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Mitten EH, Souders A, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Wickman K. Stress-induced anxiety-related behavior in mice is driven by enhanced excitability of ventral tegmental area GABA neurons. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1425607. [PMID: 39086371 PMCID: PMC11288924 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1425607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stress and trauma are significant risk factors for many neuropsychiatric disorders and diseases, including anxiety disorders. Stress-induced anxiety symptoms have been attributed to enhanced excitability in circuits controlling fear, anxiety, and aversion. A growing body of evidence has implicated GABAergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in aversion processing and affective behavior. Methods We used an unpredictable footshock (uFS) model, together with electrophysiological and behavioral approaches, to investigate the role of VTA GABA neurons in anxiety-related behavior in mice. Results One day after a single uFS session, C57BL/6J mice exhibited elevated anxiety-related behavior and VTA GABA neuron excitability. The enhanced excitability of VTA GABA neurons was correlated with increased glutamatergic input and a reduction in postsynaptic signaling mediated via GABAA and GABAB receptors. Chemogenetic activation of VTA GABA neurons was sufficient to increase anxiety-related behavior in stress-naïve mice. In addition, chemogenetic inhibition of VTA GABA neurons suppressed anxiety-related behavior in mice exposed to uFS. Discussion These data show that VTA GABA neurons are an early substrate for stress-induced anxiety-related behavior in mice and suggest that approaches mitigating enhanced excitability of VTA GABA neurons may hold promise for the treatment of anxiety provoked by stress and trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H. Mitten
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Anna Souders
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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2
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Feng YY, Bromberg-Martin ES, Monosov IE. Dorsal raphe neurons integrate the values of reward amount, delay, and uncertainty in multi-attribute decision-making. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114341. [PMID: 38878290 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114341] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is implicated in psychiatric disorders that feature impaired sensitivity to reward amount, impulsivity when facing reward delays, and risk-seeking when confronting reward uncertainty. However, it has been unclear whether and how DRN neurons signal reward amount, reward delay, and reward uncertainty during multi-attribute value-based decision-making, where subjects consider these attributes to make a choice. We recorded DRN neurons as monkeys chose between offers whose attributes, namely expected reward amount, reward delay, and reward uncertainty, varied independently. Many DRN neurons signaled offer attributes, and this population tended to integrate the attributes in a manner that reflected monkeys' preferences for amount, delay, and uncertainty. After decision-making, in response to post-decision feedback, these same neurons signaled signed reward prediction errors, suggesting a broader role in tracking value across task epochs and behavioral contexts. Our data illustrate how the DRN participates in value computations, guiding theories about the role of the DRN in decision-making and psychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Yang Feng
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Ilya E Monosov
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington University Pain Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Serafini RA, Zachariou V. The Dorsal Raphe as a Regulator of Emotion and Reward: Beyond Pain. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:834-835. [PMID: 37914503 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Randal A Serafini
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Venetia Zachariou
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Pour MG, Alaei H. The reinstatement of the expression phase of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in male Wistar rats under ventral tegmental area stimulation and brief inactivation. Res Pharm Sci 2023; 18:676-695. [PMID: 39005563 PMCID: PMC11246116 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.389957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Previous research has found that the electrical stimulation of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is involved in drug-dependent behaviors and plays a role in reward-seeking. However, the mechanisms remain unknown, especially the effect of electrical stimulation on this area. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how the electrical stimulation and the temporary inactivation of VTA affect the morphine- dependent behavior in male rats. Experimental approach The adult Wistar male rats were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine. The stimulation electrode (unilaterally) and the microinjection cannula (bilaterally) were implanted into the VTA, stereotaxically. Then, the rats underwent three-day of repeated conditioning with subcutaneous morphine (0.5 or 5 mg/kg) injections, in the conditioned place preference apparatus, followed by four-day forced abstinence, which altered their conditioning response to a morphine (0.5 mg/kg) priming dose on the ninth day. On that day, rats were given high- or low-intensity electrical stimulation or reversible inactivation with lidocaine (0.5 pL/site) in the VTA. Findings/Results Results showed that the electrical stimulation of the VTA with the high intensity (150 μA/rat), had a minimal effect on the expression of morphine-induced place conditioning in rats treated with a high dose (5 mg/kg) of morphine. However, the reversible inactivation of the VTA with lidocaine greatly increased place preference in rats treated with a low dose (0.5 mg/kg) of morphine. Additionally, the reinstatement of 0.5 mg/kg morphine-treated rats was observed after lidocaine infusion into the VTA. Conclusion and implications These results suggest that VTA electrical stimulation suppresses neuronal activation, but the priming dose causes reinstatement. The VTA may be a potential target for deep brain stimulation-based treatment of intractable disorders induced by substance abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Ghobadi Pour
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
| | - Hojjatollah Alaei
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
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5
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Welsch L, Colantonio E, Frison M, Johnson DA, McClain SP, Mathis V, Banghart MR, Ben Hamida S, Darcq E, Kieffer BL. Mu Opioid Receptor-Expressing Neurons in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Are Involved in Reward Processing and Affective Behaviors. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:842-851. [PMID: 37285896 PMCID: PMC10850692 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.05.019] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mu opioid receptors (MORs) are key for reward processing, mostly studied in dopaminergic pathways. MORs are also expressed in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), which is central for the modulation of reward and mood, but MOR function in the DRN remains underexplored. Here, we investigated whether MOR-expressing neurons of the DRN (DRN-MOR neurons) participate in reward and emotional responses. METHODS We characterized DRN-MOR neurons anatomically using immunohistochemistry and functionally using fiber photometry in responses to morphine and rewarding/aversive stimuli. We tested the effect of opioid uncaging on the DRN on place conditioning. We examined the effect of DRN-MOR neuron optostimulation on positive reinforcement and mood-related behaviors. We mapped their projections and selected DRN-MOR neurons projecting to the lateral hypothalamus for a similar optogenetic experimentation. RESULTS DRN-MOR neurons form a heterogeneous neuronal population essentially composed of GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) and glutamatergic neurons. Calcium activity of DRN-MOR neurons was inhibited by rewarding stimuli and morphine. Local photo-uncaging of oxymorphone in the DRN produced conditioned place preference. DRN-MOR neuron optostimulation triggered real-time place preference and was self-administered, promoted social preference, and reduced anxiety and passive coping. Finally, specific optostimulation of DRN-MOR neurons projecting to the lateral hypothalamus recapitulated the reinforcing effects of total DRN-MOR neuron stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that DRN-MOR neurons respond to rewarding stimuli and that their optoactivation has reinforcing effects and promotes positive emotional responses, an activity which is partially mediated by their projections to the lateral hypothalamus. Our study also suggests a complex regulation of DRN activity by MOR opioids, involving mixed inhibition/activation mechanisms that fine-tune DRN function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Welsch
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Esther Colantonio
- INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathilde Frison
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Desiree A Johnson
- Neurobiology Department, School of the Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Shannan P McClain
- Neurobiology Department, School of the Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Victor Mathis
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, UPR 3212, Strasbourg, France
| | - Matthew R Banghart
- Neurobiology Department, School of the Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sami Ben Hamida
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM UMR 1247, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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Ochandarena NE, Niehaus JK, Tassou A, Scherrer G. Cell-type specific molecular architecture for mu opioid receptor function in pain and addiction circuits. Neuropharmacology 2023; 238:109597. [PMID: 37271281 PMCID: PMC10494323 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109597] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are potent analgesics broadly used for pain management; however, they can produce dangerous side effects including addiction and respiratory depression. These harmful effects have led to an epidemic of opioid abuse and overdose deaths, creating an urgent need for the development of both safer pain medications and treatments for opioid use disorders. Both the analgesic and addictive properties of opioids are mediated by the mu opioid receptor (MOR), making resolution of the cell types and neural circuits responsible for each of the effects of opioids a critical research goal. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology is enabling the identification of MOR-expressing cell types throughout the nervous system, creating new opportunities for mapping distinct opioid effects onto newly discovered cell types. Here, we describe molecularly defined MOR-expressing neuronal cell types throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems and their potential contributions to opioid analgesia and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Ochandarena
- Neuroscience Curriculum, Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Jesse K Niehaus
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Adrien Tassou
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Grégory Scherrer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; New York Stem Cell Foundation - Robertson Investigator, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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7
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Hu RR, Yang MD, Ding XY, Wu N, Li J, Song R. Blockade of the Dopamine D 3 Receptor Attenuates Opioids-Induced Addictive Behaviours Associated with Inhibiting the Mesolimbic Dopamine System. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1655-1668. [PMID: 37040055 PMCID: PMC10603017 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01059-0] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) has become a considerable global public health challenge; however, potential medications for the management of OUD that are effective, safe, and nonaddictive are not available. Accumulating preclinical evidence indicates that antagonists of the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) have effects on addiction in different animal models. We have previously reported that YQA14, a D3R antagonist, exhibits very high affinity and selectivity for D3Rs over D2Rs, and is able to inhibit cocaine- or methamphetamine-induced reinforcement and reinstatement in self-administration tests. In the present study, our results illustrated that YQA14 dose-dependently reduced infusions under the fixed-ratio 2 procedure and lowered the breakpoint under the progressive-ratio procedure in heroin self-administered rats, also attenuated heroin-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. On the other hand, YQA14 not only reduced morphine-induced expression of conditioned place preference but also facilitated the extinguishing process in mice. Moreover, we elucidated that YQA14 attenuated opioid-induced reward or reinforcement mainly by inhibiting morphine-induced up-regulation of dopaminergic neuron activity in the ventral tegmental area and decreasing dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens with a fiber photometry recording system. These findings suggest that D3R might play a very important role in opioid addiction, and YQA14 may have pharmacotherapeutic potential in attenuating opioid-induced addictive behaviors dependent on the dopamine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Rong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572013, China
| | - Meng-Die Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ning Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Rui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China.
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8
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Oishi Y, Saito YC, Sakurai T. GABAergic modulation of sleep-wake states. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 249:108505. [PMID: 37541595 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108505] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Benzodiazepine, a classical medication utilized in the treatment of insomnia, operates by augmenting the activity of the GABAA receptor. This underscores the significance of GABAergic neurotransmission in both the initiation and maintenance of sleep. Nevertheless, an increasing body of evidence substantiates the notion that GABA-mediated neurotransmission also assumes a vital role in promoting wakefulness in specific neuronal circuits. Despite the longstanding belief in the pivotal function of GABA in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, there exists a dearth of comprehensive documentation regarding the specific regions within the central nervous system where GABAergic neurons are crucial for these functions. In this review, we delve into the involvement of GABAergic neurons in the regulation of sleep-wake cycles, with particular focus on those located in the preoptic area (POA) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Recent research, including our own, has further underscored the importance of GABAergic neurotransmission in these areas for the regulation of sleep-wake cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Oishi
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yuki C Saito
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakurai
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
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Xie L, Wu H, Chen Q, Xu F, Li H, Xu Q, Jiao C, Sun L, Ullah R, Chen X. Divergent modulation of pain and anxiety by GABAergic neurons in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and dorsal raphe. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1509-1519. [PMID: 36526697 PMCID: PMC10425368 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01520-0] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) collaborates with the dorsal raphe (DR) in pain regulation and emotional response. However, the roles of vlPAG and DR γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons in regulating nociception and anxiety are contradictory and poorly understood. Here, we observed that pharmacogenetic co-activation of vlPAG and DR GABAergic (vlPAG-DRGABA+) neurons enhanced sensitivity to mechanical stimulation and promoted anxiety-like behavior in naïve mice. Simultaneous inhibition of vlPAG-DRGABA+ neurons showed adaptive anti-nociception and anti-anxiety effects on mice with inflammatory pain. Notably, vlPAGGABA+ and DRGABA+ neurons exhibited opposing effects on the sensitivity to mechanical stimulation in both naïve state and inflammatory pain. In contrast to the role of vlPAGGABA+ neurons in pain processing, chemogenetic inhibition and chronic ablation of DRGABA+ neurons remarkably promoted nociception while selectively activating DRGABA+ neurons ameliorated inflammatory pain. Additionally, utilizing optogenetic technology, we observed that the pronociceptive effect arising from DRGABA+ neuronal inhibition was reversed by the systemic administration of morphine. Our results collectively provide new insights into the modulation of pain and anxiety by specific midbrain GABAergic subpopulations, which may provide a basis for cell type-targeted or subregion-targeted therapies for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghua Xie
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Xu
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cuicui Jiao
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lihong Sun
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rahim Ullah
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinzhong Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Nagaeva E, Schäfer A, Linden AM, Elsilä LV, Egorova K, Umemori J, Ryazantseva M, Korpi ER. Somatostatin-Expressing Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area Innervate Specific Forebrain Regions and Are Involved in Stress Response. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0149-23.2023. [PMID: 37553240 PMCID: PMC10464661 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0149-23.2023] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Expanding knowledge about the cellular composition of subcortical brain regions demonstrates large heterogeneity and differences from the cortical architecture. Previously we described three subtypes of somatostatin-expressing (Sst) neurons in the mouse ventral tegmental area (VTA) and showed their local inhibitory action on the neighboring dopaminergic neurons (Nagaeva et al., 2020). Here, we report that Sst+ neurons especially from the anterolateral part of the mouse VTA also project far outside the VTA and innervate forebrain regions that are mainly involved in the regulation of emotional behavior, including the ventral pallidum, lateral hypothalamus, the medial part of the central amygdala, anterolateral division of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, and paraventricular thalamic nucleus. Deletion of these VTASst neurons in mice affected several behaviors, such as home cage activity, sensitization of locomotor activity to morphine, fear conditioning responses, and reactions to the inescapable stress of forced swimming, often in a sex-dependent manner. Together, these data demonstrate that VTASst neurons have selective projection targets distinct from the main targets of VTA dopamine neurons. VTASst neurons are involved in the regulation of behaviors primarily associated with the stress response, making them a relevant addition to the efferent VTA pathways and stress-related neuronal network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Nagaeva
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annika Schäfer
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anni-Maija Linden
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri V. Elsilä
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ksenia Egorova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juzoh Umemori
- Gene and Cell Technology, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Science, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maria Ryazantseva
- HiLIFE Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esa R. Korpi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Alvarez-Bagnarol Y, García R, Vendruscolo LF, Morales M. Inhibition of dorsal raphe GABAergic neurons blocks hyperalgesia during heroin withdrawal. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023:10.1038/s41386-023-01620-5. [PMID: 37270620 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01620-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Opioid withdrawal signs, such as hyperalgesia, are manifestations of opioid use disorder that may contribute to opioid seeking and taking. We have previously identified an association between dorsal raphe (DR) neurons and the expression of hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal. Here, we found that chemogenetic inhibition of DR neurons decreased hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal in male and female C57/B6 mice. By neuroanatomy, we identified three major subtypes of DR neurons expressing μ-opioid receptors (MOR) that were activated in hyperalgesia during spontaneous withdrawal, those expressing vesicular GABA transporter (VGaT), glutamate transporter 3 (VGluT3), or co-expressing VGluT3 and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH). In contrast, we identified a small population of DR-MOR neurons expressing solely TPH, which were not activated in hyperalgesia during spontaneous withdrawal. Collectively, these findings indicate a role of the DR in hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal mediated, in part, by the activation of local MOR-GABAergic, MOR-glutamatergic and MOR-co-releasing glutamatergic-serotonergic neurons. We found that specific chemogenetic inhibition of DR-VGaT neurons blocked hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal in male and female mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that DR-GABAergic neurons play a role in the expression of hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yocasta Alvarez-Bagnarol
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Stress and Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Intramural Research Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raul García
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Stress and Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Intramural Research Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marisela Morales
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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12
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Ma S, Zhong H, Liu X, Wang L. Spatial Distribution of Neurons Expressing Single, Double, and Triple Molecular Characteristics of Glutamatergic, Dopaminergic, or GABAergic Neurons in the Mouse Ventral Tegmental Area. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:345-362. [PMID: 37243808 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02121-2] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a heterogeneous midbrain area that plays a significant role in diverse neural processes such as reward, aversion, and motivation. The VTA contains three main neuronal populations, namely, dopamine (DA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate neurons, but some neurons exhibit combinatorial molecular characteristics of dopaminergic, GABAergic, or glutamatergic neurons. However, little information is available regarding detailed distribution of neurons with single, double, and triple molecular characteristics of glutamatergic, dopaminergic, or GABAergic neurons in mice. We present a topographical distribution map of three main neuronal populations expressing a single molecular characteristic of dopaminergic, GABAergic, or glutamatergic neurons, and four neuronal populations co-expressing double or triple molecular characteristics in combinatorial manners, in the mouse VTA, following analysis of triple fluorescent in situ hybridization for the simultaneous detection of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, marker for dopaminergic neurons), vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2, marker for glutamatergic neurons), and glutamic acid decarboxylase 2 (GAD2, marker for GABAergic neurons) mRNA. We found that the vast majority of neurons expressed a single type of mRNA, and these neurons were intermingled with neurons co-expressing double or triple combinations of VGLUT2, TH, or GAD2 in the VTA. These seven neuronal populations were differentially distributed in the VTA sub-nuclei across the rostro-caudal and latero-medial axes. This histochemical study will lead to a deeper understanding of the complexity of neuronal molecular characteristics in different VTA sub-nuclei, and potentially facilitate clarification of diverse functions of the VTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Ma
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hao Zhong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Liping Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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13
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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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14
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Zhu XN, Li J, Qiu GL, Wang L, Lu C, Guo YG, Yang KX, Cai F, Xu T, Yuan TF, Hu J. Propofol exerts anti-anhedonia effects via inhibiting the dopamine transporter. Neuron 2023; 111:1626-1636.e6. [PMID: 36917979 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Lasker's award-winning drug propofol is widely used in general anesthesia. The recreational use of propofol is reported to produce a well-rested feeling and euphoric state; yet, the neural mechanisms underlying such pleasant effects remain unelucidated. Here, we report that propofol actively and directly binds to the dopamine transporter (DAT), but not the serotonin transporter (SERT), which contributes to the rapid relief of anhedonia. Then, we predict the binding mode of propofol by molecular docking and mutation of critical binding residues on the DAT. Fiber photometry recording on awake freely moving mice and [18F] FP-CIT-PET scanning further establishes that propofol administration evokes rapid and lasting dopamine accumulation in nucleus accumbens (NAc). The enhanced dopaminergic tone drives biased activation of dopamine-receptor-1-expressing medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) in NAc and reverses anhedonia in chronically stressed animals. Collectively, these findings suggest the therapeutic potential of propofol against anhedonia, which warrants future clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Na Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jie Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Health Institute, National Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Gao-Lin Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Lin Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chen Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yi-Ge Guo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ke-Xin Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Fang Cai
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Ti-Fei Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Health Institute, National Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Ji Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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15
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Behera CK, Joshi A, Wang DH, Sharp T, Wong-Lin K. Degeneracy and stability in neural circuits of dopamine and serotonin neuromodulators: A theoretical consideration. Front Comput Neurosci 2023; 16:950489. [PMID: 36761394 PMCID: PMC9905743 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.950489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerate neural circuits perform the same function despite being structurally different. However, it is unclear whether neural circuits with interacting neuromodulator sources can themselves degenerate while maintaining the same neuromodulatory function. Here, we address this by computationally modeling the neural circuits of neuromodulators serotonin and dopamine, local glutamatergic and GABAergic interneurons, and their possible interactions, under reward/punishment-based conditioning tasks. The neural modeling is constrained by relevant experimental studies of the VTA or DRN system using, e.g., electrophysiology, optogenetics, and voltammetry. We first show that a single parsimonious, sparsely connected neural circuit model can recapitulate several separate experimental findings that indicated diverse, heterogeneous, distributed, and mixed DRNVTA neuronal signaling in reward and punishment tasks. The inability of this model to recapitulate all observed neuronal signaling suggests potentially multiple circuits acting in parallel. Then using computational simulations and dynamical systems analysis, we demonstrate that several different stable circuit architectures can produce the same observed network activity profile, hence demonstrating degeneracy. Due to the extensive D2-mediated connections in the investigated circuits, we simulate the D2 receptor agonist by increasing the connection strengths emanating from the VTA DA neurons. We found that the simulated D2 agonist can distinguish among sub-groups of the degenerate neural circuits based on substantial deviations in specific neural populations' activities in reward and punishment conditions. This forms a testable model prediction using pharmacological means. Overall, this theoretical work suggests the plausibility of degeneracy within neuromodulator circuitry and has important implications for the stable and robust maintenance of neuromodulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan K. Behera
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry∼Londonderry, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Chandan K. Behera,
| | - Alok Joshi
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry∼Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Da-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China,School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Trevor Sharp
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - KongFatt Wong-Lin
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry∼Londonderry, United Kingdom,KongFatt Wong-Lin,
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16
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Median raphe serotonergic neurons projecting to the interpeduncular nucleus control preference and aversion. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7708. [PMID: 36550097 PMCID: PMC9780347 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Appropriate processing of reward and aversive information is essential for survival. Although a critical role of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) in reward processing has been shown, the lack of rewarding effects with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) implies the presence of a discrete serotonergic system playing an opposite role to the DRN in the processing of reward and aversive stimuli. Here, we demonstrated that serotonergic neurons in the median raphe nucleus (MRN) of mice process reward and aversive information in opposite directions to DRN serotonergic neurons. We further identified MRN serotonergic neurons, including those projecting to the interpeduncular nucleus (5-HTMRN→IPN), as a key mediator of reward and aversive stimuli. Moreover, 5-HT receptors, including 5-HT2A receptors in the interpeduncular nucleus, are involved in the aversive properties of MRN serotonergic neural activity. Our findings revealed an essential function of MRN serotonergic neurons, including 5-HTMRN→IPN, in the processing of reward and aversive stimuli.
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17
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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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18
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Kim MJ, Kaang BK. Distinct cell populations of ventral tegmental area process motivated behavior. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 26:307-312. [PMID: 36039731 PMCID: PMC9437368 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2022.26.5.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Min Jung Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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19
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Shine JM, O’Callaghan C, Walpola IC, Wainstein G, Taylor N, Aru J, Huebner B, John YJ. Understanding the effects of serotonin in the brain through its role in the gastrointestinal tract. Brain 2022; 145:2967-2981. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The neuromodulatory arousal system imbues the nervous system with the flexibility and robustness required to facilitate adaptive behaviour. While there are well-understood mechanisms linking dopamine, noradrenaline and acetylcholine to distinct behavioural states, similar conclusions have not been as readily available for serotonin. Fascinatingly, despite clear links between serotonergic function and cognitive capacities as diverse as reward processing, exploration, and the psychedelic experience, over 95% of the serotonin in the body is released in the gastrointestinal tract, where it controls digestive muscle contractions (peristalsis). Here, we argue that framing neural serotonin as a rostral extension of the gastrointestinal serotonergic system dissolves much of the mystery associated with the central serotonergic system. Specifically, we outline that central serotonin activity mimics the effects of a digestion/satiety circuit mediated by hypothalamic control over descending serotonergic nuclei in the brainstem. We review commonalities and differences between these two circuits, with a focus on the heterogeneous expression of different classes of serotonin receptors in the brain. Much in the way that serotonin-induced peristalsis facilitates the work of digestion, serotonergic influences over cognition can be reframed as performing the work of cognition. Extending this analogy, we argue that the central serotonergic system allows the brain to arbitrate between different cognitive modes as a function of serotonergic tone: low activity facilitates cognitive automaticity, whereas higher activity helps to identify flexible solutions to problems, particularly if and when the initial responses fail. This perspective sheds light on otherwise disparate capacities mediated by serotonin, and also helps to understand why there are such pervasive links between serotonergic pathology and the symptoms of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ishan C Walpola
- Prince of Wales Hospital , Randwick, New South Wales , Australia
| | | | | | - Jaan Aru
- University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia
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20
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Ray MH, Williams BR, Kuppe MK, Bryant CD, Logan RW. A Glitch in the Matrix: The Role of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Opioid Use Disorder. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:899637. [PMID: 35757099 PMCID: PMC9218427 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.899637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) and deaths from drug overdoses have reached unprecedented levels. Given the enormous impact of the opioid crisis on public health, a more thorough, in-depth understanding of the consequences of opioids on the brain is required to develop novel interventions and pharmacological therapeutics. In the brain, the effects of opioids are far reaching, from genes to cells, synapses, circuits, and ultimately behavior. Accumulating evidence implicates a primary role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in opioid-induced plasticity of synapses and circuits, and the development of dependence and addiction to opioids. As a network of proteins and polysaccharides, including cell adhesion molecules, proteases, and perineuronal nets, the ECM is intimately involved in both the formation and structural support of synapses. In the human brain, recent findings support an association between altered ECM signaling and OUD, particularly within the cortical and striatal circuits involved in cognition, reward, and craving. Furthermore, the ECM signaling proteins, including matrix metalloproteinases and proteoglycans, are directly involved in opioid seeking, craving, and relapse behaviors in rodent opioid models. Both the impact of opioids on the ECM and the role of ECM signaling proteins in opioid use disorder, may, in part, depend on biological sex. Here, we highlight the current evidence supporting sex-specific roles for ECM signaling proteins in the brain and their associations with OUD. We emphasize knowledge gaps and future directions to further investigate the potential of the ECM as a therapeutic target for the treatment of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn H Ray
- Laboratory of Sleep, Rhythms, and Addiction, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.,Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Benjamin R Williams
- Laboratory of Sleep, Rhythms, and Addiction, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Madeline K Kuppe
- Laboratory of Sleep, Rhythms, and Addiction, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Camron D Bryant
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Laboratory of Addiction Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ryan W Logan
- Laboratory of Sleep, Rhythms, and Addiction, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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21
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Rahaman SM, Chowdhury S, Mukai Y, Ono D, Yamaguchi H, Yamanaka A. Functional Interaction Between GABAergic Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area and Serotonergic Neurons in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:877054. [PMID: 35663550 PMCID: PMC9160575 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.877054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) have brain-wide projections and are involved in multiple behavioral and physiological functions. Here, we revealed the responsiveness of Gad67+ neurons in VTA (VTAGad67+) to various neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of sleep/wakefulness by slice patch clamp recording. Among the substances tested, a cholinergic agonist activated, but serotonin, dopamine and histamine inhibited these neurons. Dense VTAGad67+ neuronal projections were observed in brain areas regulating sleep/wakefulness, including the central amygdala (CeA), dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), and locus coeruleus (LC). Using a combination of electrophysiology and optogenetic studies, we showed that VTAGad67+ neurons inhibited all neurons recorded in the DRN, but did not inhibit randomly recorded neurons in the CeA and LC. Further examination revealed that the serotonergic neurons in the DRN (DRN5–HT) were monosynaptically innervated and inhibited by VTAGad67+ neurons. All recorded DRN5–HT neurons received inhibitory input from VTAGad67+ neurons, while only one quarter of them received inhibitory input from local GABAergic neurons. Gad67+ neurons in the DRN (DRNGad67+) also received monosynaptic inhibitory input from VTAGad67+ neurons. Taken together, we found that VTAGad67+ neurons were integrated in many inputs, and their output inhibits DRN5–HT neurons, which may regulate physiological functions including sleep/wakefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Mizanur Rahaman
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Srikanta Chowdhury
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yasutaka Mukai
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ono
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamaguchi
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- *Correspondence: Akihiro Yamanaka,
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22
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A dopamine-to-serotonin circuit for the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:541-542. [PMID: 35513516 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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23
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Cai X, Liu H, Feng B, Yu M, He Y, Liu H, Liang C, Yang Y, Tu L, Zhang N, Wang L, Yin N, Han J, Yan Z, Wang C, Xu P, Wu Q, Tong Q, He Y, Xu Y. A D2 to D1 shift in dopaminergic inputs to midbrain 5-HT neurons causes anorexia in mice. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:646-658. [PMID: 35501380 PMCID: PMC9926508 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neurons regulate motivated behaviors, including feeding, but less is known about how these circuits may interact. In this study, we found that DA neurons in the mouse ventral tegmental area bidirectionally regulate the activity of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), with weaker stimulation causing DRD2-dependent inhibition and overeating, while stronger stimulation causing DRD1-dependent activation and anorexia. Furthermore, in the activity-based anorexia (ABA) paradigm, which is a mouse model mimicking some clinical features of human anorexia nervosa (AN), we observed a DRD2 to DRD1 shift of DA neurotransmission on 5-HTDRN neurons, which causes constant activation of these neurons and contributes to AN-like behaviors. Finally, we found that systemic administration of a DRD1 antagonist can prevent anorexia and weight loss in ABA. Our results revealed regulation of feeding behavior by stimulation strength-dependent interactions between DA and 5-HT neurons, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Cai
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Present address: Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,These authors contributed equally: Xing Cai, Hailan Liu
| | - Hailan Liu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Xing Cai, Hailan Liu
| | - Bing Feng
- Brain Glycemic and Metabolism Control Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Meng Yu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yang He
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hesong Liu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chen Liang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Longlong Tu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nan Zhang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lina Wang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Na Yin
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Junying Han
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zili Yan
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pingwen Xu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Present address: Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Qi Wu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yanlin He
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Brain Glycemic and Metabolism Control Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
| | - Yong Xu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Colocalized, bidirectional optogenetic modulations in freely behaving mice with a wireless dual-color optoelectronic probe. Nat Commun 2022; 13:839. [PMID: 35149715 PMCID: PMC8837785 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28539-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic methods provide efficient cell-specific modulations, and the ability of simultaneous neural activation and inhibition in the same brain region of freely moving animals is highly desirable. Here we report bidirectional neuronal activity manipulation accomplished by a wireless, dual-color optogenetic probe in synergy with the co-expression of two spectrally distinct opsins (ChrimsonR and stGtACR2) in a rodent model. The flexible probe comprises vertically assembled, thin-film microscale light-emitting diodes with a lateral dimension of 125 × 180 µm2, showing colocalized red and blue emissions and enabling chronic in vivo operations with desirable biocompatibilities. Red or blue irradiations deterministically evoke or silence neurons co-expressing the two opsins. The probe interferes with dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area of mice, increasing or decreasing dopamine levels. Such bidirectional regulations further generate rewarding and aversive behaviors and interrogate social interactions among multiple mice. These technologies create numerous opportunities and implications for brain research.
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25
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Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Serotoninergic Neurons Mediate Morphine Rewarding Effect and Conditioned Place Preference. Neuroscience 2022; 480:108-116. [PMID: 34762982 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.10.031] [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: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Morphine rewarding properties are the main reasons for drug-craving in behaviors occurring during morphine addiction. It has been suggested that morphine addiction relies on signals to the mesolimbic dopamine system, although the mechanisms outside the dopaminergic system are still unclear. Notably, the role of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) serotoninergic (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system remains unexplored. Using in vivo electrophysiological and optogenetic approaches, we found that morphine treatment increased DRN 5-TH neurons firing rate and optogenetic activation of DRN 5-HT neurons induced a rewarding effect, indicating that morphine reward is related to DRN 5-HT neurons. Accordingly, optogenetic inhibition of DRN 5-HT neurons following morphine injection reversed conditioned place preference (CPP) during chronic morphine treatment. These findings aid our understanding of the new functions of the DRN 5-HT neurons for morphine rewarding effect and provide a potential approach for the treatment of morphine addiction.
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26
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A non-canonical GABAergic pathway to the VTA promotes unconditioned freezing. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4905-4917. [PMID: 36127430 PMCID: PMC9763111 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01765-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Freezing is a conserved defensive behaviour that constitutes a major stress-coping mechanism. Decades of research have demonstrated a role of the amygdala, periaqueductal grey and hypothalamus as core actuators of the control of fear responses, including freezing. However, the role that other modulatory sites provide to this hardwired scaffold is not known. Here, we show that freezing elicited by exposure to electrical foot shocks activates laterodorsal tegmentum (LDTg) GABAergic neurons projecting to the VTA, without altering the excitability of cholinergic and glutamatergic LDTg neurons. Selective chemogenetic silencing of this inhibitory projection, but not other LDTg neuronal subtypes, dampens freezing responses but does not prevent the formation of conditioned fear memories. Conversely, optogenetic-activation of LDTg GABA terminals within the VTA drives freezing responses and elicits bradycardia, a common hallmark of freezing. Notably, this aversive information is subsequently conveyed from the VTA to the amygdala via a discrete GABAergic pathway. Hence, we unveiled a circuit mechanism linking LDTg-VTA-amygdala regions, which holds potential translational relevance for pathological freezing states such as post-traumatic stress disorders, panic attacks and social phobias.
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27
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Pomrenze MB, Walker LC, Giardino WJ. Gray areas: Neuropeptide circuits linking the Edinger-Westphal and Dorsal Raphe nuclei in addiction. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108769. [PMID: 34481834 PMCID: PMC8484048 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The circuitry of addiction comprises several neural networks including the midbrain - an expansive region critically involved in the control of motivated behaviors. Midbrain nuclei like the Edinger-Westphal (EW) and dorsal raphe (DR) contain unique populations of neurons that synthesize many understudied neuroactive molecules and are encircled by the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Despite the proximity of these special neuron classes to the ventral midbrain complex and surrounding PAG, functions of the EW and DR remain substantially underinvestigated by comparison. Spanning approximately -3.0 to -5.2 mm posterior from bregma in the mouse, these various cell groups form a continuum of neurons that we refer to collectively as the subaqueductal paramedian zone. Defining how these pathways modulate affective behavioral states presents a difficult, yet conquerable challenge for today's technological advances in neuroscience. In this review, we cover the known contributions of different neuronal subtypes of the subaqueductal paramedian zone. We catalogue these cell types based on their spatial, molecular, connectivity, and functional properties and integrate this information with the existing data on the EW and DR in addiction. We next discuss evidence that links the EW and DR anatomically and functionally, highlighting the potential contributions of an EW-DR circuit to addiction-related behaviors. Overall, we aim to derive an integrated framework that emphasizes the contributions of EW and DR nuclei to addictive states and describes how these cell groups function in individuals suffering from substance use disorders. This article is part of the special Issue on 'Neurocircuitry Modulating Drug and Alcohol Abuse'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Pomrenze
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - William J Giardino
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5453, USA.
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28
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Courtiol E, Menezes EC, Teixeira CM. Serotonergic regulation of the dopaminergic system: Implications for reward-related functions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:282-293. [PMID: 34139249 PMCID: PMC8335358 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin is a critical neuromodulator involved in development and behavior. Its role in reward is however still debated. Here, we first review classical studies involving electrical stimulation protocols and pharmacological approaches. Contradictory results on the serotonergic' involvement in reward emerge from these studies. These differences might be ascribable to either the diversity of cellular types within the raphe nuclei or/and the specific projection pathways of serotonergic neurons. We continue to review more recent work, using optogenetic approaches to activate serotonergic cells in the Raphe to VTA pathway. From these studies, it appears that activation of this pathway can lead to reinforcement learning mediated through the excitation of dopaminergic neurons by serotonergic neurons co-transmitting glutamate. Finally, given the importance of serotonin during development on adult emotion, the effect of abnormal early-life levels of serotonin on the dopaminergic system will also be discussed. Understanding the interaction between the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems during development and adulthood is critical to gain insight into the specific facets of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Courtiol
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, UMR 5292- INSERM U1028- Université Lyon 1, 69675 Bron Cedex, France
| | - Edenia C Menezes
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States
| | - Catia M Teixeira
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
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29
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Gordon-Fennell A, Stuber GD. Illuminating subcortical GABAergic and glutamatergic circuits for reward and aversion. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108725. [PMID: 34375625 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Reinforcement, reward, and aversion are fundamental processes for guiding appropriate behaviors. Longstanding theories have pointed to dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the limbic systems' descending pathways as crucial systems for modulating these behaviors. The application of optogenetic techniques in neurotransmitter- and projection-specific circuits has supported and enhanced many preexisting theories but has also revealed many unexpected results. Here, we review the past decade of optogenetic experiments to study the neural circuitry of reinforcement and reward/aversion with a focus on the mesolimbic dopamine system and brain areas along the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). The cumulation of these studies to date has revealed generalizable findings across molecularly defined cell types in areas of the basal forebrain and anterior hypothalamus. Optogenetic stimulation of GABAergic neurons in these brain regions drives reward and can support positive reinforcement and optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in these regions drives aversion. We also review studies of the activity dynamics of neurotransmitter defined populations in these areas which have revealed varied response patterns associated with motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Gordon-Fennell
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Garret D Stuber
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, WA, USA.
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30
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Root DH, Barker DJ, Estrin DJ, Miranda-Barrientos JA, Liu B, Zhang S, Wang HL, Vautier F, Ramakrishnan C, Kim YS, Fenno L, Deisseroth K, Morales M. Distinct Signaling by Ventral Tegmental Area Glutamate, GABA, and Combinatorial Glutamate-GABA Neurons in Motivated Behavior. Cell Rep 2021; 32:108094. [PMID: 32877676 PMCID: PMC7556367 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons play roles in reward and aversion. We recently discovered that the VTA has neurons that co-transmit glutamate and GABA (glutamate-GABA co-transmitting neurons), transmit glutamate without GABA (glutamate-transmitting neurons), or transmit GABA without glutamate (GABA-transmitting neurons). However, the functions of these VTA cell types in motivated behavior are unclear. To identify the functions of these VTA cell types, we combine recombinase mouse lines with INTRSECT2.0 vectors to selectively target these neurons. We find that VTA cell types have unique signaling patterns for reward, aversion, and learned cues. Whereas VTA glutamate-transmitting neurons signal cues predicting reward, VTA GABA-transmitting neurons signal cues predicting the absence of reward, and glutamate-GABA co-transmitting neurons signal rewarding and aversive outcomes without signaling learned cues related to those outcomes. Thus, we demonstrate that genetically defined subclasses of VTA glutamate and GABA neurons signal different aspects of motivated behavior. Root et al. examine ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons that release glutamate without GABA, GABA without glutamate, or both glutamate and GABA. Cell types have differential projection densities and unique neuronal activity profiles related to cues predicting rewarding, nonreward, or aversive outcomes and in the receipt of predicted rewards.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Root
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Boulevard Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - David J Barker
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Boulevard Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - David J Estrin
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Boulevard Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jorge A Miranda-Barrientos
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Boulevard Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Bing Liu
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Boulevard Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Shiliang Zhang
- Confocal and Electron Microscopy Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Boulevard Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Hui-Ling Wang
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Boulevard Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Francois Vautier
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yoon Seok Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lief Fenno
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marisela Morales
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Boulevard Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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31
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Lv QY, Chen MM, Li Y, Yu Y, Liao H. Brain circuit dysfunction in specific symptoms of depression. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2393-2403. [PMID: 33818849 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Since the depressive disorder manifests complex and diverse symptoms clinically, its pathological mechanism and therapeutic options are difficult to determine. In recent years, the advent of optogenetics, chemogenetics and viral tracing techniques, along with the well-established rodent model of depression, has led to a shift in the focus of depression research from single molecules to neural circuits. In virtue of the powerful tools above, psychiatric disorder such as depression could be well related to the disfunction of brain's connection. Moreover, compelling studies also support that the diversity of depressive behaviour could be involved with the discrete changes in a distinct circuit of the brain. Therefore, summarising the differential changes of the neural circuits in mice with depression-like behaviour may provide a better understanding of the causal relationships between neural circuit and depressive behaviour. Here, we focus on the changes in the neural circuitry underlying various depression-like phenotypes, including motivation, despair, social avoidance and comorbid sequelae, which may provide an explanation to circuit-specific discrepancy in depression-like behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Y Lv
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming M Chen
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Li
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liao
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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32
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Lin R, Liang J, Luo M. The Raphe Dopamine System: Roles in Salience Encoding, Memory Expression, and Addiction. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:366-377. [PMID: 33568331 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) were traditionally viewed as an extension of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA population. While the VTA DA population is known to play important roles in reward processing, emerging evidence now supports the view that DRN DA neurons are a specialized midbrain DA subsystem that performs distinct functions in parallel to the VTA DA population. Recent studies have shed new light on the roles of DRN DA neurons in encoding incentive salience and in regulating memory expression and arousal. Here, we review recent findings using mouse models about the physiology and behavioral functions of DRN DA neurons, highlight the engagement of DRN DA neurons and their upstream circuits in opioid addiction, and discuss emerging lines of investigation that reveal multifaceted heterogeneity among DRN DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lin
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Jingwen Liang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing 102206, China
| | - Minmin Luo
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing 102206, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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33
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Doyle MA, Mazei-Robison MS. Opioid-Induced Molecular and Cellular Plasticity of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:cshperspect.a039362. [PMID: 31964652 PMCID: PMC7371531 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Opioid drugs are highly valued as potent analgesics; however, there are significant risks associated with long-term use because of their abuse liability. Opioids cause changes in ventral tegmental area (VTA) gene expression and cell activity that have been linked to addiction-related behaviors in rodent models. Here, we focus on VTA dopamine (DA) neurons and review the cellular, structural, and synaptic plasticity changes induced by acute and chronic opioid exposure. We also discuss many avenues for future research including determination of whether opioid neuroadaptations are specific for subpopulations of VTA DA neurons. A better understanding of the molecular adaptations within the cells and circuits that drive opioid abuse is crucial for the development of better treatments for substance use disorders and to create novel, safer pain-relieving therapeutics.
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34
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De Keyser K, De Letter M, Santens P, Talsma D, Botteldooren D, Bockstael A. Neurophysiological investigation of auditory intensity dependence in patients with Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:345-356. [PMID: 33515333 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02305-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence for auditory dysfunctions in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Moreover, a possible relationship has been suggested between altered auditory intensity processing and the hypophonic speech characteristics in PD. Nonetheless, further insight into the neurophysiological correlates of auditory intensity processing in patients with PD is needed primarily. In the present study, high-density EEG recordings were used to investigate intensity dependence of auditory evoked potentials (IDAEPs) in 14 patients with PD and 14 age- and gender-matched healthy control participants (HCs). Patients with PD were evaluated in both the on- and off-medication states. HCs were also evaluated twice. Significantly increased IDAEP of the N1/P2 was demonstrated in patients with PD evaluated in the on-medication state compared to HCs. Distinctive results were found for the N1 and P2 component. Regarding the N1 component, no differences in latency or amplitude were shown between patients with PD and HCs regardless of the medication state. In contrast, increased P2 amplitude was demonstrated in patients with PD evaluated in the on-medication state compared to the off-medication state and HCs. In addition to a dopaminergic deficiency, deficits in serotonergic neurotransmission in PD were shown based on increased IDAEP. Due to specific alterations of the N1-P2 complex, the current results suggest deficiencies in early-attentive inhibitory processing of auditory input in PD. This interpretation is consistent with the involvement of the basal ganglia and the role of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in auditory gating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim De Keyser
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Miet De Letter
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Patrick Santens
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Durk Talsma
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dick Botteldooren
- Department of Information Technology (INTEC), Acoustics Research Group, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 15, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bockstael
- Department of Information Technology (INTEC), Acoustics Research Group, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 15, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
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35
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Willner MJ, Xiao Y, Kim HS, Chen X, Xu B, Leong KW. Modeling SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with opioid use disorder with brain organoids. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:2041731420985299. [PMID: 33738089 PMCID: PMC7934045 DOI: 10.1177/2041731420985299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated a preexisting epidemic: the opioid crisis. Much literature has shown that the circumstances imposed by COVID-19, such as social distancing regulations, medical and financial instability, and increased mental health issues, have been detrimental to those with opioid use disorder (OUD). In addition, unexpected neurological sequelae in COVID-19 patients suggest that COVID-19 compromises neuroimmunity, induces hypoxia, and causes respiratory depression, provoking similar effects as those caused by opioid exposure. Combined conditions of COVID-19 and OUD could lead to exacerbated complications. With limited human in vivo options to study these complications, we suggest that iPSC-derived brain organoid models may serve as a useful platform to investigate the physiological connection between COVID-19 and OUD. This mini-review highlights the advances of brain organoids in other neuropsychiatric and infectious diseases and suggests their potential utility for investigating OUD and COVID-19, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe J Willner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hye Sung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matter Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Xuejing Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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36
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Xiao Q, Zhou X, Wei P, Xie L, Han Y, Wang J, Cai A, Xu F, Tu J, Wang L. A new GABAergic somatostatin projection from the BNST onto accumbal parvalbumin neurons controls anxiety. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:4719-4741. [PMID: 32555286 PMCID: PMC8589681 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0816-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The prevailing view is that parvalbumin (PV) interneurons play modulatory roles in emotional response through local medium spiny projection neurons (MSNs). Here, we show that PV activity within the nucleus accumbens shell (sNAc) is required for producing anxiety-like avoidance when mice are under anxiogenic situations. Firing rates of sNAcPV neurons were negatively correlated to exploration time in open arms (threatening environment). In addition, sNAcPV neurons exhibited high excitability in a chronic stress mouse model, which generated excessive maladaptive avoidance behavior in an anxiogenic context. We also discovered a novel GABAergic pathway from the anterior dorsal bed nuclei of stria terminalis (adBNST) to sNAcPV neurons. Optogenetic activation of these afferent terminals in sNAc produced an anxiolytic effect via GABA transmission. Next, we further demonstrated that chronic stressors attenuated the inhibitory synaptic transmission at adBNSTGABA → sNAcPV synapses, which in turn explains the hyperexcitability of sNAc PV neurons on stressed models. Therefore, activation of these GABAergic afferents in sNAc rescued the excessive avoidance behavior related to an anxious state. Finally, we identified that the majority GABAergic input neurons, which innervate sNAcPV cells, were expressing somatostatin (SOM), and also revealed that coordination between SOM- and PV- cells functioning in the BNST → NAc circuit has an inhibitory influence on anxiety-like responses. Our findings provide a potentially neurobiological basis for therapeutic interventions in pathological anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xiao
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 PR China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 PR China
| | - Pengfei Wei
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 PR China
| | - Li Xie
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Yaning Han
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 PR China
| | - Jie Wang
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 PR China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Center of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071 PR China
| | - Aoling Cai
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 PR China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Center of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071 PR China
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Center of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071 PR China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074 PR China
| | - Jie Tu
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR, China.
| | - Liping Wang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR, China.
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Siemann JK, Grueter BA, McMahon DG. Rhythms, Reward, and Blues: Consequences of Circadian Photoperiod on Affective and Reward Circuit Function. Neuroscience 2020; 457:220-234. [PMID: 33385488 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Circadian disruptions, along with altered affective and reward states, are commonly associated with psychiatric disorders. In addition to genetics, the enduring influence of environmental factors in programming neural networks is of increased interest in assessing the underpinnings of mental health. The duration of daylight or photoperiod is known to impact both the serotonin and dopamine systems, which are implicated in mood and reward-based disorders. This review first examines the effects of circadian disruption and photoperiod in the serotonin system in both human and preclinical studies. We next highlight how brain regions crucial for the serotoninergic system (i.e., dorsal raphe nucleus; DRN), and dopaminergic (i.e., nucleus accumbens; NAc and ventral tegmental area; VTA) system are intertwined in overlapping circuitry, and play influential roles in the pathology of mood and reward-based disorders. We then focus on human and animal studies that demonstrate the impact of circadian factors on the dopaminergic system. Lastly, we discuss how environmental factors such as circadian photoperiod can impact the neural circuits that are responsible for regulating affective and reward states, offering novel insights into the biological mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology, systems, and therapeutic treatments necessary for mood and reward-based disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin K Siemann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Brad A Grueter
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Douglas G McMahon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
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38
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Eacret D, Veasey SC, Blendy JA. Bidirectional Relationship between Opioids and Disrupted Sleep: Putative Mechanisms. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:445-453. [PMID: 32198209 PMCID: PMC7562980 DOI: 10.1124/mol.119.119107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of Americans suffer from opiate use disorder, and over 100 die every day from opioid overdoses. Opioid use often progresses into a vicious cycle of abuse and withdrawal, resulting in very high rates of relapse. Although the physical and psychologic symptoms of opiate withdrawal are well-documented, sleep disturbances caused by chronic opioid exposure and withdrawal are less well-understood. These substances can significantly disrupt sleep acutely and in the long term. Yet poor sleep may influence opiate use, suggesting a bidirectional feed-forward interaction between poor sleep and opioid use. The neurobiology of how opioids affect sleep and how disrupted sleep affects opioid use is not well-understood. Here, we will summarize what is known about the effects of opioids on electroencephalographic sleep in humans and in animal models. We then discuss the neurobiology interface between reward-related brain regions that mediate arousal and wakefulness as well as the effect of opioids in sleep-related brain regions and neurotransmitter systems. Finally, we summarize what is known of the mechanisms underlying opioid exposure and sleep. A critical review of such studies, as well as recommendations of studies that evaluate the impact of manipulating sleep during withdrawal, will further our understanding of the cyclical feedback between sleep and opioid use. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We review recent studies on the mechanisms linking opioids and sleep. Opioids affect sleep, and sleep affects opioid use; however, the biology underlying this relationship is not understood. This review compiles recent studies in this area that fill this gap in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Eacret
- Departments of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics (D.E., J.A.B.) and Medicine (S.C.V.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - S C Veasey
- Departments of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics (D.E., J.A.B.) and Medicine (S.C.V.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - J A Blendy
- Departments of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics (D.E., J.A.B.) and Medicine (S.C.V.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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39
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Qu L, Wang Y, Li Y, Wang X, Li N, Ge S, Wang J, Wang GJ, Volkow ND, Lang B, Wang P, Wu H, Zeng J, Fu J, Li J, Zhang Y, Wang X. Decreased Neuronal Excitability in Medial Prefrontal Cortex during Morphine Withdrawal is associated with enhanced SK channel activity and upregulation of small GTPase Rac1. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:7369-7383. [PMID: 32641997 PMCID: PMC7330845 DOI: 10.7150/thno.44893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Neuroadaptations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) play a role in the disruption of control-reward circuits in opioid addiction. Small Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium (SK) channels in the mPFC have been implicated in neuronal excitability changes during morphine withdrawal. However, the mechanism that modulates SK channels during withdrawal is still unknown. Methods: Rats were exposed for one week to daily morphine injections (10 mg·kg-1 s.c.) followed by conditional place preference (CPP) assessment. One week after withdrawal, electrophysiological, morphological and molecular biological methods were applied to investigate the effects of morphine on SK channels in mPFC, including infralimbic (IL), prelimbic (PrL) cortices and NAc (core and shell). We verified the hypothesis that Rac1, a member of Rho family of small GTPases, implicated in SK channel regulation, modulate SK channel neuroadaptations during opiate withdrawal. Results: One week after morphine withdrawal, the neuronal excitability of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in IL was decreased, but not in PrL. Whereas, the excitability was increased in NAc-shell, but not in NAc-core. In mPFC, the expression of the SK3 subunit was enhanced after one-week of withdrawal compared to controls. In the IL, Rac1 signaling was increased during withdrawal, and the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 disrupted SK current, which increased neuronal firing. Suppression of Rac1 inhibited morphine-induced CPP and expression of SK channels in IL. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential value of SK channels and the upstream molecule Rac1, which may throw light on the therapeutic mechanism of neuromodulation treatment for opioid dependence.
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40
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Bouarab C, Thompson B, Polter AM. VTA GABA Neurons at the Interface of Stress and Reward. Front Neural Circuits 2019; 13:78. [PMID: 31866835 PMCID: PMC6906177 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2019.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is best known for its robust dopaminergic projections to forebrain regions and their critical role in regulating reward, motivation, cognition, and aversion. However, the VTA is not only made of dopamine (DA) cells, as approximately 30% of cells in the VTA are GABA neurons. These neurons play a dual role, as VTA GABA neurons provide both local inhibition of VTA DA neurons and long-range inhibition of several distal brain regions. VTA GABA neurons have increasingly been recognized as potent mediators of reward and aversion in their own right, as well as potential targets for the treatment of addiction, depression, and other stress-linked disorders. In this review article, we dissect the circuit architecture, physiology, and behavioral roles of VTA GABA neurons and suggest critical gaps to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Bouarab
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Brittney Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Abigail M Polter
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
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41
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Paul EJ, Tossell K, Ungless MA. Transcriptional profiling aligned with in situ expression image analysis reveals mosaically expressed molecular markers for GABA neuron sub-groups in the ventral tegmental area. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:3732-3749. [PMID: 31374129 PMCID: PMC6972656 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) provide local inhibitory control of dopamine neuron activity and send long‐range projections to several target regions including the nucleus accumbens. They play diverse roles in reward and aversion, suggesting that they be comprised of several functionally distinct sub‐groups, but our understanding of this diversity has been limited by a lack of molecular markers that might provide genetic entry points for cell type‐specific investigations. To address this, we conducted transcriptional profiling of GABA neurons and dopamine neurons using immunoprecipitation of tagged polyribosomes (RiboTag) and RNAseq. First, we directly compared these two transcriptomes in order to obtain a list of genes enriched in GABA neurons compared with dopamine neurons. Next, we created a novel bioinformatic approach, that used the PANTHER (Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships) gene ontology database and VTA gene expression data from the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas, from which we obtained 6 candidate genes: Cbln4, Rxfp3, Rora, Gpr101, Trh and Nrp2. As a final step, we verified the selective expression of these candidate genes in sub‐groups of GABA neurons in the VTA (and neighbouring substantia nigra pars compacta) using immunolabelling. Taken together, our study provides a valuable toolbox for the future investigation of GABA neuron sub‐groups in the VTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J Paul
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kyoko Tossell
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark A Ungless
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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42
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Abstract
In this issue of Neuron, Li et al. (2019) distinguish two separable GABAergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), with differential μ-opioid receptor regulation, each targeting different postsynaptic neurons and promoting opposing behavioral states.
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Bueno D, Lima LB, Souza R, Gonçalves L, Leite F, Souza S, Furigo IC, Donato J, Metzger M. Connections of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus with the habenular‐interpeduncular‐raphe system. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:3046-3072. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Debora Bueno
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Leandro B. Lima
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Rudieri Souza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Luciano Gonçalves
- Department of Human AnatomyFederal University of the Triângulo Mineiro Uberaba Brazil
| | - Fernanda Leite
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Stefani Souza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Isadora C. Furigo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Martin Metzger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
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