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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: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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Ollmann T, Lénárd L, Péczely L, Berta B, Kertes E, Zagorácz O, Hormay E, László K, Szabó Á, Gálosi R, Karádi Z, Kállai V. Effect of D1- and D2-like Dopamine Receptor Antagonists on the Rewarding and Anxiolytic Effects of Neurotensin in the Ventral Pallidum. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092104. [PMID: 36140205 PMCID: PMC9495457 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurotensin (NT) acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the central nervous system. It was shown previously that NT in the ventral pallidum (VP) has rewarding and anxiolytic effects. NT exerts its effect in interaction with dopamine (DA) receptors in numerous brain areas; however, this has not yet been investigated in the VP. The aim of this study was to examine whether the inhibition of D1-like and D2-like DA receptors of the VP can modify the above mentioned effects of NT. Methods: Microinjection cannulas were implanted by means of stereotaxic operations into the VP of male Wistar rats. The rewarding effect of NT was examined by means of a conditioned place preference test. Anxiety was investigated with an elevated plus maze test. To investigate the possible interaction, D1-like DA receptor antagonist SCH23390 or D2-like DA receptor antagonist sulpiride were microinjected prior to NT. All of the drugs were also injected independently to analyze their effects alone. Results: In the present experiments, both the rewarding and anxiolytic effects of NT in the VP were prevented by both D1-like and D2-like DA receptor antagonists. Administered on their own, the antagonists did not influence reward and anxiety. Conclusion: Our present results show that the activity of the D1-like and D2-like DA receptors of the VP is a necessary requirement for both the rewarding and anxiolytic effects of NT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Ollmann
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-72-536000 (ext. 31095)
| | - László Lénárd
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, Szentágothai Center, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Péczely
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Beáta Berta
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Kertes
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Olga Zagorácz
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Edina Hormay
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kristóf László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Szabó
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Rita Gálosi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Karádi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, Szentágothai Center, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Veronika Kállai
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Gargiulo AT, Badve PS, Curtis GR, Pirino BE, Barson JR. Inactivation of the thalamic paraventricular nucleus promotes place preference and sucrose seeking in male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2659-2671. [PMID: 35524009 PMCID: PMC9296579 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06160-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The experience of reward entails both positive affect and motivation. While the brain regions responsible for these distinct aspects of reward are dissociable from each other, the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) may play a role in both. OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of the PVT in both affect and motivation, and to identify neuropeptides that might mediate these effects. METHODS Male rats were tested for conditioned place preference following temporary inactivation of the anterior or posterior PVT with local injections of the GABAB and GABAA agonists, baclofen + muscimol. They were tested for sucrose seeking under a fixed ratio 3 (FR3) schedule of reinforcement and after extinction, following injection into the posterior PVT of baclofen + muscimol or saline vehicle. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR was used to examine local neuropeptide gene expression following injection into the posterior PVT of baclofen + muscimol or saline vehicle. RESULTS Conditioned place preference was induced by temporary inactivation of the posterior but not anterior PVT. While sucrose seeking under an FR3 schedule of reinforcement was unaffected by inactivation of the posterior PVT, reinstatement of sucrose seeking was promoted by posterior PVT inactivation. Local gene expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), but not enkephalin or neurotensin, was reduced following inactivation of the posterior PVT. CONCLUSIONS Temporary inactivation of the posterior PVT affects both affect and motivation as well as local gene expression of PACAP. These results suggest that the posterior PVT is one brain region that may participate in both major aspects of reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T. Gargiulo
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Preeti S. Badve
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Genevieve R. Curtis
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Breanne E. Pirino
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Jessica R. Barson
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
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Kupchik YM, Prasad AA. Ventral pallidum cellular and pathway specificity in drug seeking. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:373-386. [PMID: 34562544 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) is central to the reinforcing effects across a variety of drugs and relapse to drug seeking. Emerging studies from animal models of reinstatement reveal a complex neurobiology of the VP that contributes to different aspects of relapse to drug seeking. This review builds on classical understanding of the VP as part of the final common pathway of relapse but also discusses the properties of the VP as an independent structure. These include VP neural anatomical subregions, cellular heterogeneity, circuitry, neurotransmitters and peptides. Collectively, this review provides a current understanding of the VP from molecular to circuit level architecture that contributes to both the appetitive and aversive symptoms of drug addiction. We show the complex neurobiology of the VP in drug seeking, emphasizing its critical role in addiction, and review strategic approaches that target the VP to reduce relapse rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan M Kupchik
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem. P.O. Box 12271, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel
| | - Asheeta A Prasad
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Vivancos M, Fanelli R, Besserer-Offroy É, Beaulieu S, Chartier M, Resua-Rojas M, Mona CE, Previti S, Rémond E, Longpré JM, Cavelier F, Sarret P. Metabolically stable neurotensin analogs exert potent and long-acting analgesia without hypothermia. Behav Brain Res 2021; 405:113189. [PMID: 33607165 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous tridecapeptide neurotensin (NT) has emerged as an important inhibitory modulator of pain transmission, exerting its analgesic action through the activation of the G protein-coupled receptors, NTS1 and NTS2. Whereas both NT receptors mediate the analgesic effects of NT, NTS1 activation also produces hypotension and hypothermia, which may represent obstacles for the development of new pain medications. In the present study, we implemented various chemical strategies to improve the metabolic stability of the biologically active fragment NT(8-13) and assessed their NTS1/NTS2 relative binding affinities. We then determined their ability to reduce the nociceptive behaviors in acute, tonic, and chronic pain models and to modulate blood pressure and body temperature. To this end, we synthesized a series of NT(8-13) analogs carrying a reduced amide bond at Lys8-Lys9 and harboring site-selective modifications with unnatural amino acids, such as silaproline (Sip) and trimethylsilylalanine (TMSAla). Incorporation of Sip and TMSAla respectively in positions 10 and 13 of NT(8-13) combined with the Lys8-Lys9 reduced amine bond (JMV5296) greatly prolonged the plasma half-life time over 20 h. These modifications also led to a 25-fold peptide selectivity toward NTS2. More importantly, central delivery of JMV5296 was able to induce a strong antinociceptive effect in acute (tail-flick), tonic (formalin), and chronic inflammatory (CFA) pain models without inducing hypothermia. Altogether, these results demonstrate that the chemically-modified NT(8-13) analog JMV5296 exhibits a better therapeutic profile and may thus represent a promising avenue to guide the development of new stable NT agonists and improve pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Vivancos
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Roberto Fanelli
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR-CNRS 5247, Université Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Élie Besserer-Offroy
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Sabrina Beaulieu
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Magali Chartier
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Martin Resua-Rojas
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Christine E Mona
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Santo Previti
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR-CNRS 5247, Université Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Emmanuelle Rémond
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR-CNRS 5247, Université Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Jean-Michel Longpré
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Florine Cavelier
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR-CNRS 5247, Université Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
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Li B, Chang LL, Xi K. Neurotensin 1 receptor in the prelimbic cortex regulates anxiety-like behavior in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110011. [PMID: 32561375 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The central neurotensin system has been implicated in reward, memory processes, also in the regulation of anxiety. However, the neural substrates where neurotensin acts to regulate anxiety have not been fully identified. The prelimbic region of medial prefrontal cortex (PrL) holds a key position in the modulation of anxiety-related behaviors and expresses neurotensin 1 receptor (NTS1). This study investigated the effects of activation or blockade of NTS1 in the PrL on anxiety-like behaviors of rats. Our results demonstrated that infusion of a selective NTS1 agonist or neurotensin into the PrL produced anxiogenic-like effects. Administration of a NTS1 antagonist into the PrL did not affect anxiety-like behaviors of normal rats, but attenuated anxiogenic effects induced by restraint stress. Moreover, we employed molecular approaches to downregulate the expression of NTS1 in the PrL, and found that downregulation of NTS1 in the PrL induced anxiolytic effects in restraint stress rats, also confirming the pharmacological results. Together, these findings suggest that NTS1 in the PrL is actively involved in the regulation of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China.
| | - Lei-Lei Chang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Kang Xi
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
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7
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Inactivation of the Ventral Pallidum by GABAA Receptor Agonist Promotes Non-rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Rats. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:1791-1801. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03040-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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8
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The role of intraamygdaloid neurotensin and dopamine interaction in conditioned place preference. Behav Brain Res 2018; 344:85-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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9
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Lénárd L, László K, Kertes E, Ollmann T, Péczely L, Kovács A, Kállai V, Zagorácz O, Gálosi R, Karádi Z. Substance P and neurotensin in the limbic system: Their roles in reinforcement and memory consolidation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 85:1-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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10
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Ferraro L, Tiozzo Fasiolo L, Beggiato S, Borelli AC, Pomierny-Chamiolo L, Frankowska M, Antonelli T, Tomasini MC, Fuxe K, Filip M. Neurotensin: A role in substance use disorder? J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:112-27. [PMID: 26755548 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115622240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurotensin is a tridecapeptide originally identified in extracts of bovine hypothalamus. This peptide has a close anatomical and functional relationship with the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine system. Neural circuits containing neurotensin were originally proposed to play a role in the mechanism of action of antipsychotic agents. Additionally, neurotensin-containing pathways were demonstrated to mediate some of the rewarding and/or sensitizing properties of drugs of abuse.This review attempts to contribute to the understanding of the role of neurotensin and its receptors in drug abuse. In particular, we will summarize the potential relevance of neurotensin, its related compounds and neurotensin receptors in substance use disorders, with a focus on the preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Tiozzo Fasiolo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea C Borelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Malgorzata Frankowska
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tiziana Antonelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria C Tomasini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Filip
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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Root DH, Melendez RI, Zaborszky L, Napier TC. The ventral pallidum: Subregion-specific functional anatomy and roles in motivated behaviors. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 130:29-70. [PMID: 25857550 PMCID: PMC4687907 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) plays a critical role in the processing and execution of motivated behaviors. Yet this brain region is often overlooked in published discussions of the neurobiology of mental health (e.g., addiction, depression). This contributes to a gap in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. This review is presented to help bridge the gap by providing a resource for current knowledge of VP anatomy, projection patterns and subregional circuits, and how this organization relates to the function of VP neurons and ultimately behavior. For example, ventromedial (VPvm) and dorsolateral (VPdl) VP subregions receive projections from nucleus accumbens shell and core, respectively. Inhibitory GABAergic neurons of the VPvm project to mediodorsal thalamus, lateral hypothalamus, and ventral tegmental area, and this VP subregion helps discriminate the appropriate conditions to acquire natural rewards or drugs of abuse, consume preferred foods, and perform working memory tasks. GABAergic neurons of the VPdl project to subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata, and this VP subregion is modulated by, and is necessary for, drug-seeking behavior. Additional circuits arise from nonGABAergic neuronal phenotypes that are likely to excite rather than inhibit their targets. These subregional and neuronal phenotypic circuits place the VP in a unique position to process motivationally relevant stimuli and coherent adaptive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Root
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 152 Frelinghuysen Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, United States.
| | - Roberto I Melendez
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR 00936, United States.
| | - Laszlo Zaborszky
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 197 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102, United States.
| | - T Celeste Napier
- Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, Center for Compulsive Behavior and Addiction, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
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