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Thibeault KC, Leonard MZ, Kondev V, Emerson SD, Bethi R, Lopez AJ, Sens JP, Nabit BP, Elam HB, Winder DG, Patel S, Kiraly DD, Grueter BA, Calipari ES. A cocaine-activated ensemble exerts increased control over behavior while decreasing in size. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01388-X. [PMID: 38901723 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorder (SUD) is characterized by long-lasting changes in reward-related brain regions, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Previous work has shown that cocaine exposure induces plasticity in broad, genetically-defined cell types in the NAc; however, in response to a stimulus, only a small percent of neurons are transcriptionally active - termed an ensemble. Here, we identify an Arc-expressing neuronal ensemble that has a unique trajectory of recruitment and causally controls drug self-administration after repeated, but not acute, cocaine exposure. METHOD Using Arc-CreERT2 transgenic mice, we expressed transgenes in Arc+ ensembles activated by cocaine exposure [either acute (1 x 10mg/kg IP), or repeated (10 x 10mg/kg IP)]. Using genetic, optical, and physiological recording and manipulation strategies, we assessed the contribution of these ensembles to behaviors associated with SUD. RESULTS Repeated cocaine exposure reduced the size of the ensemble, while simultaneously increasing its control over behavior. Neurons within the repeated cocaine ensemble were hyperexcitable and their optogenetic excitation was sufficient for reinforcement. Finally, lesioning the repeated cocaine, but not acute cocaine, ensemble blunted cocaine self-administration. Thus, repeated cocaine exposure reduced the size of the ensemble while simultaneously increasing its contributions to drug reinforcement. CONCLUSIONS We show that repeated, but not acute, cocaine exposure induces a physiologically distinct ensemble characterized by the expression of the immediate early gene Arc, that is uniquely capable of modulating reinforcement behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C Thibeault
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael Z Leonard
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Veronika Kondev
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Soren D Emerson
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rishik Bethi
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alberto J Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jonathon P Sens
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Brett P Nabit
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hannah B Elam
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Danny G Winder
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt J. F. Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Drew D Kiraly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Brad A Grueter
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Erin S Calipari
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt J. F. Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Zachry JE, Kutlu MG, Yoon HJ, Leonard MZ, Chevée M, Patel DD, Gaidici A, Kondev V, Thibeault KC, Bethi R, Tat J, Melugin PR, Isiktas AU, Joffe ME, Cai DJ, Conn PJ, Grueter BA, Calipari ES. D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens core have distinct and valence-independent roles in learning. Neuron 2024; 112:835-849.e7. [PMID: 38134921 PMCID: PMC10939818 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.11.023] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
At the core of value-based learning is the nucleus accumbens (NAc). D1- and D2-receptor-containing medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the NAc core are hypothesized to have opposing valence-based roles in behavior. Using optical imaging and manipulation approaches in mice, we show that neither D1 nor D2 MSNs signal valence. D1 MSN responses were evoked by stimuli regardless of valence or contingency. D2 MSNs were evoked by both cues and outcomes, were dynamically changed with learning, and tracked valence-free prediction error at the population and individual neuron level. Finally, D2 MSN responses to cues were necessary for associative learning. Thus, D1 and D2 MSNs work in tandem, rather than in opposition, by signaling specific properties of stimuli to control learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Zachry
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Munir Gunes Kutlu
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Hye Jean Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael Z Leonard
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Maxime Chevée
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Dev D Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Anthony Gaidici
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Veronika Kondev
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kimberly C Thibeault
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rishik Bethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jennifer Tat
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Patrick R Melugin
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Atagun U Isiktas
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Max E Joffe
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Denise J Cai
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brad A Grueter
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Erin S Calipari
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Smith NK, Kondev V, Hunt TR, Grueter BA. Neuropeptide Y modulates excitatory synaptic transmission and promotes social behavior in the mouse nucleus accumbens. Neuropharmacology 2022; 217:109201. [PMID: 35917875 PMCID: PMC9836361 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Social interactions define the human experience, but these integral behaviors are disrupted in many psychiatric disorders. Social behaviors have evolved over millennia, and neuromodulatory systems that promote social behavior in invertebrates are also present in mammalian brains. One such conserved neuromodulator, neuropeptide Y (NPY), acts through several receptors including the Y1r, Y2r, and Y5r. These receptors are present in brain regions that control social behavior, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, whether NPY modulates NAc neurotransmission is unknown. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology of NAc neurons, we find that multiple NPY receptors regulate excitatory synaptic transmission in a cell-type specific manner. At excitatory synapses onto D1+ MSNs, Y1r activity enhances transmission while Y2r suppresses transmission. At excitatory synapses onto D1- MSNs, Y5r activity enhances transmission while Y2r suppresses transmission. Directly infusing NPY or the Y1r agonist [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY into the NAc significantly increases social interaction with an unfamiliar conspecific. Inhibition of an enzyme that breaks down NPY, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), shifts the effect of NPY on D1+ MSNs to a Y1r dominated phenotype. Together, these results increase our understanding of how NPY regulates neurotransmission in the NAc and identify a novel mechanism underlying the control of social behavior. Further, they reveal a potential strategy to shift NPY signaling for therapeutic gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas K. Smith
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Veronika Kondev
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Thomas R. Hunt
- College of Arts and Sciences, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brad A. Grueter
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, 37232, USA,Corresponding author. 1161 21st Avenue South * T4202-MCN Nashville, TN, 37232-2520, USA, (B.A. Grueter)
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An ensemble recruited by α 2a-adrenergic receptors is engaged in a stressor-specific manner in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022:10.1038/s41386-022-01442-x. [PMID: 36085168 PMCID: PMC10267140 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01442-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
α2a-adrenergic receptor (α2a-AR) agonists are candidate substance use disorder therapeutics due to their ability to recruit noradrenergic autoreceptors to dampen stress system engagement. However, we recently found that postsynaptic α2a-ARs are required for stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine-conditioned behavior. Understanding the ensembles recruited by these postsynaptic receptors (heteroceptors) is necessary to understand noradrenergic circuit control. We utilized a variety of approaches in FosTRAP (Targeted Recombination in Active Populations) mice to define an ensemble of cells activated by the α2a-AR partial agonist guanfacine ("Guansembles") in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST/BNST), a region key to stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking. We define BNST "Guansembles" and show they differ from restraint stress-activated cells. Guanfacine produced inhibition of cAMP-dependent signaling in Guansembles, while chronic restraint stress increased cAMP-dependent signaling. Guanfacine both excited and inhibited aspects of Guansemble neuronal activity. Further, while some stressors produced overall reductions in Guansemble activity, active coping events during restraint stress and exposure to unexpected shocks were both associated with Guansemble recruitment. Using viral tracing, we define a BNST Guansemble afferent network that includes regions involved in the interplay of stress and homeostatic functions. Finally, we show that activation of Guansembles produces alterations in behavior on the elevated plus maze consistent with task-specific anxiety-like behavior. Overall, we define a population of BNST neurons recruited by α2a-AR signaling that opposes the behavioral action of canonical autoreceptor α2a-AR populations and which are differentially recruited by distinct stressors. Moreover, we demonstrate stressor-specific physiological responses in a specific neuronal population.
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Kappa opioid receptor modulation of excitatory drive onto nucleus accumbens fast-spiking interneurons. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:2340-2349. [PMID: 34400782 PMCID: PMC8581025 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) contributes to affective states. Parvalbumin fast-spiking interneurons (PV-FSIs), a key component of feedforward inhibition, participate in integration of excitatory inputs to the NAc by robustly inhibiting select populations of medium spiny output neurons, therefore greatly influencing NAc dependent behavior. How the dynorphin/KOR system regulates feedforward inhibition in the NAc remains unknown. Here, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms of KOR inhibition of excitatory transmission onto NAc PV-FSIs using a combination of whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetics, pharmacology, and a parvalbumin reporter mouse. We find that postsynaptic KOR stimulation induces long-term depression (LTD) of excitatory synapses onto PV-FSI by stimulating the endocytosis of AMPARs via a PKA and calcineurin-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, KOR regulation of PV-FSI synapses are input specific, inhibiting thalamic but not cortical inputs. Finally, following acute stress, a protocol known to elevate dynorphin/KOR signaling in the NAc, KOR agonists no longer inhibit excitatory transmission onto PV-FSI. In conclusion, we delineate pathway-specific mechanisms mediating KOR control of feedforward inhibitory circuits in the NAc and provide evidence for the recruitment of this system in response to stress.
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6
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Turner BD, Smith NK, Manz KM, Chang BT, Delpire E, Grueter CA, Grueter BA. Cannabinoid type 1 receptors in A2a neurons contribute to cocaine-environment association. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1121-1131. [PMID: 33454843 PMCID: PMC8386588 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05759-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) are widely expressed within the brain's reward circuits and are implicated in regulating drug induced behavioral adaptations. Understanding how CB1R signaling in discrete circuits and cell types contributes to drug-related behavior provides further insight into the pathology of substance use disorders. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We sought to determine how cell type-specific expression of CB1Rs within striatal circuits contributes to cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity, hypothesizing that CB1R function in distinct striatal neuron populations would differentially impact behavioral outcomes. We crossed conditional Cnr1fl/fl mice and striatal output pathway cre lines (Drd1a -cre; D1, Adora2a -cre; A2a) to generate cell type-specific CB1R knockout mice and assessed their performance in cocaine locomotor and associative behavioral assays. RESULTS Both knockout lines retained typical locomotor activity at baseline. D1-Cre x Cnr1fl/fl mice did not display hyperlocomotion in response to acute cocaine dosing, and both knockout lines exhibited blunted locomotor activity across repeated cocaine doses. A2a-cre Cnr1fl/fl, mice did not express a preference for cocaine paired environments in a two-choice place preference task. CONCLUSIONS This study aids in mapping CB1R-dependent cocaine-induced behavioral adaptations onto distinct striatal neuron subtypes. A reduction of cocaine-induced locomotor activation in the D1- and A2a-Cnr1 knockout mice supports a role for CB1R function in the motor circuit. Furthermore, a lack of preference for cocaine-associated context in A2a-Cnr1 mice suggests that CB1Rs on A2a-neuron inhibitory terminals are necessary for either reward perception, memory consolidation, or recall. These results direct future investigations into CB1R-dependent adaptations underlying the development and persistence of substance use disorders.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cocaine-Related Disorders/psychology
- Conditioning, Operant/drug effects
- Corpus Striatum/drug effects
- Environment
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Neurons/drug effects
- Receptor, Adenosine A2A/drug effects
- Receptor, Adenosine A2A/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Reward
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon D Turner
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Nicholas K Smith
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kevin M Manz
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Betty T Chang
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Eric Delpire
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Carrie A Grueter
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Brad A Grueter
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Anesthesiology Research Division, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2213 Garland Avenue, P435H MRB IV, Nashville, TN, 37232-0413, USA.
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