Citation

Arita H. Jpn. Med. Assn. J. JMAJ 2009; 52(3): 184-190.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Japan Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The loss of self-control is defined as a state in which impulsive aggressive behavior induced by stress cannot be restrained. The ventrolateral part of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), where projections from serotonin neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei are present, plays an important role in switching actions and controlling this impulsive aggressive behavior. Studies of the brains of individuals who have committed suicide demonstrated that serotonin secretion was deficient in the ventrolateral PFC. Since suicide is considered to be an impulsive aggressive behavior toward the self, decreased activity of serotonin neurons (5-HT-deficient brain) seems to underlie the pathologic condition of suicide. The activity of serotonin neurons is related to the arousal state because continuous activity is present during waking. Factors that further enhance the activity of serotonin neurons are the rhythmic motor exercises of walking, respiration, and mastication, in addition to sunshine. Walking in the sunshine is good for serotonin activity. However, in modern society, sitting at a personal computer and watching the display in a lifestyle that reverses day and night is common for many. Such a lifestyle carries the risk of creating the 5-HT-deficient brain. Rapid increases in the number of individuals with depressive disorder or poor anger management have recently been seen in Japan, and it seems that the 5-HT-deficient brains are involved in these symptoms. We have demonstrated with experimental data that Zen meditation, yoga, and rhythmic motor exercises such as walking are effective for preventing these conditions. There is also increasing evidence that solar irradiation and rhythmic motor exercises are important for the healthy postnatal development of brain serotonin neurons.

Language: en

Keywords

human; suicide; Prefrontal cortex; exercise; Depressive disorder; depression; aggression; prefrontal cortex; review; fatigue; Walking; serotonin; serotoninergic system; brain development; self control; walking; serotoninergic nerve cell; meditation; information technology; postnatal development; mastication; Postnatal development of the brain; Serotonin neurons; solar radiation; Zen meditation