving the menstrual distending pains of breasts.It is simple for manipulation and thus worth clinical spreading.