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Ricci A, Rubino E, Serra GP, Wallén-Mackenzie Å. Concerning neuromodulation as treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorder: Insights gained from selective targeting of the subthalamic nucleus, para-subthalamic nucleus and zona incerta in rodents. Neuropharmacology 2024; 256:110003. [PMID: 38789078 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Neuromodulation such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) is advancing as a clinical intervention in several neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, dystonia, tremor, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for which DBS is already applied to alleviate severely afflicted individuals of symptoms. Tourette syndrome and drug addiction are two additional disorders for which DBS is in trial or proposed as treatment. However, some major remaining obstacles prevent this intervention from reaching its full therapeutic potential. Side-effects have been reported, and not all DBS-treated individuals are relieved of their symptoms. One major target area for DBS electrodes is the subthalamic nucleus (STN) which plays important roles in motor, affective and associative functions, with impact on for example movement, motivation, impulsivity, compulsivity, as well as both reward and aversion. The multifunctionality of the STN is complex. Decoding the anatomical-functional organization of the STN could enhance strategic targeting in human patients. The STN is located in close proximity to zona incerta (ZI) and the para-subthalamic nucleus (pSTN). Together, the STN, pSTN and ZI form a highly heterogeneous and clinically important brain area. Rodent-based experimental studies, including opto- and chemogenetics as well as viral-genetic tract tracings, provide unique insight into complex neuronal circuitries and their impact on behavior with high spatial and temporal precision. This research field has advanced tremendously over the past few years. Here, we provide an inclusive review of current literature in the pre-clinical research fields centered around STN, pSTN and ZI in laboratory mice and rats; the three highly heterogeneous and enigmatic structures brought together in the context of relevance for treatment strategies. Specific emphasis is placed on methods of manipulation and behavioral impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Ricci
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 756 32 Uppsala, Sweden; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Eleonora Rubino
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 756 32 Uppsala, Sweden; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Gian Pietro Serra
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 756 32 Uppsala, Sweden; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Åsa Wallén-Mackenzie
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 756 32 Uppsala, Sweden; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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2
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Michel L, Molina P, Mameli M. The behavioral relevance of a modular organization in the lateral habenula. Neuron 2024; 112:2669-2685. [PMID: 38772374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Behavioral strategies for survival rely on the updates the brain continuously makes based on the surrounding environment. External stimuli-neutral, positive, and negative-relay core information to the brain, where a complex anatomical network rapidly organizes actions, including approach or escape, and regulates emotions. Human neuroimaging and physiology in nonhuman primates, rodents, and teleosts suggest a pivotal role of the lateral habenula in translating external information into survival behaviors. Here, we review the literature describing how discrete habenular modules-reflecting the molecular signatures, anatomical connectivity, and functional components-are recruited by environmental stimuli and cooperate to prompt specific behavioral outcomes. We argue that integration of these findings in the context of valence processing for reinforcing or discouraging behaviors is necessary, offering a compelling model to guide future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Michel
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Molina
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mameli
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; Inserm, UMR-S 839, 75005 Paris, France.
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3
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Lee JDA, Reppucci CJ, Huez EDM, Bredewold R, Veenema AH. Sex differences in the structure and function of the vasopressin system in the ventral pallidum are associated with the sex-specific regulation of social play behavior in juvenile rats. Horm Behav 2024; 163:105563. [PMID: 38772158 PMCID: PMC11221216 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Vasopressin (AVP) regulates various social behaviors, often in sex-specific ways, including social play behavior, a rewarding behavior displayed primarily by juveniles. Here, we examined whether and how AVP acting in the brain's reward system regulates social play behavior in juvenile rats. Specifically, we focused on AVP signaling in the ventral pallidum (VP), a brain region that is a part of the reward system. First, we examined the organization of the VP-AVP system in juvenile rats and found sex differences, with higher density of both AVP-immunoreactive fibers and AVP V1a receptor (V1aR) binding in males compared to females while females show a greater number of V1aR-expressing cells compared to males. We further found that, in both sexes, V1aR-expressing cells co-express a GABA marker to a much greater extent (approx. 10 times) than a marker for glutamate. Next, we examined the functional involvement of V1aR-expressing VP cells in social play behavior. We found that exposure to social play enhanced the proportion of activated V1aR-expressing VP cells in males only. Finally, we showed that infusion of a specific V1aR antagonist into the VP increased social play behaviors in juvenile male rats while decreasing these behaviors in juvenile female rats. Overall, these findings reveal structural and functional sex differences in the AVP-V1aR system in the VP that are associated with the sex-specific regulation of social play behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D A Lee
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Christina J Reppucci
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Elie D M Huez
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Remco Bredewold
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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4
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Moffa JC, Bland IN, Tooley JR, Kalyanaraman V, Heitmeier M, Creed MC, Copits BA. Cell-Specific Single Viral Vector CRISPR/Cas9 Editing and Genetically Encoded Tool Delivery in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0438-23.2024. [PMID: 38871457 PMCID: PMC11228695 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0438-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing represents an exciting avenue to study genes of unknown function and can be combined with genetically encoded tools such as fluorescent proteins, channelrhodopsins, DREADDs, and various biosensors to more deeply probe the function of these genes in different cell types. However, current strategies to also manipulate or visualize edited cells are challenging due to the large size of Cas9 proteins and the limited packaging capacity of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). To overcome these constraints, we developed an alternative gene editing strategy using a single AAV vector and mouse lines that express Cre-dependent Cas9 to achieve efficient cell-type specific editing across the nervous system. Expressing Cre-dependent Cas9 from a genomic locus affords space to package guide RNAs for gene editing together with Cre-dependent, genetically encoded tools to manipulate, map, or monitor neurons using a single virus. We validated this strategy with three common tools in neuroscience: ChRonos, a channelrhodopsin, for studying synaptic transmission using optogenetics, GCaMP8f for recording Ca2+ transients using photometry, and mCherry for tracing axonal projections. We tested these tools in multiple brain regions and cell types, including GABAergic neurons in the nucleus accumbens, glutamatergic neurons projecting from the ventral pallidum to the lateral habenula, dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area, and proprioceptive neurons in the periphery. This flexible approach could help identify and test the function of novel genes affecting synaptic transmission, circuit activity, or morphology with a single viral injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie C Moffa
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
- Washington University Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - India N Bland
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Jessica R Tooley
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
- Washington University Division of Biological and Behavioral Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Vani Kalyanaraman
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Monique Heitmeier
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Meaghan C Creed
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Bryan A Copits
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
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Nguyen TVT, Nakamura T, Ichijo H. Topographic Organization of Glutamatergic and GABAergic Parvalbumin-Positive Neurons in the Lateral Habenula. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0069-24.2024. [PMID: 38960707 PMCID: PMC11255393 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0069-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Parvalbumin-expressing (PV) neurons, classified by their expression of the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin, play crucial roles in the function and plasticity of the lateral habenular nucleus (LHb). This study aimed to deepen our understanding of the LHb by collecting information about the heterogeneity of LHb PV neurons in mice. To achieve this, we investigated the proportions of the transmitter machinery in LHb PV neurons, including GABAergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmitter markers, using transcriptome analysis, mRNA in situ hybridization chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. LHb PV neurons comprise three subsets: glutamatergic, GABAergic, and double-positive for glutamatergic and GABAergic machinery. By comparing the percentages of the subsets, we found that the LHb was topographically organized anteroposteriorly; the GABAergic and glutamatergic PV neurons were preferentially distributed in the anterior and posterior LHb, respectively, uncovering the anteroposterior topography of the LHb. In addition, we confirmed the mediolateral topography of lateral GABAergic PV neurons. These findings suggest that PV neurons play distinct roles in different parts of the LHb along the anteroposterior and mediolateral axes, facilitating the topographic function of the LHb. It would be interesting to determine whether their topography is differentially involved in various cognitive and motivational processes associated with the LHb, particularly the involvement of posterior glutamatergic PV neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Van Trang Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakamura
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ichijo
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Hernández-Jaramillo A, Illescas-Huerta E, Sotres-Bayon F. Ventral Pallidum and Amygdala Cooperate to Restrain Reward Approach under Threat. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2327232024. [PMID: 38631914 PMCID: PMC11154850 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2327-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Foraging decisions involve assessing potential risks and prioritizing food sources, which can be challenging when confronted with changing and conflicting circumstances. A crucial aspect of this decision-making process is the ability to actively overcome defensive reactions to threats and focus on achieving specific goals. The ventral pallidum (VP) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) are two brain regions that play key roles in regulating behavior motivated by either rewards or threats. However, it is unclear whether these regions are necessary in decision-making processes involving competing motivational drives during conflict. Our aim was to investigate the requirements of the VP and BLA for foraging choices in conflicts involving overcoming defensive responses. Here, we used a novel foraging task and pharmacological techniques to inactivate either the VP or BLA or to disconnect these brain regions before conducting a conflict test in male rats. Our findings showed that BLA is necessary for making risky choices during conflicts, whereas VP is necessary for invigorating the drive to obtain food, regardless of the presence of conflict. Importantly, our research revealed that the connection between VP and BLA is critical in controlling risky food-seeking choices during conflict situations. This study provides a new perspective on the collaborative function of VP and BLA in driving behavior, aimed at achieving goals in the face of dangers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Illescas-Huerta
- Institute of Cell Physiology - Neuroscience, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Francisco Sotres-Bayon
- Institute of Cell Physiology - Neuroscience, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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7
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Morais-Silva G, Lobo MK. Refining the circuits of drug addiction: The ventral pallidum. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 86:102883. [PMID: 38815544 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The ventral pallidum is a prominent structure within the basal ganglia, regulating reward and motivational processes. Positioned at the interface between motor and limbic structures, its function is crucial to the development and maintenance of substance use disorders. Chronic drug use induces neuroplastic events in this structure, leading to long-term changes in VP neuronal activity and synaptic communication. Moreover, different neuronal populations within the VP drive drug-seeking behavior in opposite directions. This review explores the role of the VP as a hub for reward, motivation, and aversion, establishing it as an important contributor to the pathophysiology of substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gessynger Morais-Silva
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Araraquara, SP, Brazil. https://twitter.com/gessynger
| | - Mary Kay Lobo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Kobayashi H, Fuchikami M, Oga K, Miyagi T, Fujita S, Fujita S, Okada S, Okamoto Y, Morinobu S. Neonatal Isolation Increases the Susceptibility to Learned Helplessness through the Aberrant Neuronal Activity in the Ventral Pallidum of Rats. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 22:354-363. [PMID: 38627082 PMCID: PMC11024705 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.23.1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Objective : Environmental deprivation, a type of childhood maltreatment, has been reported to constrain the cognitive developmental processes such as associative learning and implicit learning, which may lead to functional and morphological changes in the ventral pallidum (VP) and pessimism, a well-known cognitive feature of major depression. We examined whether neonatal isolation (NI) could influence the incidence of learned helplessness (LH) in a rat model mimicking the pessimism, and the number of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2)-expressing VP cells and Penk-expressing VP cells. Methods : The number of escape failures from foot-shocks in the LH test was measured to examine stress-induced depression-like behavior in rats. The number of VGLUT2-expressing VP cells and Penk-expressing VP cells was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results : In NI rats compared with Sham rats, the incidence of LH in adulthood was increased and VGLUT2-expressing VP cells but not Penk-expressing VP cells in adulthood were decreased. VGLUT2-expressing VP cells were decreased only in the LH group of NI rats and significantly correlated with the escape latency in the LH test. Conclusion : These findings suggest that the aberrant VP neuronal activity due to environmental deprivation early in life leads to pessimistic associative and implicit learning. Modulating VP neuronal activity could be a novel therapeutic and preventive strategy for the patients with this specific pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Kobayashi
- Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Manabu Fuchikami
- Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenichi Oga
- Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Miyagi
- Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Sho Fujita
- Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fujita
- Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okada
- Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Okamoto
- Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shigeru Morinobu
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Science and Social Welfare, Kibi International University, Takahashi, Japan
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9
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Yang L, Fang LZ, Lynch MR, Xu CS, Hahm H, Zhang Y, Heitmeier MR, Costa V, Samineni VK, Creed MC. Transcriptomic landscape of mammalian ventral pallidum at single-cell resolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595793. [PMID: 38826431 PMCID: PMC11142225 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) is critical for motivated behaviors. While contemporary work has begun to elucidate the functional diversity of VP neurons, the molecular heterogeneity underlying this functional diversity remains incompletely understood. We used snRNA-seq and in situ hybridization to define the transcriptional taxonomy of VP cell types in mice, macaques, and baboons. We found transcriptional conservation between all three species, within the broader neurochemical cell types. Unique dopaminoceptive and cholinergic subclusters were identified and conserved across both primate species but had no homolog in mice. This harmonized consensus VP cellular atlas will pave the way for understanding the structure and function of the VP and identified key neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and neuro receptors that could be targeted within specific VP cell types for functional investigations.
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Faget L, Oriol L, Lee WC, Zell V, Sargent C, Flores A, Hollon NG, Ramanathan D, Hnasko TS. Ventral pallidum GABA and glutamate neurons drive approach and avoidance through distinct modulation of VTA cell types. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4233. [PMID: 38762463 PMCID: PMC11102457 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48340-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) contains GABA and glutamate neurons projecting to ventral tegmental area (VTA) whose stimulation drives approach and avoidance, respectively. Yet little is known about the mechanisms by which VP cell types shape VTA activity and drive behavior. Here, we found that both VP GABA and glutamate neurons were activated during approach to reward or by delivery of an aversive stimulus. Stimulation of VP GABA neurons inhibited VTA GABA, but activated dopamine and glutamate neurons. Remarkably, stimulation-evoked activation was behavior-contingent such that VTA recruitment was inhibited when evoked by the subject's own action. Conversely, VP glutamate neurons activated VTA GABA, as well as dopamine and glutamate neurons, despite driving aversion. However, VP glutamate neurons evoked dopamine in aversion-associated ventromedial nucleus accumbens (NAc), but reduced dopamine release in reward-associated dorsomedial NAc. These findings show how heterogeneous VP projections to VTA can be engaged to shape approach and avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Faget
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Lucie Oriol
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wen-Chun Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vivien Zell
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cody Sargent
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Flores
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nick G Hollon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dhakshin Ramanathan
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thomas S Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
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11
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Scott A, Paulson A, Prill C, Kermoade K, Newell B, Richard JM. Ventral pallidal GABAergic neurons drive consumption in male, but not female rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.30.591876. [PMID: 38746325 PMCID: PMC11092650 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.30.591876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Food intake is controlled by multiple converging signals: hormonal signals that provide information about energy homeostasis, but also hedonic and motivational aspects of food and food cues that can drive non-homeostatic or "hedonic "feeding. The ventral pallidum (VP) is a brain region implicated in the hedonic and motivational impact of food and foods cues, as well as consumption of rewards. Disinhibition of VP neurons has been shown to generate intense hyperphagia, or overconsumption. While VP gamma-Aminobutyric acidergic (GABA) neurons have been implicated in cue-elicited reward seeking and motivation, the role of these neurons in the hyperphagia resulting from VP activation remains unclear. Here, we used Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) to activate or inhibit VP GABA neurons in sated male and female rats during chow and sucrose consumption. We found that activation of VP GABA neurons increases consumption of chow and sucrose in male rats, but not female rats. We also found that, while inhibition of VP GABA neurons tended to decrease sucrose consumption, this effect was not statistically significant. Together, these findings suggest that activation of VP GABA neurons can stimulate consumption of routine or highly palatable rewards selectively in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Scott
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Anika Paulson
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Collin Prill
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Kaiten Kermoade
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Molecular and Pharmacological Therapeutics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Bailey Newell
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Jocelyn M. Richard
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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12
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Bernat N, Campbell RR, Nam H, Basu M, Odesser T, Elyasaf G, Engeln M, Chandra R, Golden S, Ament S, Lobo MK, Kupchik YM. Multimodal Interrogation of Ventral Pallidum Projections Reveals Projection-Specific Signatures and Effects on Cocaine Reward. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1469232024. [PMID: 38485256 PMCID: PMC11063828 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1469-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) is a central hub in the reward circuitry with diverse projections that have different behavioral roles attributed mostly to the connectivity with the downstream target. However, different VP projections may represent, as in the striatum, separate neuronal populations that differ in more than just connectivity. In this study, we performed in mice of both sexes a multimodal dissection of four major projections of the VP-to the lateral hypothalamus (VP→LH), ventral tegmental area (VP→VTA), lateral habenula (VP→LHb), and mediodorsal thalamus (VP→MDT)-with physiological, anatomical, genetic, and behavioral tools. We also tested for physiological differences between VP neurons receiving input from nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons (MSNs) that express either the D1 (D1-MSNs) or the D2 (D2-MSNs) dopamine receptor. We show that each VP projection (1) when inhibited during a cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) test affects performance differently, (2) receives a different pattern of inputs using rabies retrograde labeling, (3) shows differentially expressed genes using RNA sequencing, and (4) has projection-specific characteristics in excitability and synaptic input characteristics using whole-cell patch clamp. VP→LH and VP→VTA projections have different effects on CPP and show low overlap in circuit tracing experiments, as VP→VTA neurons receive more striatal input, while VP→LH neurons receive more olfactory input. Additionally, VP→VTA neurons are less excitable, while VP→LH neurons are more excitable than the average VP neuron, a difference driven mainly by D2-MSN-responding neurons. Thus, VP→VTA and VP→LH neurons may represent largely distinct populations of VP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimrod Bernat
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- IMRIC Center for Addiction Research (ICARe), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Rianne R Campbell
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Hyungwoo Nam
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Mahashweta Basu
- Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Tal Odesser
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Gal Elyasaf
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Michel Engeln
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
- CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux F-33000, France
| | - Ramesh Chandra
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Shana Golden
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Seth Ament
- Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Mary Kay Lobo
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Yonatan M Kupchik
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- IMRIC Center for Addiction Research (ICARe), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
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13
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Groos D, Helmchen F. The lateral habenula: A hub for value-guided behavior. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113968. [PMID: 38522071 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The habenula is an evolutionarily highly conserved diencephalic brain region divided into two major parts, medial and lateral. Over the past two decades, studies of the lateral habenula (LHb), in particular, have identified key functions in value-guided behavior in health and disease. In this review, we focus on recent insights into LHb connectivity and its functional relevance for different types of aversive and appetitive value-guided behavior. First, we give an overview of the anatomical organization of the LHb and its main cellular composition. Next, we elaborate on how distinct LHb neuronal subpopulations encode aversive and appetitive stimuli and on their involvement in more complex decision-making processes. Finally, we scrutinize the afferent and efferent connections of the LHb and discuss their functional implications for LHb-dependent behavior. A deepened understanding of distinct LHb circuit components will substantially contribute to our knowledge of value-guided behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Groos
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University Research Priority Program (URPP), Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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14
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Kim R, Ananth MR, Desai NS, Role LW, Talmage DA. Distinct subpopulations of ventral pallidal cholinergic projection neurons encode valence of olfactory stimuli. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114009. [PMID: 38536818 PMCID: PMC11080946 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
To better understand the function of cholinergic projection neurons in the ventral pallidum (VP), we examined behavioral responses to appetitive (APP) and aversive (AV) odors that elicited approach or avoidance, respectively. Exposure to each odor increased cFos expression and calcium signaling in VP cholinergic neurons. Activity and Cre-dependent viral vectors selectively labeled VP cholinergic neurons that were activated and reactivated in response to either APP or AV odors, but not both, identifying two non-overlapping populations of VP cholinergic neurons differentially activated by the valence of olfactory stimuli. These two subpopulations showed differences in electrophysiological properties, morphology, and projections to the basolateral amygdala. Although VP neurons are engaged in both approach and avoidance behavioral responses, cholinergic signaling is only required for approach behavior. Thus, two distinct subpopulations of VP cholinergic neurons differentially encode valence of olfactory stimuli and play distinct roles in approach and avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Kim
- Genetics of Neuronal Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mala R Ananth
- Circuits, Synapses and Molecular Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Niraj S Desai
- Circuits, Synapses and Molecular Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lorna W Role
- Circuits, Synapses and Molecular Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - David A Talmage
- Genetics of Neuronal Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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15
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Huang T, Guo X, Huang X, Yi C, Cui Y, Dong Y. Input-output specific orchestration of aversive valence in lateral habenula during stress dynamics. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38616136 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Stress has been considered as a major risk factor for depressive disorders, triggering depression onset via inducing persistent dysfunctions in specialized brain regions and neural circuits. Among various regions across the brain, the lateral habenula (LHb) serves as a critical hub for processing aversive information during the dynamic process of stress accumulation, thus having been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression. LHb neurons integrate aversive valence conveyed by distinct upstream inputs, many of which selectively innervate the medial part (LHbM) or lateral part (LHbL) of LHb. LHb subregions also separately assign aversive valence via dissociable projections to the downstream targets in the midbrain which provides feedback loops. Despite these strides, the spatiotemporal dynamics of LHb-centric neural circuits remain elusive during the progression of depression-like state under stress. In this review, we attempt to describe a framework in which LHb orchestrates aversive valence via the input-output specific neuronal architecture. Notably, a physiological form of Hebbian plasticity in LHb under multiple stressors has been unveiled to incubate neuronal hyperactivity in an input-specific manner, which causally encodes chronic stress experience and drives depression onset. Collectively, the recent progress and future efforts in elucidating LHb circuits shed light on early interventions and circuit-specific antidepressant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taida Huang
- Department of Neurology and International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
- Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Research Centre, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xiaonan Guo
- Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaomin Huang
- Research Centre, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou 510080, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Yihui Cui
- Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China. ,
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. ,
| | - Yiyan Dong
- Department of Neurology and International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China. ,
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16
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Richard JM, Armstrong A, Newell B, Muruganandan P, Janak PH, Saunders BT. Pavlovian cue-evoked alcohol seeking is disrupted by ventral pallidal inhibition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.14.585064. [PMID: 38559136 PMCID: PMC10980019 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.14.585064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cues paired with alcohol can be potent drivers of craving, alcohol-seeking, consumption, and relapse. While the ventral pallidum is implicated in appetitive and consummatory responses across several reward classes and types of behaviors, its role in behavioral responses to Pavlovian alcohol cues has not previously been established. Here, we tested the impact of optogenetic inhibition of ventral pallidum on Pavlovian-conditioned alcohol-seeking in male Long Evans rats. Rats underwent Pavlovian conditioning with an auditory cue predicting alcohol delivery to a reward port and a control cue predicting no alcohol delivery, until they consistently entered the reward port more during the alcohol cue than the control cue. We then tested the within-session effects of optogenetic inhibition during 50% of cue presentations. We found that optogenetic inhibition of ventral pallidum during the alcohol cue reduced port entry likelihood and time spent in the port, and increased port entry latency. Overall, these results suggest that normal ventral pallidum activity is necessary for Pavlovian alcohol-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M. Richard
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Anne Armstrong
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Bailey Newell
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Preethi Muruganandan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Patricia H. Janak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Benjamin T. Saunders
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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17
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Monosov IE. Curiosity: primate neural circuits for novelty and information seeking. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:195-208. [PMID: 38263217 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00784-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
For many years, neuroscientists have investigated the behavioural, computational and neurobiological mechanisms that support value-based decisions, revealing how humans and animals make choices to obtain rewards. However, many decisions are influenced by factors other than the value of physical rewards or second-order reinforcers (such as money). For instance, animals (including humans) frequently explore novel objects that have no intrinsic value solely because they are novel and they exhibit the desire to gain information to reduce their uncertainties about the future, even if this information cannot lead to reward or assist them in accomplishing upcoming tasks. In this Review, I discuss how circuits in the primate brain responsible for detecting, predicting and assessing novelty and uncertainty regulate behaviour and give rise to these behavioural components of curiosity. I also briefly discuss how curiosity-related behaviours arise during postnatal development and point out some important reasons for the persistence of curiosity across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya E Monosov
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Pain Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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18
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Fang LZ, Creed MC. Updating the striatal-pallidal wiring diagram. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:15-27. [PMID: 38057614 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01518-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The striatal and pallidal complexes are basal ganglia structures that orchestrate learning and execution of flexible behavior. Models of how the basal ganglia subserve these functions have evolved considerably, and the advent of optogenetic and molecular tools has shed light on the heterogeneity of subcircuits within these pathways. However, a synthesis of how molecularly diverse neurons integrate into existing models of basal ganglia function is lacking. Here, we provide an overview of the neurochemical and molecular diversity of striatal and pallidal neurons and synthesize recent circuit connectivity studies in rodents that takes this diversity into account. We also highlight anatomical organizational principles that distinguish the dorsal and ventral basal ganglia pathways in rodents. Future work integrating the molecular and anatomical properties of striatal and pallidal subpopulations may resolve controversies regarding basal ganglia network function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Z Fang
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Meaghan C Creed
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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19
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Welsch L, Colantonio E, Falconnier C, Champagnol-DiLiberti C, Allain F, Ben Hamida S, Darcq E, Lutz PE, Kieffer BL. Mu Opioid Receptor-Positive Neurons in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Are Impaired by Morphine Abstinence. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:852-862. [PMID: 37393045 PMCID: PMC10851617 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic opioid exposure leads to hedonic deficits and enhanced vulnerability to addiction, which are observed and even strengthen after a period of abstinence, but the underlying circuit mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, using both molecular and behavioral approaches, we tested the hypothesis that neurons expressing mu opioid receptors (MORs) in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are involved in addiction vulnerability associated with morphine abstinence. METHODS MOR-Cre mice were exposed to chronic morphine and then went through spontaneous withdrawal for 4 weeks, a well-established mouse model of morphine abstinence. We studied DRN-MOR neurons of abstinent mice using 1) viral translating ribosome affinity for transcriptome profiling, 2) fiber photometry to measure neuronal activity, and 3) an opto-intracranial self-stimulation paradigm applied to DRN-MOR neurons to assess responses related to addiction vulnerability including persistence to respond, motivation to obtain the stimulation, self-stimulation despite punishment, and cue-induced reinstatement. RESULTS DRN-MOR neurons of abstinent animals showed a downregulation of genes involved in ion conductance and MOR-mediated signaling, as well as altered responding to acute morphine. Opto-intracranial self-stimulation data showed that abstinent animals executed more impulsive-like and persistent responses during acquisition and scored higher on addiction-like criteria. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that protracted abstinence to chronic morphine leads to reduced MOR function in DRN-MOR neurons and abnormal self-stimulation of these neurons. We propose that DRN-MOR neurons have partially lost their reward-facilitating properties, which in turn may lead to increased propensity to perform addiction-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Welsch
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Camille Falconnier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR3212, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Florence Allain
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sami Ben Hamida
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM UMR 1247, Research Group on Alcohol & Pharmacodependences, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre-Eric Lutz
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR3212, Strasbourg, France
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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20
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Serra GP, Guillaumin A, Vlcek B, Delgado-Zabalza L, Ricci A, Rubino E, Dumas S, Baufreton J, Georges F, Wallén-Mackenzie Å. A role for the subthalamic nucleus in aversive learning. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113328. [PMID: 37925641 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is critical for behavioral control; its dysregulation consequently correlated with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the STN successfully alleviates parkinsonian motor symptoms. However, low mood and depression are affective side effects. STN is adjoined with para-STN, associated with appetitive and aversive behavior. DBS aimed at STN might unintentionally modulate para-STN, causing aversion. Alternatively, the STN mediates aversion. To investigate causality between STN and aversion, affective behavior is addressed using optogenetics in mice. Selective promoters allow dissociation of STN (e.g., Pitx2) vs. para-STN (Tac1). Acute photostimulation results in aversion via both STN and para-STN. However, only STN stimulation-paired cues cause conditioned avoidance and only STN stimulation interrupts on-going sugar self-administration. Electrophysiological recordings identify post-synaptic responses in pallidal neurons, and selective photostimulation of STN terminals in the ventral pallidum replicates STN-induced aversion. Identifying STN as a source of aversive learning contributes neurobiological underpinnings to emotional affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Pietro Serra
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Adriane Guillaumin
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden; University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR 5293, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Bianca Vlcek
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Alessia Ricci
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eleonora Rubino
- Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Jérôme Baufreton
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR 5293, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - François Georges
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR 5293, 33000 Bordeaux, France
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21
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Stuber GD. Neurocircuits for motivation. Science 2023; 382:394-398. [PMID: 37883553 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh8287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system coordinates various motivated behaviors such as feeding, drinking, and escape to promote survival and evolutionary fitness. Although the precise behavioral repertoires required for distinct motivated behaviors are diverse, common features such as approach or avoidance suggest that common brain substrates are required for a wide range of motivated behaviors. In this Review, I describe a framework by which neural circuits specified for some innate drives regulate the activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons to reinforce ongoing or planned actions to fulfill motivational demands. This framework may explain why signaling from VTA dopamine neurons is ubiquitously involved in many types of diverse volitional motivated actions, as well as how sensory and interoceptive cues can initiate specific goal-directed actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garret D Stuber
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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22
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Blum K, Ashford JW, Kateb B, Sipple D, Braverman E, Dennen CA, Baron D, Badgaiyan R, Elman I, Cadet JL, Thanos PK, Hanna C, Bowirrat A, Modestino EJ, Yamamoto V, Gupta A, McLaughlin T, Makale M, Gold MS. Dopaminergic dysfunction: Role for genetic & epigenetic testing in the new psychiatry. J Neurol Sci 2023; 453:120809. [PMID: 37774561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS), particularly linked to addictive disorders, costs billions of dollars globally and has resulted in over one million deaths in the United States (US). Illicit substance use has been steadily rising and in 2021 approximately 21.9% (61.2 million) of individuals living in the US aged 12 or older had used illicit drugs in the past year. However, only 1.5% (4.1 million) of these individuals had received any substance use treatment. This increase in use and failure to adequately treat or provide treatment to these individuals resulted in 106,699 overdose deaths in 2021 and increased in 2022. This article presents an alternative non-pharmaceutical treatment approach tied to gene-guided therapy, the subject of many decades of research. The cornerstone of this paradigm shift is the brain reward circuitry, brain stem physiology, and neurotransmitter deficits due to the effects of genetic and epigenetic insults on the interrelated cascade of neurotransmission and the net release of dopamine at the Ventral Tegmental Area -Nucleus Accumbens (VTA-NAc) reward site. The Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) test and pro-dopamine regulator nutraceutical KB220 were combined to induce "dopamine homeostasis" across the brain reward circuitry. This article aims to encourage four future actionable items: 1) the neurophysiologically accurate designation of, for example, "Hyperdopameism /Hyperdopameism" to replace the blaming nomenclature like alcoholism; 2) encouraging continued research into the nature of dysfunctional brainstem neurotransmitters across the brain reward circuitry; 3) early identification of people at risk for all RDS behaviors as a brain check (cognitive testing); 4) induction of dopamine homeostasis using "precision behavioral management" along with the coupling of GARS and precision Kb220 variants; 5) utilization of promising potential treatments include neuromodulating modalities such as Transmagnetic stimulation (TMS) and Deep Brain Stimulation(DBS), which target different areas of the neural circuitry involved in addiction and even neuroimmune agents like N-acetyl-cysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Exercise, Sports and Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA; The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, LLC., Austin, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
| | - J Wesson Ashford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA; War Related Illness & Injury Study Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Babak Kateb
- Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA; National Center for Nanobioelectronic, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Brain Technology and Innovation Park, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Eric Braverman
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, LLC., Austin, TX, USA
| | - Catherine A Dennen
- Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Baron
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Exercise, Sports and Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Rajendra Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, South Texas Veteran Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA; Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Igor Elman
- Center for Pain and the Brain (PAIN Group), Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Waltham, MA, USA; Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Colin Hanna
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | | | - Vicky Yamamoto
- Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA; National Center for Nanobioelectronic, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Brain Technology and Innovation Park, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC-Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Thomas McLaughlin
- Division of Reward Deficiency Research, Reward Deficiency Syndrome Clinics of America, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mlan Makale
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington College of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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23
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Moffa JC, Bland IN, Tooley JR, Kalyanaraman V, Heitmeier M, Creed MC, Copits BA. Cell specific single viral vector CRISPR/Cas9 editing and genetically encoded tool delivery in the central and peripheral nervous systems. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.561249. [PMID: 37873336 PMCID: PMC10592710 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.561249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Gene manipulation strategies using germline knockout, conditional knockout, and more recently CRISPR/Cas9 are crucial tools for advancing our understanding of the nervous system. However, traditional gene knockout approaches can be costly and time consuming, may lack cell-type specificity, and can induce germline recombination. Viral gene editing presents and an exciting alternative to more rapidly study genes of unknown function; however, current strategies to also manipulate or visualize edited cells are challenging due to the large size of Cas9 proteins and the limited packaging capacity of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). To overcome these constraints, we have developed an alternative gene editing strategy using a single AAV vector and mouse lines that express Cre-dependent Cas9 to achieve efficient cell-type specific editing across the nervous system. Expressing Cre-dependent Cas9 in specific cell types in transgenic mouse lines affords more space to package guide RNAs for gene editing together with Cre-dependent, genetically encoded tools to manipulate, map, or monitor neurons using a single virus. We validated this strategy with three commonly used tools in neuroscience: ChRonos, a channelrhodopsin, for manipulating synaptic transmission using optogenetics; GCaMP8f for recording Ca2+ transients using fiber photometry, and mCherry for anatomical tracing of axonal projections. We tested these tools in multiple brain regions and cell types, including GABAergic neurons in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), glutamatergic neurons projecting from the ventral pallidum (VP) to the lateral habenula (LHb), dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and parvalbumin (PV)-positive proprioceptive neurons in the periphery. This flexible approach should be useful to identify novel genes that affect synaptic transmission, circuit activity, or morphology with a single viral injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie C. Moffa
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
- Washington University Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
| | - India N. Bland
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
| | - Jessica R. Tooley
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
- Washington University Division of Biological and Behavioral Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
| | - Vani Kalyanaraman
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
| | - Monique Heitmeier
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
| | - Meaghan C. Creed
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Bryan A. Copits
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
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Luo YJ, Ge J, Chen ZK, Liu ZL, Lazarus M, Qu WM, Huang ZL, Li YD. Ventral pallidal glutamatergic neurons regulate wakefulness and emotion through separated projections. iScience 2023; 26:107385. [PMID: 37609631 PMCID: PMC10440712 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Insomnia is often comorbid with depression, but the underlying neuronal circuit mechanism remains elusive. Recently, we reported that GABAergic ventral pallidum (VP) neurons control wakefulness associated with motivation. However, whether and how other subtypes of VP neurons regulate arousal and emotion are largely unknown. Here, we report glutamatergic VP (VPVglut2) neurons control wakefulness and depressive-like behaviors. Physiologically, the calcium activity of VPVglut2 neurons was increased during both NREM sleep-to-wake transitions and depressive/anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Functionally, activation of VPVglut2 neurons was sufficient to increase wakefulness and induce anxiety/depressive-like behaviors, whereas inhibition attenuated both. Dissection of the circuit revealed that separated projections of VPVglut2 neurons to the lateral hypothalamus and lateral habenula promote arousal and depressive-like behaviors, respectively. Our results demonstrate a subtype of VP neurons is responsible for wakefulness and emotion through separated projections, and may provide new lines for the intervention of insomnia and depression in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jia Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jing Ge
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ze-Ka Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zi-Long Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Michael Lazarus
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS) and Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Wei-Min Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ya-Dong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201699, China
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Laing BT, Anderson MS, Bonaventura J, Jayan A, Sarsfield S, Gajendiran A, Michaelides M, Aponte Y. Anterior hypothalamic parvalbumin neurons are glutamatergic and promote escape behavior. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3215-3228.e7. [PMID: 37490921 PMCID: PMC10529150 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) is a critical structure for defensive responding. Here, we identified a cluster of parvalbumin-expressing neurons in the AHA (AHAPV) that are glutamatergic with fast-spiking properties and send axonal projections to the dorsal premammillary nucleus (PMD). Using in vivo functional imaging, optogenetics, and behavioral assays, we determined the role of these AHAPV neurons in regulating behaviors essential for survival. We observed that AHAPV neuronal activity significantly increases when mice are exposed to a predator, and in a real-time place preference assay, we found that AHAPV neuron photoactivation is aversive. Moreover, activation of both AHAPV neurons and the AHAPV → PMD pathway triggers escape responding during a predator-looming test. Furthermore, escape responding is impaired after AHAPV neuron ablation, and anxiety-like behavior as measured by the open field and elevated plus maze assays does not seem to be affected by AHAPV neuron ablation. Finally, whole-brain metabolic mapping using positron emission tomography combined with AHAPV neuron photoactivation revealed discrete activation of downstream areas involved in arousal, affective, and defensive behaviors including the amygdala and the substantia nigra. Our results indicate that AHAPV neurons are a functional glutamatergic circuit element mediating defensive behaviors, thus expanding the identity of genetically defined neurons orchestrating fight-or-flight responses. Together, our work will serve as a foundation for understanding neuropsychiatric disorders triggered by escape such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton T Laing
- Neuronal Circuits and Behavior Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA
| | - Megan S Anderson
- Neuronal Circuits and Behavior Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA
| | - Jordi Bonaventura
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA
| | - Aishwarya Jayan
- Neuronal Circuits and Behavior Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA
| | - Sarah Sarsfield
- Neuronal Circuits and Behavior Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA
| | - Anjali Gajendiran
- Neuronal Circuits and Behavior Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA
| | - Michael Michaelides
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yeka Aponte
- Neuronal Circuits and Behavior Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Senba E, Kami K. Exercise therapy for chronic pain: How does exercise change the limbic brain function? NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 14:100143. [PMID: 38099274 PMCID: PMC10719519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
We are exposed to various external and internal threats which might hurt us. The role of taking flexible and appropriate actions against threats is played by "the limbic system" and at the heart of it there is the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens (brain reward system). Pain-related fear causes excessive excitation of amygdala, which in turn causes the suppression of medial prefrontal cortex, leading to chronification of pain. Since the limbic system of chronic pain patients is functionally impaired, they are maladaptive to their situations, unable to take goal-directed behavior and are easily caught by fear-avoidance thinking. We describe the neural mechanisms how exercise activates the brain reward system and enables chronic pain patients to take goal-directed behavior and overcome fear-avoidance thinking. A key to getting out from chronic pain state is to take advantage of the behavioral switching function of the basal nucleus of amygdala. We show that exercise activates positive neurons in this nucleus which project to the nucleus accumbens and promote reward behavior. We also describe fear conditioning and extinction are affected by exercise. In chronic pain patients, the fear response to pain is enhanced and the extinction of fear memories is impaired, so it is difficult to get out of "fear-avoidance thinking". Prolonged avoidance of movement and physical inactivity exacerbate pain and have detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Based on the recent findings on multiple bran networks, we propose a well-balanced exercise prescription considering the adherence and pacing of exercise practice. We conclude that therapies targeting the mesocortico-limbic system, such as exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, may become promising tools in the fight against chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Senba
- Department of Physical Therapy, Osaka Yukioka College of Health Science, 1-1-41 Sojiji, Ibaraki-City, Osaka 567-0801, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Katsuya Kami
- Department of Rehabilitation, Wakayama Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care, 2252 Nakanoshima, Wakayama City, Wakayama 640-8392, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
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Scott A, Palmer D, Newell B, Lin I, Cayton CA, Paulson A, Remde P, Richard JM. Ventral Pallidal GABAergic Neuron Calcium Activity Encodes Cue-Driven Reward Seeking and Persists in the Absence of Reward Delivery. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5191-5203. [PMID: 37339880 PMCID: PMC10342224 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0013-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Reward-seeking behavior is often initiated by environmental cues that signal reward availability. This is a necessary behavioral response; however, cue reactivity and reward-seeking behavior can become maladaptive. To better understand how cue-elicited reward seeking becomes maladaptive, it is important to understand the neural circuits involved in assigning appetitive value to rewarding cues and actions. Ventral pallidum (VP) neurons are known to contribute to cue-elicited reward-seeking behavior and have heterogeneous responses in a discriminative stimulus (DS) task. The VP neuronal subtypes and output pathways that encode distinct aspects of the DS task remain unknown. Here, we used an intersectional viral approach with fiber photometry to record bulk calcium activity in VP GABAergic (VP GABA) neurons in male and female rats as they learned and performed the DS task. We found that VP GABA neurons are excited by reward-predictive cues but not neutral cues and that this response develops over time. We also found that this cue-evoked response predicts reward-seeking behavior and that inhibiting this VP GABA activity during cue presentation decreases reward-seeking behavior. Additionally, we found increased VP GABA calcium activity at the time of expected reward delivery, which occurred even on trials when reward was omitted. Together, these findings suggest that VP GABA neurons encode reward expectation, and calcium activity in these neurons encodes the vigor of cue-elicited reward seeking.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT VP circuitry is a major driver of cue-evoked behaviors. Previous work has found that VP neurons have heterogenous responses and contributions to reward-seeking behavior. This functional heterogeneity is because of differences of neurochemical subtypes and projections of VP neurons. Understanding the heterogenous responses among and within VP neuronal cell types is a necessary step in further understanding how cue-evoked behavior becomes maladaptive. Our work explores the canonical GABAergic VP neuron and how the calcium activity of these cells encodes components of cue-evoked reward seeking, including the vigor and persistence of reward seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Scott
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Dakota Palmer
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Bailey Newell
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Iris Lin
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Christelle A Cayton
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Anika Paulson
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Paige Remde
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Jocelyn M Richard
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
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Faget L, Oriol L, Lee WC, Sargent C, Ramanathan D, Hnasko TS. Ventral pallidum GABA and glutamate neurons drive approach and avoidance through distinct modulation of VTA cell types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.12.548750. [PMID: 37502884 PMCID: PMC10369949 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.12.548750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) contains GABA and glutamate (Glut) neurons projecting to ventral tegmental area (VTA) whose stimulation drives approach and avoidance, respectively. Yet little is known about the cell-type-specific mechanisms by which VP projections to VTA drive behavior. Here, we found that both VP GABA and Glut neurons were activated during approach to reward or delivery of an aversive stimulus. Stimulation of VP GABA neurons inhibited VTA GABA, but activated dopamine (DA) and glutamate neurons. Remarkably, this cell-type-specific recruitment was behavior-contingent such that VTA recruitment was inhibited when evoked by the subject's own action. Conversely, VP Glut neurons activated VTA GABA, as well as DA and Glut neurons, despite driving aversion. However, VP Glut neurons evoked DA in reward-associated ventromedial nucleus accumbens (NAc), but reduced DA in aversion-associated dorsomedial NAc. These findings show how heterogeneous VP cell types can engage VTA cell types to shape approach and avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Faget
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Lucie Oriol
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wen-Chun Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Cody Sargent
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dhakshin Ramanathan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Thomas S. Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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Neuhofer D, Kalivas P. Differential Modulation of GABAergic and Glutamatergic Neurons in the Ventral Pallidum by GABA and Neuropeptides. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0404-22.2023. [PMID: 37414552 PMCID: PMC10348443 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0404-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) is an integral locus in the reward circuitry and a major target of GABAergic innervation of both D1-medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and D2-MSNs from the nucleus accumbens. The VP contains populations of GABAergic [VPGABA, GAD2(+), or VGluT(-)] and glutamatergic [VPGlutamate, GAD2(-), or VGluT(+)] cells that facilitate positive reinforcement and behavioral avoidance, respectively. MSN efferents to the VP exert opponent control over behavioral reinforcement with activation of D1-MSN afferents promoting and D2-MSN afferents inhibiting reward seeking. How this afferent-specific and cell type-specific control of reward seeking is integrated remains largely unknown. In addition to GABA, D1-MSNs corelease substance P to stimulate neurokinin 1 receptors (NK1Rs) and D2-MSNs corelease enkephalin to activate μ-opioid receptors (MORs) and δ-opioid receptors. These neuropeptides act in the VP to alter appetitive behavior and reward seeking. Using a combination of optogenetics and patch-clamp electrophysiology in mice, we found that GAD2(-) cells receive weaker GABA input from D1-MSN, but GAD2(+) cells receive comparable GABAergic input from both afferent types. Pharmacological activation of MORs induced an equally strong presynaptic inhibition of GABA and glutamate transmission on both cell types. Interestingly, MOR activation hyperpolarized VPGABA but not VGluT(+). NK1R activation inhibited glutamatergic transmission only on VGluT(+) cells. Our results indicate that the afferent-specific release of GABA and neuropeptides from D1-MSNs and D2-MSNs can differentially influence VP neuronal subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Neuhofer
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Peter Kalivas
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
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Abdulmalek S, Hardiman G. Genetic and epigenetic studies of opioid abuse disorder - the potential for future diagnostics. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:361-373. [PMID: 37078260 PMCID: PMC10257799 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2190022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a global problem that often begins with prescribed medications. The available treatment and maintenance plans offer solutions for the consumption rate by individuals leaving the outstanding problem of relapse, which is a major factor hindering the long-term efficacy of treatments. AREAS COVERED Understanding the neurobiology of addiction and relapse would help identifying the core causes of relapse and distinguish vulnerable from resilient individuals, which would lead to more targeted and effective treatment and provide diagnostics to screen individuals who have a propensity to OUD. In this review, we cover the neurobiology of the reward system highlighting the role of multiple brain regions and opioid receptors in the development of the disorder. We also review the current knowledge of the epigenetics of addiction and the available screening tools for aberrant use of opioids. EXPERT OPINION Relapse remains an anticipated limitation in the way of recovery even after long period of abstinence. This highlights the need for diagnostic tools that identify vulnerable patients and prevent the cycle of addiction. Finally, we discuss the limitations of the available screening tools and propose possible solutions for the discovery of addiction diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Abdulmalek
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, NI, UK
| | - Gary Hardiman
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, NI, UK
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), 135 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC 29425
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Ji YW, Shen ZL, Zhang X, Zhang K, Jia T, Xu X, Geng H, Han Y, Yin C, Yang JJ, Cao JL, Zhou C, Xiao C. Plasticity in ventral pallidal cholinergic neuron-derived circuits contributes to comorbid chronic pain-like and depression-like behaviour in male mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2182. [PMID: 37069246 PMCID: PMC10110548 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37968-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleus- and cell-specific interrogation of individual basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic circuits is crucial for refining targets to treat comorbid chronic pain-like and depression-like behaviour. As the ventral pallidum (VP) in the BF regulates pain perception and emotions, we aim to address the role of VP-derived cholinergic circuits in hyperalgesia and depression-like behaviour in chronic pain mouse model. In male mice, VP cholinergic neurons innervate local non-cholinergic neurons and modulate downstream basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These cholinergic circuits are mobilized by pain-like stimuli and become hyperactive during persistent pain. Acute stimulation of VP cholinergic neurons and the VP-BLA cholinergic projection reduces pain threshold in naïve mice whereas inhibition of the circuits elevated pain threshold in pain-like states. Multi-day repetitive modulation of the VP-BLA cholinergic pathway regulates depression-like behaviour in persistent pain. Therefore, VP-derived cholinergic circuits are implicated in comorbid hyperalgesia and depression-like behaviour in chronic pain mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wei Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zi-Lin Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kairan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Tao Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiangying Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Huizhen Geng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yu Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Cui Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Jun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chunyi Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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32
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Creed MC, Loureiro M, Lüscher C. Invariant inhibition to calculate prediction errors? Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:257-259. [PMID: 36707259 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) has a pivotal role in motivated behavior. Much of the research on the VTA has focused on the mesocorticolimbic dopamine projections and their role in the computation of a 'reward prediction error' (RPE) for reward-guided learning. In a recent study, Zhou et al. report that VTA GABA neurons, the axons of which innervate the ventral pallidum (VP), have a unique role in signaling reward value to the basal ganglia and guiding reward seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan C Creed
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA; Pain Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michaël Loureiro
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christian Lüscher
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Clinic of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospital, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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Cline MM, Juarez B, Hunker A, Regiarto EG, Hariadi B, Soden ME, Zweifel LS. Netrin-1 regulates the balance of synaptic glutamate signaling in the adult ventral tegmental area. eLife 2023; 12:e83760. [PMID: 36927614 PMCID: PMC10023152 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The axonal guidance cue netrin-1 serves a critical role in neural circuit development by promoting growth cone motility, axonal branching, and synaptogenesis. Within the adult mouse brain, expression of the gene encoding (Ntn1) is highly enriched in the ventral midbrain where it is expressed in both GABAergic and dopaminergic neurons, but its function in these cell types in the adult system remains largely unknown. To address this, we performed viral-mediated, cell-type specific CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis of Ntn1 in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of adult mice. Ntn1 loss-of-function in either cell type resulted in a significant reduction in excitatory postsynaptic connectivity. In dopamine neurons, the reduced excitatory tone had a minimal phenotypic behavioral outcome; however, reduced glutamatergic tone on VTA GABA neurons induced behaviors associated with a hyperdopaminergic phenotype. Simultaneous loss of Ntn1 function in both cell types largely rescued the phenotype observed in the GABA-only mutagenesis. These findings demonstrate an important role for Ntn1 in maintaining excitatory connectivity in the adult midbrain and that a balance in this connectivity within two of the major cell types of the VTA is critical for the proper functioning of the mesolimbic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella M Cline
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Barbara Juarez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Avery Hunker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Ernesto G Regiarto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Bryan Hariadi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Marta E Soden
- Department of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
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Soares-Cunha C, Heinsbroek JA. Ventral pallidal regulation of motivated behaviors and reinforcement. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1086053. [PMID: 36817646 PMCID: PMC9932340 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1086053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The interconnected nuclei of the ventral basal ganglia have long been identified as key regulators of motivated behavior, and dysfunction of this circuit is strongly implicated in mood and substance use disorders. The ventral pallidum (VP) is a central node of the ventral basal ganglia, and recent studies have revealed complex VP cellular heterogeneity and cell- and circuit-specific regulation of reward, aversion, motivation, and drug-seeking behaviors. Although the VP is canonically considered a relay and output structure for this circuit, emerging data indicate that the VP is a central hub in an extensive network for reward processing and the regulation of motivation that extends beyond classically defined basal ganglia borders. VP neurons respond temporally faster and show more advanced reward coding and prediction error processing than neurons in the upstream nucleus accumbens, and regulate the activity of the ventral mesencephalon dopamine system. This review will summarize recent findings in the literature and provide an update on the complex cellular heterogeneity and cell- and circuit-specific regulation of motivated behaviors and reinforcement by the VP with a specific focus on mood and substance use disorders. In addition, we will discuss mechanisms by which stress and drug exposure alter the functioning of the VP and produce susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. Lastly, we will outline unanswered questions and identify future directions for studies necessary to further clarify the central role of VP neurons in the regulation of motivated behaviors. Significance: Research in the last decade has revealed a complex cell- and circuit-specific role for the VP in reward processing and the regulation of motivated behaviors. Novel insights obtained using cell- and circuit-specific interrogation strategies have led to a major shift in our understanding of this region. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the VP in which we integrate novel findings with the existing literature and highlight the emerging role of the VP as a linchpin of the neural systems that regulate motivation, reward, and aversion. In addition, we discuss the dysfunction of the VP in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Soares-Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jasper A. Heinsbroek
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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Morais-Silva G, Campbell RR, Nam H, Basu M, Pagliusi M, Fox ME, Chan CS, Iñiguez SD, Ament S, Cramer N, Marin MT, Lobo MK. Molecular, Circuit, and Stress Response Characterization of Ventral Pallidum Npas1-Neurons. J Neurosci 2023; 43:405-418. [PMID: 36443000 PMCID: PMC9864552 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0971-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered activity of the ventral pallidum (VP) underlies disrupted motivation in stress and drug exposure. The VP is a very heterogeneous structure composed of many neuron types with distinct physiological properties and projections. Neuronal PAS 1-positive (Npas1+) VP neurons are thought to send projections to brain regions critical for motivational behavior. While Npas1+ neurons have been characterized in the globus pallidus external, there is limited information on these neurons in the VP. To address this limitation, we evaluated the projection targets of the VP Npas1+ neurons and performed RNA-sequencing on ribosome-associated mRNA from VP Npas1+ neurons to determine their molecular identity. Finally, we used a chemogenetic approach to manipulate VP Npas1+ neurons during social defeat stress (SDS) and behavioral tasks related to anxiety and motivation in Npas1-Cre mice. We used a similar approach in females using the chronic witness defeat stress (CWDS). We identified VP Npas1+ projections to the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, medial and lateral habenula, lateral hypothalamus, thalamus, medial and lateral septum, and periaqueductal gray area. VP Npas1+ neurons displayed distinct translatome representing distinct biological processes. Chemogenetic activation of hM3D(Gq) receptors in VP Npas1+ neurons increased susceptibility to a subthreshold SDS and anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and open field while the activation of hM4D(Gi) receptors in VP Npas1+ neurons enhanced resilience to chronic SDS and CWDS. Thus, the activity of VP Npas1+ neurons modulates susceptibility to social stressors and anxiety-like behavior. Our studies provide new information on VP Npas1+ neuron circuitry, molecular identity, and their role in stress response.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The ventral pallidum (VP) is a structure connected to both reward-related and aversive brain centers. It is a key brain area that signals the hedonic value of natural rewards. Disruption in the VP underlies altered motivation in stress and substance use disorder. However, VP is a very heterogeneous area with multiple neuron subtypes. This study characterized the projection pattern and molecular signatures of VP Neuronal PAS 1-positive (Npas1+) neurons. We further used tools to alter receptor signaling in VP Npas1+ neurons in stress to demonstrate a role for these neurons in stress behavioral outcomes. Our studies have implications for understanding brain cell type identities and their role in brain disorders, such as depression, a serious disorder that is precipitated by stressful events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gessynger Morais-Silva
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Araraquara, Sao Paulo 14800903, Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos/Sao Paulo State University, CEP 13565-905, São Carlos/Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Rianne R Campbell
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Hyungwoo Nam
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Mahashweta Basu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Marco Pagliusi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, SP-13083-872, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Megan E Fox
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - C Savio Chan
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Sergio D Iñiguez
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79902
| | - Seth Ament
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Nathan Cramer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Marcelo Tadeu Marin
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Araraquara, Sao Paulo 14800903, Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos/Sao Paulo State University, CEP 13565-905, São Carlos/Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Mary Kay Lobo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
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Swanson JL, Ortiz-Guzman J, Srivastava S, Chin PS, Dooling SW, Hanson Moss E, Kochukov MY, Hunt PJ, Patel JM, Pekarek BT, Tong Q, Arenkiel BR. Activation of basal forebrain-to-lateral habenula circuitry drives reflexive aversion and suppresses feeding behavior. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22044. [PMID: 36543829 PMCID: PMC9772215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26306-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental cues and internal states such as mood, reward, or aversion directly influence feeding behaviors beyond homeostatic necessity. The hypothalamus has been extensively investigated for its role in homeostatic feeding. However, many of the neural circuits that drive more complex, non-homeostatic feeding that integrate valence and sensory cues (such as taste and smell) remain unknown. Here, we describe a basal forebrain (BF)-to-lateral habenula (LHb) circuit that directly modulates non-homeostatic feeding behavior. Using viral-mediated circuit mapping, we identified a population of glutamatergic neurons within the BF that project to the LHb, which responds to diverse sensory cues, including aversive and food-related odors. Optogenetic activation of BF-to-LHb circuitry drives robust, reflexive-like aversion. Furthermore, activation of this circuitry suppresses the drive to eat in a fasted state. Together, these data reveal a role of basal forebrain glutamatergic neurons in modulating LHb-associated aversion and feeding behaviors by sensing environmental cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Swanson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joshua Ortiz-Guzman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Snigdha Srivastava
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pey-Shyuan Chin
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sean W Dooling
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hanson Moss
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mikhail Y Kochukov
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick J Hunt
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jay M Patel
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brandon T Pekarek
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Disease, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Dusa D, Ollmann T, Kállai V, Lénárd L, Kertes E, Berta B, Szabó Á, László K, Gálosi R, Zagoracz O, Karádi Z, Péczely L. The antipsychotic drug sulpiride in the ventral pallidum paradoxically impairs learning and induces place preference. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19247. [PMID: 36357539 PMCID: PMC9649625 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23450-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulpiride, as a D2-like dopamine (DA) receptor (D2R) antagonist, is an important antipsychotic drug in the treatment of schizophrenia. Recently, we have shown that the activation of D2Rs in the ventral pallidum (VP) modulates the activity of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) DAergic neurons. According to our hypothesis, intra-VP sulpiride can influence the motivational and learning processes, pervasively modifying the behavior of examined animals. In the present study, sulpiride was microinjected into the VP of male Wistar rats in three different doses. Morris water maze (MWM) test was applied to investigate the effects of sulpiride on spatial learning, while conditioned place preference (CPP) test was used to examine the potential rewarding effect of the drug. In order to show, whether the animals can associate the rewarding effect with an area which can be recognized only on its spatial location, we introduced a modified version of the CPP paradigm, the spatial CPP test. Our results show that the intra-VP sulpiride dose-dependently impairs learning processes. However, the largest dose of sulpiride induces place preference. Results of the spatial CPP paradigm demonstrate that the animals cannot associate the rewarding effect of the drug with the conditioning area based on its spatial location. In the CPP paradigm, locomotor activity decrease could be observed in the sulpiride-treated rats, likely because of a faster habituation with the conditioning environment. In summary, we can conclude that intra-VP sulpiride has a dual effect: it diminishes the hippocampus-dependent spatial learning processes, in addition, it has a dose-dependent rewarding effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Dusa
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Ollmann
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Veronika Kállai
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Lénárd
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Kertes
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Beáta Berta
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Szabó
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
| | - Kristóf László
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Rita Gálosi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Olga Zagoracz
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Karádi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Péczely
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, Pécs, 7602, Hungary.
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
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Chen W. Neural circuits provide insights into reward and aversion. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:1002485. [PMID: 36389177 PMCID: PMC9650032 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.1002485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Maladaptive changes in the neural circuits associated with reward and aversion result in some common symptoms, such as drug addiction, anxiety, and depression. Historically, the study of these circuits has been hampered by technical limitations. In recent years, however, much progress has been made in understanding the neural mechanisms of reward and aversion owing to the development of technologies such as cell type-specific electrophysiology, neuronal tracing, and behavioral manipulation based on optogenetics. The aim of this paper is to summarize the latest findings on the mechanisms of the neural circuits associated with reward and aversion in a review of previous studies with a focus on the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and basal forebrain (BF). These findings may inform efforts to prevent and treat mental illnesses associated with dysfunctions of the brain's reward and aversion system.
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Zhou WL, Kim K, Ali F, Pittenger ST, Calarco CA, Mineur YS, Ramakrishnan C, Deisseroth K, Kwan AC, Picciotto MR. Activity of a direct VTA to ventral pallidum GABA pathway encodes unconditioned reward value and sustains motivation for reward. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm5217. [PMID: 36260661 PMCID: PMC9581470 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm5217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine signaling from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays critical roles in reward-related behaviors, but less is known about the functions of neighboring VTA GABAergic neurons. We show here that a primary target of VTA GABA projection neurons is the ventral pallidum (VP). Activity of VTA-to-VP-projecting GABA neurons correlates consistently with size and palatability of the reward and does not change following cue learning, providing a direct measure of reward value. Chemogenetic stimulation of this GABA projection increased activity of a subset of VP neurons that were active while mice were seeking reward. Optogenetic stimulation of this pathway improved performance in a cue-reward task and maintained motivation to work for reward over days. This VTA GABA projection provides information about reward value directly to the VP, likely distinct from the prediction error signal carried by VTA dopamine neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Liang Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
| | - Kristen Kim
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Farhan Ali
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
| | - Steven T. Pittenger
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
| | - Cali A. Calarco
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yann S. Mineur
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alex C. Kwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
| | - Marina R. Picciotto
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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40
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Engeln M, Fox ME, Chandra R, Choi EY, Nam H, Qadir H, Thomas SS, Rhodes VM, Turner MD, Herman RJ, Calarco CA, Lobo MK. Transcriptome profiling of the ventral pallidum reveals a role for pallido-thalamic neurons in cocaine reward. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3980-3991. [PMID: 35764708 PMCID: PMC9722585 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Psychostimulant exposure alters the activity of ventral pallidum (VP) projection neurons. However, the molecular underpinnings of these circuit dysfunctions are unclear. We used RNA-sequencing to reveal alterations in the transcriptional landscape of the VP that are induced by cocaine self-administration in mice. We then probed gene expression in select VP neuronal subpopulations to isolate a circuit associated with cocaine intake. Finally, we used both overexpression and CRISPR-mediated knockdown to test the role of a gene target on cocaine-mediated behaviors as well as dendritic spine density. Our results showed that a large proportion (55%) of genes associated with structural plasticity were changed 24 h following cocaine intake. Among them, the transcription factor Nr4a1 (Nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 1, or Nur77) showed high expression levels. We found that the VP to mediodorsal thalamus (VP → MDT) projection neurons specifically were recapitulating this increase in Nr4a1 expression. Overexpressing Nr4a1 in VP → MDT neurons enhanced drug-seeking and drug-induced reinstatement, while Nr4a1 knockdown prevented self-administration acquisition and subsequent cocaine-mediated behaviors. Moreover, we showed that Nr4a1 negatively regulated spine dynamics in this specific cell subpopulation. Together, our study identifies for the first time the transcriptional mechanisms occurring in VP in drug exposure. Our study provides further understanding on the role of Nr4a1 in cocaine-related behaviors and identifies the crucial role of the VP → MDT circuit in drug intake and relapse-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Engeln
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Megan E Fox
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ramesh Chandra
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric Y Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hyungwoo Nam
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Houman Qadir
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shavin S Thomas
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Victoria M Rhodes
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Makeda D Turner
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rae J Herman
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cali A Calarco
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Kay Lobo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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41
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Farrell MR, Ye Q, Xie Y, Esteban JSD, Mahler SV. Ventral pallidum GABA neurons bidirectionally control opioid relapse across rat behavioral models. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 3:100026. [PMID: 36156918 PMCID: PMC9494709 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Opioid addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder. Whether addicted individuals are forced to abstain or they decide themselves to quit using drugs, relapse rates are high-especially upon encountering contexts and stimuli associated with prior opioid use. Rodents similarly show context- and cue-induced reinstatement of drug seeking following abstinence, and intriguingly, the neural circuits underlying these relapse-like behaviors differ when abstinence is involuntarily imposed, responding is extinguished, or animals decide themselves to cease taking drug. Here, we employ two complementary rat behavioral models of relapse-like behavior for the highly reinforcing opioid drug remifentanil, and asked whether GABAergic neurons in the ventral pallidum (VPGABA) control opioid seeking under these behavioral conditions. Specifically, we asked how chemogenetically stimulating VPGABA neurons with clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) influences the ability of contextual or discrete remifentanil-paired cues to reinstate drug seeking following either voluntary abstinence (punishment-induced; GroupPunish), or extinction training (GroupExt). In GroupPunish rats, we also chemogenetically inhibited VPGABA neurons, and examined spontaneous VP activity (Fos) during cued reinstatement. In both GroupPunish and GroupExt rats, stimulating Gq-signaling in VPGABA neurons augmented remifentanil reinstatement in a cue- and context-dependent manner. Conversely, engaging inhibitory Gi-signaling in VPGABA neurons in GroupPunish suppressed cue-induced reinstatement, and cue-triggered seeking was correlated with Fos expression in rostral, but not caudal VP. Neither stimulating nor inhibiting VPGABA neurons influenced unpunished remifentanil self-administration. We conclude that VPGABA neurons bidirectionally control opioid seeking regardless of the specific relapse model employed, highlighting their fundamental role in opioid relapse-like behavior across behavioral models, and potentially across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R. Farrell
- University of California, Irvine Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, 1203 McGaugh Hall Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Qiying Ye
- University of California, Irvine Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, 1203 McGaugh Hall Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Yiyan Xie
- University of California, Irvine Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, 1203 McGaugh Hall Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jeanine Sandra D. Esteban
- University of California, Irvine Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, 1203 McGaugh Hall Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Stephen V. Mahler
- University of California, Irvine Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, 1203 McGaugh Hall Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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Zhao F, Cheng Z, Piao J, Cui R, Li B. Dopamine Receptors: Is It Possible to Become a Therapeutic Target for Depression? Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:947785. [PMID: 36059987 PMCID: PMC9428607 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.947785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine and its receptors are currently recognized targets for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, some drug use addictions, as well as depression. Dopamine receptors are widely distributed in various regions of the brain, but their role and exact contribution to neuropsychiatric diseases has not yet been thoroughly studied. Based on the types of dopamine receptors and their distribution in different brain regions, this paper reviews the current research status of the molecular, cellular and circuit mechanisms of dopamine and its receptors involved in depression. Multiple lines of investigation of these mechanisms provide a new future direction for understanding the etiology and treatment of depression and potential new targets for antidepressant treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyi Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, China
| | - Ziqian Cheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, China
| | - Jingjing Piao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, China
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Bingjin Li,
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43
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Chen S, Sun X, Zhang Y, Mu Y, Su D. Habenula bibliometrics: Thematic development and research fronts of a resurgent field. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:949162. [PMID: 35990593 PMCID: PMC9382245 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.949162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a small structure of the posterior diencephalon that is highly conserved across vertebrates but nonetheless has attracted relatively little research attention until the past two decades. The resurgent interest is motivated by neurobehavioral studies demonstrating critical functions in a broad spectrum of motivational and cognitive processes, including functions relevant to psychiatric diseases. The Hb is widely conceived as an "anti-reward" center that acts by regulating brain monoaminergic systems. However, there is still no general conceptual framework for habenula research, and no study has focused on uncovering potentially significant but overlooked topics that may advance our understanding of physiological functions or suggest potential clinical applications of Hb-targeted interventions. Using science mapping tools, we quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed the relevant publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2002 to 2021. Herein we present an overview of habenula-related publications, reveal primary research trends, and prioritize some key research fronts by complementary bibliometric analysis. High-priority research fronts include Ventral Pallidum, Nucleus Accumbens, Nicotine and MHb, GLT-1, Zebrafish, and GCaMP, Ketamine, Deep Brain Stimulation, and GPR139. The high intrinsic heterogeneity of the Hb, extensive connectivity with both hindbrain and forebrain structures, and emerging associations with all three dimensions of mental disorders (internalizing, externalizing, and psychosis) suggest that the Hb may be the neuronal substrate for a common psychopathology factor shared by all mental illnesses termed the p factor. A future challenge is to explore the therapeutic potential of habenular modulation at circuit, cellular, and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sifan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhe Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Diansan Su
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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44
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Kung PH, Soriano-Mas C, Steward T. The influence of the subcortex and brain stem on overeating: How advances in functional neuroimaging can be applied to expand neurobiological models to beyond the cortex. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:719-731. [PMID: 35380355 PMCID: PMC9307542 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Functional neuroimaging has become a widely used tool in obesity and eating disorder research to explore the alterations in neurobiology that underlie overeating and binge eating behaviors. Current and traditional neurobiological models underscore the importance of impairments in brain systems supporting reward, cognitive control, attention, and emotion regulation as primary drivers for overeating. Due to the technical limitations of standard field strength functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanners, human neuroimaging research to date has focused largely on cortical and basal ganglia effects on appetitive behaviors. The present review draws on animal and human research to highlight how neural signaling encoding energy regulation, reward-learning, and habit formation converge on hypothalamic, brainstem, thalamic, and striatal regions to contribute to overeating in humans. We also consider the role of regions such as the mediodorsal thalamus, ventral striatum, lateral hypothalamus and locus coeruleus in supporting habit formation, inhibitory control of food craving, and attentional biases. Through these discussions, we present proposals on how the neurobiology underlying these processes could be examined using functional neuroimaging and highlight how ultra-high field 7-Tesla (7 T) fMRI may be leveraged to elucidate the potential functional alterations in subcortical networks. Focus is given to how interactions of these regions with peripheral endocannabinoids and neuropeptides, such as orexin, could be explored. Technical and methodological aspects regarding the use of ultra-high field 7 T fMRI to study eating behaviors are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Han Kung
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carles Soriano-Mas
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Neuroscience Program, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Trevor Steward
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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45
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Cui Y, Huang X, Huang P, Huang L, Feng Z, Xiang X, Chen X, Li A, Ren C, Li H. Reward ameliorates depressive-like behaviors via inhibition of the substantia innominata to the lateral habenula projection. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn0193. [PMID: 35857453 PMCID: PMC9269896 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is implicated in emotional processing, especially depression. Recent studies indicate that the basal forebrain (BF) transmits reward or aversive signals to the LHb. However, the contribution of the BF-LHb circuit to the pathophysiology of depression still needs to be determined. Here, we find that the excitatory projection to the LHb from the substantia innominata (SI), a BF subregion, is activated by aversive stimuli and inhibited by reward stimuli. Furthermore, chronic activation of the SI-LHb circuit is sufficient to induce depressive-like behaviors, whereas inhibition of the circuit alleviates chronic stress-induced depressive-like phenotype. We also find that reward consumption buffers depressive-like behaviors induced by chronic activation of the SI-LHb circuit. In summary, we systematically define the function and mechanism of the SI-LHb circuit in modulating depressive-like behaviors, thus providing important insights to better decipher LHb processing in the pathophysiology of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cui
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaodan Huang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Pengcheng Huang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhao Feng
- HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI Institute for Brainsmatics, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinkuan Xiang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinfeng Chen
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Anan Li
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI Institute for Brainsmatics, Suzhou, China
| | - Chaoran Ren
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Haohong Li
- Affiliated Mental Health Centre and Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013 Zhejiang, China
- The MOE Frontier Research Center of Brain and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
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46
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Baimel C, Jang E, Scudder SL, Manoocheri K, Carter AG. Hippocampal-evoked inhibition of cholinergic interneurons in the nucleus accumbens. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111042. [PMID: 35793623 PMCID: PMC9302453 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) play a central role in motivated behaviors and associated disorders. However, while the activation of ChIs has been well studied in the dorsal striatum, little is known about how they are engaged in the NAc. Here, we find that the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) and the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) are the main excitatory inputs to ChIs in the NAc medial shell. While the PVT activates ChIs, the vHPC evokes a pronounced pause in firing through prominent feedforward inhibition. In contrast to the dorsal striatum, this inhibition reflects strong connections onto ChIs from local parvalbumin interneurons. Our results reveal the mechanisms by which different long-range inputs engage ChIs, highlighting fundamental differences in local connectivity across the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Baimel
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Emily Jang
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Samantha L Scudder
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Kasra Manoocheri
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Adam G Carter
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA.
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47
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Morales I. Brain regulation of hunger and motivation: The case for integrating homeostatic and hedonic concepts and its implications for obesity and addiction. Appetite 2022; 177:106146. [PMID: 35753443 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and other eating disorders are marked by dysregulations to brain metabolic, hedonic, motivational, and sensory systems that control food intake. Classic approaches in hunger research have distinguished between hedonic and homeostatic processes, and have mostly treated these systems as independent. Hindbrain structures and a complex network of interconnected hypothalamic nuclei control metabolic processes, energy expenditure, and food intake while mesocorticolimbic structures are though to control hedonic and motivational processes associated with food reward. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that hedonic and homeostatic brain systems do not function in isolation, but rather interact as part of a larger network that regulates food intake. Incentive theories of motivation provide a useful route to explore these interactions. Adapting incentive theories of motivation can enable researchers to better how motivational systems dysfunction during disease. Obesity and addiction are associated with profound alterations to both hedonic and homeostatic brain systems that result in maladaptive patterns of consumption. A subset of individuals with obesity may experience pathological cravings for food due to incentive sensitization of brain systems that generate excessive 'wanting' to eat. Further progress in understanding how the brain regulates hunger and appetite may depend on merging traditional hedonic and homeostatic concepts of food reward and motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Morales
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1043, USA.
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48
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Doucette WT, Smedley EB, Ruiz-Jaquez M, Khokhar JY, Smith KS. Chronic Chemogenetic Manipulation of Ventral Pallidum Targeted Neurons in Male Rats Fed an Obesogenic Diet. Brain Res 2022; 1784:147886. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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49
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A diencephalic circuit in rats for opioid analgesia but not positive reinforcement. Nat Commun 2022; 13:764. [PMID: 35140231 PMCID: PMC8828762 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28332-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists are potent analgesics, but also cause sedation, respiratory depression, and addiction risk. The epithalamic lateral habenula (LHb) signals aversive states including pain, and here we found that it is a potent site for MOR-agonist analgesia-like responses in rats. Importantly, LHb MOR activation is not reinforcing in the absence of noxious input. The LHb receives excitatory inputs from multiple sites including the ventral tegmental area, lateral hypothalamus, entopeduncular nucleus, and the lateral preoptic area of the hypothalamus (LPO). Here we report that LHb-projecting glutamatergic LPO neurons are excited by noxious stimulation and are preferentially inhibited by MOR selective agonists. Critically, optogenetic stimulation of LHb-projecting LPO neurons produces an aversive state that is relieved by LHb MOR activation, and optogenetic inhibition of LHb-projecting LPO neurons relieves the aversiveness of ongoing pain. Opioids are potent analgesics but also have addiction risk. Here a lateral preoptic area to lateral habenula connection is identified by which opioids relieve ongoing pain but do not produce reward in animals that do not have ongoing pain.
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50
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Kruyer A, Dixon D, Angelis A, Amato D, Kalivas PW. Astrocytes in the ventral pallidum extinguish heroin seeking through GAT-3 upregulation and morphological plasticity at D1-MSN terminals. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:855-864. [PMID: 34642457 PMCID: PMC9054673 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01333-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
GABAergic projections from the nucleus accumbens core to the dorsolateral ventral pallidum are necessary for drug-conditioned cues to initiate relapse-like drug seeking. Astrocytes in the ventral pallidum are situated perisynaptically and regulate GABA transmission through expression of GABA uptake transporters, but whether they are involved in regulating drug seeking is unknown. To determine the contribution of ventral pallidal astrocytes to heroin seeking, we labeled astrocytes in male and female rats with a membrane-bound fluorescent tag and used confocal microscopy to quantify astroglial expression of the GABA transporter GAT-3 and astrocyte synaptic proximity after withdrawal from heroin self-administration and during 15 min of cued heroin seeking. We found that GAT-3 was upregulated in rats that had extinguished heroin seeking, but not in animals that were withdrawn from heroin without extinction training or in rats that extinguished sucrose seeking. When GAT-3 upregulation was reversed using a vivo-morpholino oligo, heroin seeking was restored in the extinguished context and extinction of cued heroin seeking was disrupted compared to control animals. Although astrocyte synaptic proximity was not altered overall after heroin withdrawal, examination of astrocyte proximity to accumbens D1- or D2-expressing afferents revealed a selective increase in astrocyte proximity with D1-expressing terminals during extinction of heroin self-administration. Experimentally-induced reduction of astrocyte synaptic proximity through knockdown of the astrocyte-selective actin-binding protein ezrin also markedly disrupted extinction of heroin seeking. Notably, GAT-3 or ezrin knockdown had no impact on context- or cue-induced seeking in sucrose-trained animals. These data show that astrocytes in the ventral pallidum undergo plasticity after extinction of heroin use that reduces seeking and highlight the importance of astrocyte-neuron interactions in shaping behaviors associated with opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Danielle Dixon
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ariana Angelis
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Davide Amato
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter W Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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