The Characterization of Astrocytes Across the Habenula

The habenula is a region important to the development and function of adaptive behavior, primarily through the encoding of aversive states. Previous research done looking into this region has suggested different functional roles for its different subregions. Astrocytes are a prevalent cell type across the brain and central nervous system, and their role in neuronal function and survival makes them an important part of several different functions. To this point, little research has been done looking into how astrocytes operate in the habenula, or if there are any differences in the different habenular subregions. The present study aims to characterize astrocytes across the habenula, and assess any potential differences in volume and structure between the two major subregions.