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Qi C, Qian C, Steijvers E, Colvin RA, Lee D. Single dopaminergic neuron DAN-c1 in Drosophila larval brain mediates aversive olfactory learning through D2-like receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.15.575767. [PMID: 38293177 PMCID: PMC10827047 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.15.575767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The dopaminergic system plays critical roles in Drosophila olfactory associative learning. In this study, we identified DAN-c1, a single dopaminergic neuron (DAN) in each brain hemisphere, that is both necessary and sufficient for Drosophila larval aversive associative learning. Compared to well-known roles of excitatory D1-like receptors in learning, the role of D2-like receptors (D2Rs) has not been fully investigated. We observed that D2Rs were expressed in DANs and the mushroom body (MB) in third instar larval brains. Knockdown of D2Rs in DAN-c1 by microRNA impaired aversive learning. Optogenetic activation of DAN-c1 during training led to an aversive learning deficit as well, indicating that D2R achieves its functions via autoreceptor inhibition. Interestingly, knockdown of D2R in MB impaired both appetitive and aversive learning. These results reveal that D2Rs in different brain structures play important but distinct roles in Drosophila larval olfactory learning, providing new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying associative learning.
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Souza R, Bueno D, Lima LB, Muchon MJ, Gonçalves L, Donato J, Shammah-Lagnado SJ, Metzger M. Top-down projections of the prefrontal cortex to the ventral tegmental area, laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, and median raphe nucleus. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:2465-2487. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02538-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Sharpe AL, Trzeciak M, Eliason NL, Blankenship HE, Byrd BM, Douglas PD, Freeman WM, Beckstead MJ. Repeated cocaine or methamphetamine treatment alters astrocytic CRF2 and GLAST expression in the ventral midbrain. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13120. [PMID: 34825430 PMCID: PMC9872560 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) play a central role in the reinforcing properties of abused drugs including methamphetamine and cocaine. Chronic effects of psychostimulants in the SN/VTA also involve non-dopaminergic transmitters, including glutamate and the stress-related peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). In the SN/VTA, astrocytes express a variety of membrane-bound neurotransmitter receptors and transporters that influence neurotransmission. CRF receptor type 2 (CRF2) activity in the VTA is important for stress-induced relapse and drug-seeking behaviour, but the localization of its effects is incompletely understood. Here, we first identified CRF2 transcript in astrocytes of the SN/VTA using RNA-Seq in Aldh1l1;NuTRAP mice and confirmed it using in situ hybridization (RNAscope) in wild-type mice. We then used immunofluorescence to quantify the astrocytic marker protein S100β, glial-specific glutamate/aspartate transporter GLAST, and CRF2 in the SN/VTA following 12 days of treatment (i.p.) with methamphetamine (3 mg/kg), cocaine (10 mg/kg), or saline. We observed a significant decrease in GLAST immunofluorescence in brains of psychostimulant treated mice compared with saline controls. In addition, we observed increased labelling of CRF2 in drug treated groups, a decrease in the number of S100β positive cells, and an increase of co-staining of CRF2 with both S100β and tyrosine hydroxylase (dopamine neurons). Our results suggest a significant interaction between CRF2, GLAST, and astrocytes in the midbrain that emerges with repeated exposure to psychostimulants. These findings provide rationale for future investigation of astrocyte-based strategies for altering cellular and circuit function in response to stress and drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Sharpe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117
| | - Marta Trzeciak
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104
| | - Nicole L. Eliason
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117
| | - Harris E. Blankenship
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104
| | - Bre’Ana M. Byrd
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117
| | - Phillip D. Douglas
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104
| | - Willard M. Freeman
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104
| | - Michael J. Beckstead
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104
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Platholi J, Hemmings HC. Effects of general anesthetics on synaptic transmission and plasticity. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 20:27-54. [PMID: 34344292 PMCID: PMC9199550 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210803105232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
General anesthetics depress excitatory and/or enhance inhibitory synaptic transmission principally by modulating the function of glutamatergic or GABAergic synapses, respectively, with relative anesthetic agent-specific mechanisms. Synaptic signaling proteins, including ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels, are targeted by general anesthetics to modulate various synaptic mechanisms, including presynaptic neurotransmitter release, postsynaptic receptor signaling, and dendritic spine dynamics to produce their characteristic acute neurophysiological effects. As synaptic structure and plasticity mediate higher-order functions such as learning and memory, long-term synaptic dysfunction following anesthesia may lead to undesirable neurocognitive consequences depending on the specific anesthetic agent and the vulnerability of the population. Here we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms of transient and persistent general anesthetic alterations of synaptic transmission and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimcy Platholi
- Cornell University Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College Ringgold standard institution - Anesthesiology New York, New York. United States
| | - Hugh C Hemmings
- Cornell University Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College Ringgold standard institution - Anesthesiology New York, New York. United States
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Neurochemical Signaling of Reward and Aversion to Ventral Tegmental Area Glutamate Neurons. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5471-5486. [PMID: 34001626 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1419-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ventral tegmental area (VTA) glutamate neurons signal and participate in reward and aversion-based behaviors. However, the neurochemical mechanisms that underlie how these neurons contribute to motivated behaviors is unknown. We used a combination of optical sensors to identify how distinct neurochemical inputs to VTA glutamate neurons participate in motivated behavior within female and male transgenic mice. Activity of glutamate inputs to VTA glutamate neurons increased for both reward-predicting and aversion-predicting cues and aversive outcomes, but subpopulations of glutamate inputs were increased or decreased by reward. For both reward and aversion-based cues and outcomes, activity of GABA inputs to VTA glutamate neurons mostly decreased. GCaMP recordings showed overall population increases in VTA glutamate neuron intracellular calcium during reward and aversion-based cues and outcomes. Electrophysiological recordings of VTA VGluT2 neurons showed that glutamate receptor activation increases firing while loss of excitation via glutamate receptor blockade decreases firing. GABA-A receptor activation decreased VTA glutamate neuron firing but GABA-A receptor blockade did not significantly change VTA glutamate neuron firing. Electrophysiological recordings in coordination with our sensor data suggest that glutamate inputs strongly regulate VTA glutamate neuron participation in diverse motivated behaviors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Glutamate and GABA are the primary excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters of the nervous system. However, identifying how these neurotransmitters regulate motivated behavior has remained challenging because of a lack of tools (1) capable of measuring neurotransmission at the temporal scale of motivated behaviors and (2) capable of capturing chemical signaling onto genetically-distinct neuronal populations. We have overcome these obstacles by implementing genetically-encoded fluorescent indicators to monitor both glutamate and GABA input dynamics exclusively to ventral tegmental area (VTA) glutamate neurons during reward and aversion-based behaviors. We identify that glutamate and GABA inputs to VTA glutamate neurons differentially and dynamically signal reward and aversion-based cues and outcomes. This research provides foundational evidence that links distinct neurotransmitters to motivated behaviors regulated by VTA glutamate neurons.
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Mesocortical BDNF signaling mediates antidepressive-like effects of lithium. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1557-1566. [PMID: 32428928 PMCID: PMC7360776 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0713-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lithium has been used to treat major depressive disorder, yet the neural circuit mechanisms underlying this therapeutic effect remain unknown. Here, we demonstrated that the ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons that project to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but not to nucleus accumbens (NAc), contributed to the antidepressive-like effects of lithium. Projection-specific electrophysiological recordings revealed that high concentrations of lithium increased firing rates in mPFC-, but not NAc-, projecting VTA DA neurons in mice treated with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CMS). In parallel, chronic administration of high-dose lithium in CMS mice restored the firing properties of mPFC-projecting DA neurons, and also rescued CMS-induced depressive-like behaviors. Nevertheless, chronic lithium treatment was insufficient to change the basal firing rates in NAc-projecting VTA DA neurons. Furthermore, chemogenetic activation of mPFC-, but not NAc-, projecting VTA DA neurons mimicked the antidepressive-like effects of lithium in CMS mice. Chemogenetic downregulation of VTA-mPFC DA neurons' firing activity abolished the antidepressive-like effects of lithium in CMS mice. Finally, we found that the antidepressant-like effects induced by high-dose lithium were mediated by BNDF signaling in the mesocortical DA circuit. Together, these results demonstrated the role of mesocortical DA projection in antidepressive-like effects of lithium and established a circuit foundation for lithium-based antidepressive treatment.
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Stress-induced plasticity and functioning of ventral tegmental dopamine neurons. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:48-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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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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Bahari Z, Meftahi GH, Meftahi MA. Dopamine effects on stress-induced working memory deficits. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 29:584-591. [PMID: 30215620 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a critical role in mediating executive functions and orchestrating the way in which we think, decide, and behave. Many studies have shown that PFC neurons not only play a major role in mediating behavioral responses to stress but are also sensitive to stress and undergo remodeling following stress exposure. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as a result of stress initiates a flood of alterations in prefrontal neurotransmitter release. Dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in the PFC is involved in the modulation of stress responsiveness. Compelling results show that stressful events are associated with increased DA concentrations in the medial PFC. Excessive DA-ergic activity in the medial prefrontal cortex following stress has a negative impact on working memory and executive functions in rodents, monkeys, and humans, making them unable to processing information selectively and impairing cognitive function. Therefore, an exact understanding of these mechanisms may provide important insights into the pathophysiology of executive dysfunction and novel treatment avenues. The present review provides a summary of the neuronal circuitry involved in alterations of PFC dopaminergic neurons under conditions of stress, and then addresses the interaction of PFC DA with glucocorticoids leading to impairment of working memory under conditions of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bahari
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physic, Faculty of Medicine.,Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
| | - Gholam H Meftahi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
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Simmons SC, Wheeler K, Mazei-Robison MS. Determination of circuit-specific morphological adaptations in ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons by chronic morphine. Mol Brain 2019; 12:10. [PMID: 30736837 PMCID: PMC6368752 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic opiate exposure induces neuroadaptations in the mesocorticolimbic system including ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons, whose soma size is decreased following opiate exposure. Yet it is now well documented that VTA DA neurons are heterogeneous, with notable differences between VTA DA neurons based on their projection target. Therefore, we sought to determine whether chronic morphine induced similar changes in the morphology of VTA DA neurons that project to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). We utilized Cre-dependent retrograde viral vectors in DA Cre driver lines to label VTA DA neurons that projected to NAc and PFC and assessed neuronal soma size. Consistent with previous data, the soma size of VTA DA neurons that projected to the NAc medial shell was decreased following morphine exposure. However, soma size of VTA DA neurons that projected to the NAc core was unaltered by morphine. Interestingly, morphology of PFC-projecting VTA DA neurons was also altered by morphine, but in this case soma size was increased compared to sham controls. Differences in basal soma size were also noted, suggesting stable differences in projection-specific morphology in addition to drug-induced changes. Together, these data suggest morphine-induced changes in VTA DA morphology occur within distinct VTA DA populations and that study of opiate-induced structural plasticity of individual VTA DA subcircuits may be critical for understanding addiction-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Simmons
- Neuroscience Program and Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, BPS 3182, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Katie Wheeler
- Neuroscience Program and Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, BPS 3182, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Michelle S Mazei-Robison
- Neuroscience Program and Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, BPS 3182, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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11
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Isoflurane Inhibits Dopaminergic Synaptic Vesicle Exocytosis Coupled to Ca V2.1 and Ca V2.2 in Rat Midbrain Neurons. eNeuro 2019; 6:eN-NWR-0278-18. [PMID: 30680310 PMCID: PMC6345200 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0278-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Volatile anesthetics affect neuronal signaling by poorly understood mechanisms. Activation of central dopaminergic pathways has been implicated in emergence from general anesthesia. The volatile anesthetic isoflurane differentially inhibits glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis by reducing presynaptic Ca2+ influx without affecting the Ca2+-exocytosis relationship, but its effects on dopaminergic exocytosis are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that isoflurane inhibits exocytosis in dopaminergic neurons. We used electrical stimulation or depolarization by elevated extracellular KCl to evoke exocytosis measured by quantitative live-cell fluorescence imaging in cultured rat ventral tegmental area neurons. Using trains of electrically evoked action potentials (APs), isoflurane inhibited exocytosis in dopaminergic neurons to a greater extent (30 ± 4% inhibition; p < 0.0001) than in non-dopaminergic neurons (15 ± 5% inhibition; p = 0.014). Isoflurane also inhibited exocytosis evoked by elevated KCl in dopaminergic neurons (35 ± 6% inhibition; p = 0.0007), but not in non-dopaminergic neurons (2 ± 4% inhibition). Pharmacological isolation of presynaptic Ca2+ channel subtypes showed that isoflurane inhibited KCl-evoked exocytosis mediated exclusively by either CaV2.1 (P/Q-type Ca2+ channels; 30 ± 5% inhibition; p = 0.0002) or by CaV2.2 (N-type Ca2+ channels; 35 ± 11% inhibition; p = 0.015). Additionally, isoflurane inhibited single AP-evoked Ca2+ influx by 41 ± 3% and single AP-evoked exocytosis by 34 ± 6%. Comparable reductions in exocytosis and Ca2+ influx were produced by lowering extracellular [Ca2+]. Thus, isoflurane inhibits exocytosis from dopaminergic neurons by a mechanism distinct from that in non-dopaminergic neurons involving reduced Ca2+ entry through CaV2.1 and/or CaV2.2.
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12
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Breton JM, Charbit AR, Snyder BJ, Fong PTK, Dias EV, Himmels P, Lock H, Margolis EB. Relative contributions and mapping of ventral tegmental area dopamine and GABA neurons by projection target in the rat. J Comp Neurol 2018; 527:916-941. [PMID: 30393861 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a heterogeneous midbrain structure that contains dopamine (DA), GABA, and glutamate neurons that project to many different brain regions. Here, we combined retrograde tracing with immunocytochemistry against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) to systematically compare the proportion of dopaminergic and GABAergic VTA projections to 10 target nuclei: anterior cingulate, prelimbic, and infralimbic cortex; nucleus accumbens core, medial shell, and lateral shell; anterior and posterior basolateral amygdala; ventral pallidum; and periaqueductal gray. Overall, the non-dopaminergic component predominated VTA efferents, accounting for more than 50% of all projecting neurons to each region except the nucleus accumbens core. In addition, GABA neurons contributed no more than 20% to each projection, with the exception of the projection to the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray, where the GABAergic contribution approached 50%. Therefore, there is likely a significant glutamatergic component to many of the VTA's projections. We also found that VTA cell bodies retrogradely labeled from the various target brain regions had distinct distribution patterns within the VTA, including in the locations of DA and GABA neurons. Despite this patterned organization, VTA neurons comprising these different projections were intermingled and never limited to any one subregion. These anatomical results are consistent with the idea that VTA neurons participate in multiple distinct, parallel circuits that differentially contribute to motivation and reward. While attention has largely focused on VTA DA neurons, a better understanding of VTA subpopulations, especially the contribution of non-DA neurons to projections, will be critical for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M Breton
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Annabelle R Charbit
- Department of Neurology and Wheeler Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Benjamin J Snyder
- Department of Neurology and Wheeler Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Peter T K Fong
- Department of Neurology and Wheeler Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, California
| | - Elayne V Dias
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, California
| | - Patricia Himmels
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, California
| | - Hagar Lock
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, California
| | - Elyssa B Margolis
- Department of Neurology and Wheeler Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, California
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Zhang ZB, Xu TY, You DY, Yi S, Liu Q, Li HJ, Gu JY. The interactive effects of ketamine and ethanol on dopamine expression in the ventral tegmental area of rats. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:2105-2114. [PMID: 30154658 PMCID: PMC6108338 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s163449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of studies have demonstrated the significant and rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine, which is also known as a neurotoxic and illicit drug. Ketamine and alcohol are increasingly used together in clubs by teenagers and young adults. Previous studies have proven that chronic ketamine consumption induces a delayed and persistent activation of the dopamine (DA) system. However, the rewarding properties of recreational ketamine abuse remain unclear, and the underlying mechanisms of the effects on the DA system after administration of ketamine with ethanol are yet to be explored. METHODS Here, we evaluated the effects of two different doses of ketamine (30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg) with and without ethanol (0.3156 g/kg) on DA concentration in the rat's ventral tegmental area (VTA), a vital region in the reward and motivation system. We explored the effects of the combined drug treatment on the expression profiling of the DA metabolism genes, tyrosine hydroxylase, dopa decarboxylase, vesicular monoamine transporter 2, and synaptosomal-associated protein 25, as well as protein expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the rat's VTA. RESULTS We found that administration of ketamine with ethanol led to a significant increase of DA in the VTA associated with differential regulation of mRNA levels of the four DA metabolism genes and protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Moreover, the rewarding properties of coadministration of ketamine and ethanol were related to dopaminergic neuron activation in the VTA. CONCLUSION These results indicated the possibility that combined drug treatment might positively affect the mesencephalic DA reward system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Bi Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Yong Xu
- Experiment Center for Medical Science Research, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding-Yun You
- Department of Science and Technology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Yi
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People's Republic of China,
| | - Qing Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People's Republic of China,
| | - Huifang-Jie Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People's Republic of China,
| | - Jin-Yun Gu
- Zhanyi Branch of Qujing Public Security Bureau, Qujing, People's Republic of China,
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Diversity of Dopaminergic Neural Circuits in Response to Drug Exposure. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2424-46. [PMID: 26934955 PMCID: PMC4987841 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Addictive substances are known to increase dopaminergic signaling in the mesocorticolimbic system. The origin of this dopamine (DA) signaling originates in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which sends afferents to various targets, including the nucleus accumbens, the medial prefrontal cortex, and the basolateral amygdala. VTA DA neurons mediate stimuli saliency and goal-directed behaviors. These neurons undergo robust drug-induced intrinsic and extrinsic synaptic mechanisms following acute and chronic drug exposure, which are part of brain-wide adaptations that ultimately lead to the transition into a drug-dependent state. Interestingly, recent investigations of the differential subpopulations of VTA DA neurons have revealed projection-specific functional roles in mediating reward, aversion, and stress. It is now critical to view drug-induced neuroadaptations from a circuit-level perspective to gain insight into how differential dopaminergic adaptations and signaling to targets of the mesocorticolimbic system mediates drug reward. This review hopes to describe the projection-specific intrinsic characteristics of these subpopulations, the differential afferent inputs onto these VTA DA neuron subpopulations, and consolidate findings of drug-induced plasticity of VTA DA neurons and highlight the importance of future projection-based studies of this system.
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Cavalcanti JRLP, Pontes ALB, Fiuza FP, Silva KDA, Guzen FP, Lucena EES, Nascimento-Júnior ES, Cavalcante JC, Costa MSMO, Engelberth RCGJ, Cavalcante JS. Nuclear organization of the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area and retrorubral field of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus): A cytoarchitectonic and TH-immunohistochemistry study. J Chem Neuroanat 2016; 77:100-109. [PMID: 27292410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is widely known that the catecholamine group is formed by dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline. Its synthesis is regulated by the enzyme called tyrosine hydroxylase. 3-hydroxytyramine/dopamine (DA) is a precursor of noradrenaline and adrenaline synthesis and acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The three main nuclei, being the retrorubral field (A8 group), the substantia nigra pars compacta (A9 group) and the ventral tegmental area (A10 group), are arranged in the die-mesencephalic portion and are involved in three complex circuitries - the mesostriatal, mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways. These pathways are involved in behavioral manifestations, motricity, learning, reward and also in pathological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to perform a morphological analysis of the A8, A9 and A10 groups in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus - a neotropical primate), whose morphological and functional characteristics support its suitability for use in biomedical research. Coronal sections of the marmoset brain were submitted to Nissl staining and TH-immunohistochemistry. The morphology of the neurons made it possible to subdivide the A10 group into seven distinct regions: interfascicular nucleus, raphe rostral linear nucleus and raphe caudal linear nucleus in the middle line; paranigral and parainterfascicular nucleus in the middle zone; the rostral portion of the ventral tegmental area nucleus and parabrachial pigmented nucleus located in the dorsolateral portion of the mesencephalic tegmentum. The A9 group was divided into four regions: substantia nigra compacta dorsal and ventral tiers; substantia nigra compacta lateral and medial clusters. No subdivisions were made for the A8 group. These results reveal that A8, A9 and A10 are phylogenetically stable across species. As such, further studies concerning such divisions are necessary in order to evaluate the occurrence of subdivisions that express DA in other primate species, with the aim of characterizing its functional relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- José R L P Cavalcanti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Health Science Center, University of State of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
| | - André L B Pontes
- Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Felipe P Fiuza
- Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Kayo D A Silva
- Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Fausto P Guzen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Health Science Center, University of State of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Eudes E S Lucena
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Health Science Center, University of State of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Expedito S Nascimento-Júnior
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Judney C Cavalcante
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Miriam S M O Costa
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Rovena C G J Engelberth
- Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Jeferson S Cavalcante
- Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
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17
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Hegeman DJ, Hong ES, Hernández VM, Chan CS. The external globus pallidus: progress and perspectives. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 43:1239-65. [PMID: 26841063 PMCID: PMC4874844 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The external globus pallidus (GPe) of the basal ganglia is in a unique and powerful position to influence processing of motor information by virtue of its widespread projections to all basal ganglia nuclei. Despite the clinical importance of the GPe in common motor disorders such as Parkinson's disease, there is only limited information about its cellular composition and organizational principles. In this review, recent advances in the understanding of the diversity in the molecular profile, anatomy, physiology and corresponding behaviour during movement of GPe neurons are described. Importantly, this study attempts to build consensus and highlight commonalities of the cellular classification based on existing but contentious literature. Additionally, an analysis of the literature concerning the intricate reciprocal loops formed between the GPe and major synaptic partners, including both the striatum and the subthalamic nucleus, is provided. In conclusion, the GPe has emerged as a crucial node in the basal ganglia macrocircuit. While subtleties in the cellular makeup and synaptic connection of the GPe create new challenges, modern research tools have shown promise in untangling such complexity, and will provide better understanding of the roles of the GPe in encoding movements and their associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hegeman
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ellie S Hong
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Vivian M Hernández
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - C Savio Chan
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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18
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Yetnikoff L, Cheng AY, Lavezzi HN, Parsley KP, Zahm DS. Sources of input to the rostromedial tegmental nucleus, ventral tegmental area, and lateral habenula compared: A study in rat. J Comp Neurol 2015; 523:2426-56. [PMID: 25940654 PMCID: PMC4575621 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Profound inhibitory control exerted on midbrain dopaminergic neurons by the lateral habenula (LHb), which has mainly excitatory outputs, is mediated by the GABAergic rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), which strongly innervates dopaminergic neurons in the ventral midbrain. Early reports indicated that the afferent connections of the RMTg, excepting its very strong LHb inputs, do not differ appreciably from those of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Presumably, however, the RMTg contributes more to behavioral synthesis than to simply invert the valence of the excitatory signal coming from the LHb. Therefore, the present study was done to directly compare the inputs to the RMTg and VTA and, in deference to its substantial involvement with this circuitry, the LHb was also included in the comparison. Data indicated that, while the afferents of the RMTg, VTA, and LHb do originate within the same large pool of central nervous system (CNS) structures, each is also related to structures that project more strongly to it than to the others. The VTA gets robust input from ventral striatopallidum and extended amygdala, whereas RMTg biased inputs arise in structures with a more direct impact on motor function, such as deep layers of the contralateral superior colliculus, deep cerebellar and several brainstem nuclei, and, via a relay in the LHb, the entopeduncular nucleus. Input from the ventral pallidal-lateral preoptic-lateral hypothalamus continuum is strong in the RMTg and VTA and dominant in the LHb. Axon collateralization was also investigated, providing additional insights into the organization of the circuitry of this important triad of structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leora Yetnikoff
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Anita Y Cheng
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Heather N Lavezzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kenneth P Parsley
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Daniel S Zahm
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Pignatelli M, Bonci A. Role of Dopamine Neurons in Reward and Aversion: A Synaptic Plasticity Perspective. Neuron 2015; 86:1145-57. [PMID: 26050034 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The brain is wired to predict future outcomes. Experience-dependent plasticity at excitatory synapses within dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area, a key region for a broad range of motivated behaviors, is thought to be a fundamental cellular mechanism that enables adaptation to a dynamic environment. Thus, depending on the circumstances, dopamine neurons are capable of processing both positive and negative reinforcement learning strategies. In this review, we will discuss how changes in synaptic plasticity of dopamine neurons may affect dopamine release, as well as behavioral adaptations to different environmental conditions falling at opposite ends of a saliency spectrum ranging from reward to aversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pignatelli
- Intramural Research Program, Synaptic Plasticity Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Antonello Bonci
- Intramural Research Program, Synaptic Plasticity Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Neuroscience Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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