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A recent study showed that optogenetical activation of neural circuits in hypothalamus unduce aggressive behavior of the mouse. Which ion is the first target of regulation by the optogenetics of this study ?

a. Cl-
b.H+
c.K+
d.Na+

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The first ion targeted by optogenetical activation in inducing aggression in mice is likely sodium (Na+), given its role in depolarizing neurons upon glutamate receptor activation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first target of regulation by optogenetical activation of neural circuits in the hypothalamus to induce aggressive behavior in mice is likely a positively charged ion. Given the information provided about glutamate-mediated excitatory neurotransmission and the role of ligand-gated cation channels, the first ion to be targeted for regulation in this scenario could be sodium (Na+). The activation of postsynaptic glutamate receptors leads to the influx of Na+ and subsequent depolarization of the postsynaptic cell, which is integral to the propagation of nerve impulses that can culminate in specific behaviors such as aggression.

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