Mapping Chronic Stress Neurons and Estrogen Link in the Brain

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have identified a group of nerve cells in the mouse brain that are involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which have been mapped with a combination of advanced techniques, also have receptors for estrogen, which could explain why women as a group are more sensitive to stress than men. This breakthrough has potential implications for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.