The course of pupillary constriction and dilation provides an easy-to-access, inexpensive,
and noninvasive readout of brain activity. We propose a new taxonomy of factors affecting …

The autonomic nervous system influences numerous ocular functions. It does this by way of
parasympathetic innervation from postganglionic fibers that originate from neurons in the …

The pupillary light reflex (PLR) describes the constriction and subsequent dilation of the
pupil in response to light as a result of the antagonistic actions of the iris sphincter and …

Major depression, with its strikingly high prevalence, is the most common cause of disability
in communities of Western type, according to data of the World Health Organization. Stress …

The choroid is richly innervated by parasympathetic, sympathetic and trigeminal sensory
nerve fibers that regulate choroidal blood flow in birds and mammals, and presumably other …

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin plays important roles in glucose metabolism, appetite, and body
weight regulation, and recent evidence suggests ghrelin prevents excessive anxiety under …

Pupil dilation is mediated by a sympathetic output acting in opposition to
parasympathetically mediated pupil constriction. While light stimulates the parasympathetic …

Many neuronal populations that release fast-acting excitatory and inhibitory
neurotransmitters in the brain also contain slower-acting neuropeptides. These facultative …

Optimizing reproductive fitness in mammalians requires behavioral adaptations during
pregnancy. Maternal preparatory nesting is an essential behavior for the survival of the …

Dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are well known for mediating the
positive reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse. Here we identify in rodents and humans a …