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McGovern DJ, Phillips A, Ly A, Prévost ED, Ward L, Siletti K, Kim YS, Fenno LE, Ramakrishnan C, Deisseroth K, Ford CP, Root DH. Salience signaling and stimulus scaling of ventral tegmental area glutamate neuron subtypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.12.598688. [PMID: 38915564 PMCID: PMC11195246 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Ventral tegmental area (VTA) glutamatergic neurons participate in reward, aversion, drug-seeking, and stress. Subsets of VTA VGluT2+ neurons are capable of co-transmitting glutamate and GABA (VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons), transmitting glutamate without GABA (VGluT2+VGaT- neurons), or co-transmitting glutamate and dopamine (VGluT2+TH+ neurons), but whether these molecularly distinct subpopulations show behavior-related differences is not wholly understood. We identified that neuronal activity of each VGluT2+ subpopulation is sensitive to reward value but signaled this in different ways. The phasic maximum activity of VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons increased with sucrose concentration, whereas VGluT2+VGaT- neurons increased maximum and sustained activity with sucrose concentration, and VGluT2+TH+ neurons increased sustained but not maximum activity with sucrose concentration. Additionally, VGluT2+ subpopulations signaled consummatory preferences in different ways. VGluT2+VGaT- neurons and VGluT2+TH+ neurons showed a signaling preference for a behaviorally-preferred fat reward over sucrose, but in temporally-distinct ways. In contrast, VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons uniquely signaled a less behaviorally-preferred sucrose reward compared with fat. Further experiments suggested that VGluT2+VGaT+ consummatory reward-related activity was related to sweetness, partially modulated by hunger state, and not dependent on caloric content or behavioral preference. All VGluT2+ subtypes increased neuronal activity following aversive stimuli but VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons uniquely scaled their magnitude and sustained activity with footshock intensity. Optogenetic activation of VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons during low intensity footshock enhanced fear-related behavior without inducing place preference or aversion. We interpret these data such that VTA glutamatergic subpopulations signal different elements of rewarding and aversive experiences and highlight the unique role of VTA VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons in enhancing the salience of behavioral experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon J. McGovern
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO 80301
| | - Alysabeth Phillips
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO 80301
| | - Annie Ly
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO 80301
| | - Emily D. Prévost
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO 80301
| | - Lucy Ward
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO 80301
| | - Kayla Siletti
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO 80301
| | - Yoon Seok Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lief E. Fenno
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Current address: Department of Neuroscience, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin 78712
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- 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
| | - Christopher P. Ford
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - David H. Root
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO 80301
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2
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Han Y, Ai L, Song L, Zhou Y, Chen D, Sha S, Ji R, Li Q, Bu Q, Pan X, Zhai X, Cui M, Duan J, Yang J, Chaudhury D, Hu A, Liu H, Han MH, Cao JL, Zhang H. Midbrain glutamatergic circuit mechanism of resilience to socially transferred allodynia in male mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4947. [PMID: 38858350 PMCID: PMC11164890 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49340-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential brain mechanism underlying resilience to socially transferred allodynia remains unknown. Here, we utilize a well-established socially transferred allodynia paradigm to segregate male mice into pain-susceptible and pain-resilient subgroups. Brain screening results show that ventral tegmental area glutamatergic neurons are selectively activated in pain-resilient mice as compared to control and pain-susceptible mice. Chemogenetic manipulations demonstrate that activation and inhibition of ventral tegmental area glutamatergic neurons bi-directionally regulate resilience to socially transferred allodynia. Moreover, ventral tegmental area glutamatergic neurons that project specifically to the nucleus accumbens shell and lateral habenula regulate the development and maintenance of the pain-resilient phenotype, respectively. Together, we establish an approach to explore individual variations in pain response and identify ventral tegmental area glutamatergic neurons and related downstream circuits as critical targets for resilience to socially transferred allodynia and the development of conceptually innovative analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Han
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Lin Ai
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Lingzhen Song
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Dandan Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Sha Sha
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Ran Ji
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Qize Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Qingyang Bu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Xiaojing Zhai
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Mengqiao Cui
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Jiawen Duan
- Department of Mental Health and Public Health, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, PR China
| | - Junxia Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - Dipesh Chaudhury
- Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Saadiyat Island, 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ankang Hu
- The Animal Facility of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China
| | - He Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, 313000, PR China
| | - Ming-Hu Han
- Department of Mental Health and Public Health, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, PR China.
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China.
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, PR China.
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3
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Maal-Bared G, Yee M, Harding EK, Ghebreselassie M, Bergamini M, Choy R, Kim E, Di Vito S, Patel M, Amirzadeh M, Grieder TE, Coles BL, Nagy JI, Bonin RP, Steenland HW, van der Kooy D. Connexin-36-positive gap junctions in ventral tegmental area GABA neurons sustain opiate dependence. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:3422-3444. [PMID: 38679044 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16366] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Drug dependence is characterized by a switch in motivation wherein a positively reinforcing substance can become negatively reinforcing. Put differently, drug use can transform from a form of pleasure-seeking to a form of relief-seeking. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA neurons form an anatomical point of divergence between two double dissociable pathways that have been shown to be functionally implicated and necessary for these respective motivations to seek drugs. The tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus (TPP) is necessary for opiate conditioned place preferences (CPP) in previously drug-naïve rats and mice, whereas dopaminergic (DA) transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is necessary for opiate CPP in opiate-dependent and withdrawn (ODW) rats and mice. Here, we show that this switch in functional anatomy is contingent upon the gap junction-forming protein, connexin-36 (Cx36), in VTA GABA neurons. Intra-VTA infusions of the Cx36 blocker, mefloquine, in ODW rats resulted in a reversion to a drug-naïve-like state wherein the TPP was necessary for opiate CPP and where opiate withdrawal aversions were lost. Consistent with these data, conditional knockout mice lacking Cx36 in GABA neurons (GAD65-Cre;Cx36 fl(CFP)/fl(CFP)) exhibited a perpetual drug-naïve-like state wherein opiate CPP was always DA independent, and opiate withdrawal aversions were absent even in mice subjected to an opiate dependence and withdrawal induction protocol. Further, viral-mediated rescue of Cx36 in VTA GABA neurons was sufficient to restore their susceptibility to an ODW state wherein opiate CPP was DA dependent. Our findings reveal a functional role for VTA gap junctions that has eluded prevailing circuit models of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geith Maal-Bared
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mandy Yee
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erika K Harding
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martha Ghebreselassie
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Bergamini
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roxanne Choy
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ethan Kim
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie Di Vito
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam Patel
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammadreza Amirzadeh
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taryn E Grieder
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brenda L Coles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James I Nagy
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Robert P Bonin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Derek van der Kooy
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Faget L, Oriol L, Lee WC, Zell V, Sargent C, Flores A, Hollon NG, Ramanathan D, Hnasko TS. Ventral pallidum GABA and glutamate neurons drive approach and avoidance through distinct modulation of VTA cell types. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4233. [PMID: 38762463 PMCID: PMC11102457 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48340-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) contains GABA and glutamate neurons projecting to ventral tegmental area (VTA) whose stimulation drives approach and avoidance, respectively. Yet little is known about the mechanisms by which VP cell types shape VTA activity and drive behavior. Here, we found that both VP GABA and glutamate neurons were activated during approach to reward or by delivery of an aversive stimulus. Stimulation of VP GABA neurons inhibited VTA GABA, but activated dopamine and glutamate neurons. Remarkably, stimulation-evoked activation was behavior-contingent such that VTA recruitment was inhibited when evoked by the subject's own action. Conversely, VP glutamate neurons activated VTA GABA, as well as dopamine and glutamate neurons, despite driving aversion. However, VP glutamate neurons evoked dopamine in aversion-associated ventromedial nucleus accumbens (NAc), but reduced dopamine release in reward-associated dorsomedial NAc. These findings show how heterogeneous VP projections to VTA can be engaged to shape approach and avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Faget
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Lucie Oriol
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wen-Chun Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vivien Zell
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cody Sargent
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Flores
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nick G Hollon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dhakshin Ramanathan
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thomas S Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
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5
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Izowit G, Walczak M, Drwięga G, Solecki W, Błasiak T. Brain state-dependent responses of midbrain dopaminergic neurons to footshock under urethane anaesthesia. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1536-1557. [PMID: 38233998 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16252] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
For a long time, it has been assumed that dopaminergic (DA) neurons in both the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) uniformly respond to rewarding and aversive stimuli by either increasing or decreasing their activity, respectively. This response was believed to signal information about the perceived stimuli's values. The identification of VTA&SNc DA neurons that are excited by both rewarding and aversive stimuli has led to the categorisation of VTA&SNc DA neurons into two subpopulations: one signalling the value and the other signalling the salience of the stimuli. It has been shown that the general state of the brain can modulate the electrical activity of VTA&SNc DA neurons, but it remains unknown whether this factor may also influence responses to aversive stimuli, such as a footshock (FS). To address this question, we have recorded the responses of VTA&SNc DA neurons to FSs across cortical activation and slow wave activity brain states in urethane-anaesthetised rats. Adding to the knowledge of aversion signalling by midbrain DA neurons, we report that significant proportion of VTA&SNc DA neurons can change their responses to an aversive stimulus in a brain state-dependent manner. The majority of these neurons decreased their activity in response to FS during cortical activation but switched to increasing it during slow wave activity. It can be hypothesised that this subpopulation of DA neurons may be involved in the 'dual signalling' of both the value and the salience of the stimuli, depending on the general state of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Izowit
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Walczak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Gniewosz Drwięga
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Wojciech Solecki
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Tomasz Błasiak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
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6
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Conrad WS, Oriol L, Faget L, Hnasko TS. Proportion and distribution of neurotransmitter-defined cell types in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra pars compacta. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.28.582356. [PMID: 38464250 PMCID: PMC10925288 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.28.582356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Most studies on the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) have focused on dopamine neurons and their role in processes such as motivation, learning, movement, and associated disorders. However there has been increasing attention on other VTA and SNc cell types that release GABA, glutamate, or a combination of these neurotransmitters. Yet the relative distributions and proportions of neurotransmitter-defined cell types across VTA and SNc has remained unclear. Here, we used fluorescent in situ hybridization in male and female mice to label VTA and SNc neurons that expressed mRNA encoding the canonical vesicular transporters for dopamine, GABA, or glutamate: vesicular monoamine transporter VMAT2, vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), and vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT2). Within VTA, we found that no one type was particularly more abundant, instead we observed similar numbers of VMAT2+ (44%), VGAT+ (37%) and VGLUT2+ (41%) neurons. In SNc we found that a slight majority of neurons expressed VMAT2 (54%), fewer were VGAT+ (42%), and VGLUT2+ neurons were least abundant (16%). Moreover, 20% of VTA neurons and 10% of SNc neurons expressed more than one vesicular transporter, including 45% of VGLUT2 neurons. We also assessed within VTA and SNc subregions and found remarkable heterogeneity in cell-type composition. And by quantifying density across both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral axes we generated heatmaps to visualize the distribution of each cell type. Our data complement recent single-cell RNAseq studies and support a more diverse landscape of neurotransmitter-defined cell types in VTA and SNc than is typically appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiiliam S Conrad
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla CA, USA
| | - Lucie Oriol
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla CA, USA
| | - Lauren Faget
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla CA, USA
| | - Thomas S Hnasko
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego CA, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase MD 20815, USA
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7
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Lu X, Xue J, Lai Y, Tang X. Heterogeneity of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons: From molecular classifications, electrophysiological properties to functional connectivity. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23465. [PMID: 38315491 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302031r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The mesencephalic dopamine (DA) system is composed of neuronal subtypes that are molecularly and functionally distinct, are responsible for specific behaviors, and are closely associated with numerous brain disorders. Existing research has made significant advances in identifying the heterogeneity of mesencephalic DA neurons, which is necessary for understanding their diverse physiological functions and disease susceptibility. Moreover, there is a conflict regarding the electrophysiological properties of the distinct subsets of midbrain DA neurons. This review aimed to elucidate recent developments in the heterogeneity of midbrain DA neurons, including subpopulation categorization, electrophysiological characteristics, and functional connectivity to provide new strategies for accurately identifying distinct subtypes of midbrain DA neurons and investigating the underlying mechanisms of these neurons in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaying Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jinhua Xue
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yudong Lai
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Tang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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8
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Cai J, Jiang Y, Xu Y, Jiang Z, Young C, Li H, Ortiz-Guzman J, Zhuo Y, Li Y, Xu Y, Arenkiel BR, Tong Q. An excitatory projection from the basal forebrain to the ventral tegmental area that underlies anorexia-like phenotypes. Neuron 2024; 112:458-472.e6. [PMID: 38056455 PMCID: PMC10922337 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.11.001] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Maladaptation in balancing internal energy needs and external threat cues may result in eating disorders. However, brain mechanisms underlying such maladaptations remain elusive. Here, we identified that the basal forebrain (BF) sends glutamatergic projections to glutamatergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in mice. Glutamatergic neurons in both regions displayed correlated responses to various stressors. Notably, in vivo manipulation of BF terminals in the VTA revealed that the glutamatergic BF → VTA circuit reduces appetite, increases locomotion, and elicits avoidance. Consistently, activation of VTA glutamatergic neurons reduced body weight, blunted food motivation, and caused hyperactivity with behavioral signs of anxiety, all hallmarks of typical anorexia symptoms. Importantly, activation of BF glutamatergic terminals in the VTA reduced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. Collectively, our results point to overactivation of the glutamatergic BF → VTA circuit as a potential cause of anorexia-like phenotypes involving reduced dopamine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cai
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; MD Anderson Cancer Center & UTHealth Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuanzhong Xu
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiying Jiang
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Claire Young
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hongli Li
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joshua Ortiz-Guzman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yizhou Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; MD Anderson Cancer Center & UTHealth Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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9
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Kim K, Picciotto MR. Nicotine addiction: More than just dopamine. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 83:102797. [PMID: 37832393 PMCID: PMC10842238 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of research and anti-tobacco messaging, nicotine addiction remains an important public health problem leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. While fundamental studies have identified molecular, circuit-level and behavioral mechanisms important for nicotine reinforcement and withdrawal, recent studies have identified additional pathways that are important for both nicotine seeking and aversion. In particular, although dopaminergic mechanisms are necessary for nicotine-dependent reward and drug-seeking, novel glutamate and GABA signaling mechanisms in the mesolimbic system have been identified for their contributions to reward-related behaviors. An additional area of active investigation for nicotine addiction focuses on molecular mechanisms in the habenula-interpeduncular pathway driving nicotine aversion and withdrawal. Across all these domains, sex differences in the molecular basis of nicotine-induced behaviors have emerged that identify important new directions for future research. Recent studies reviewed here highlight additional pathways that could provide therapeutic targets for smoking cessation and problematic nicotine vaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06508, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06508, USA. https://twitter.com/kristenkim415
| | - Marina R Picciotto
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06508, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06508, USA.
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10
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McGovern DJ, Polter AM, Prévost ED, Ly A, McNulty CJ, Rubinstein B, Root DH. Ventral tegmental area glutamate neurons establish a mu-opioid receptor gated circuit to mesolimbic dopamine neurons and regulate opioid-seeking behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1889-1900. [PMID: 37407648 PMCID: PMC10584944 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01637-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
A two-neuron model of ventral tegmental area (VTA) opioid function classically involves VTA GABA neuron regulation of VTA dopamine neurons via a mu-opioid receptor dependent inhibitory circuit. However, this model predates the discovery of a third major type of neuron in the VTA: glutamatergic neurons. We found that about one-quarter of VTA neurons expressing the mu-opioid receptor are glutamate neurons without molecular markers of GABA co-release. Glutamate-Mu opioid receptor neurons are largely distributed in the anterior VTA. The majority of remaining VTA mu-opioid receptor neurons are GABAergic neurons that are mostly within the posterior VTA and do not express molecular markers of glutamate co-release. Optogenetic stimulation of VTA glutamate neurons resulted in excitatory currents recorded from VTA dopamine neurons that were reduced by presynaptic activation of the mu-opioid receptor ex vivo, establishing a local mu-opioid receptor dependent excitatory circuit from VTA glutamate neurons to VTA dopamine neurons. This VTA glutamate to VTA dopamine pathway regulated dopamine release to the nucleus accumbens through mu-opioid receptor activity in vivo. Behaviorally, VTA glutamate calcium-related neuronal activity increased following oral oxycodone consumption during self-administration and response-contingent oxycodone-associated cues during abstinent reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. Further, chemogenetic inhibition of VTA glutamate neurons reduced abstinent oral oxycodone-seeking behavior in male but not female mice. These results establish 1) a three-neuron model of VTA opioid function involving a mu-opioid receptor gated VTA glutamate neuron pathway to VTA dopamine neurons that controls dopamine release within the nucleus accumbens, and 2) that VTA glutamate neurons participate in opioid-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon J McGovern
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - Abigail M Polter
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Emily D Prévost
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - Annie Ly
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - Connor J McNulty
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - Bodhi Rubinstein
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - David H Root
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA.
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11
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Barcomb K, Ford CP. Alterations in neurotransmitter co-release in Parkinson's disease. Exp Neurol 2023; 370:114562. [PMID: 37802381 PMCID: PMC10842357 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114562] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder characterized by degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons, which results in numerous adaptations in basal ganglia circuits. Research over the past twenty-five years has identified that midbrain dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) co-release multiple other transmitters including glutamate and GABA, in addition to their canonical transmitter, dopamine. This review summarizes previous work characterizing neurotransmitter co-release from dopamine neurons, work examining potential changes in co-release dynamics that result in animal models of Parkinson's disease, and future opportunities for determining how dysfunction in co-release may contribute to circuit dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Barcomb
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Christopher P Ford
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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12
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Buck SA, Rubin SA, Kunkhyen T, Treiber CD, Xue X, Fenno LE, Mabry SJ, Sundar VR, Yang Z, Shah D, Ketchesin KD, Becker-Krail DD, Vasylieva I, Smith MC, Weisel FJ, Wang W, Erickson-Oberg MQ, O’Leary EI, Aravind E, Ramakrishnan C, Kim YS, Wu Y, Quick M, Coleman JA, MacDonald WA, Elbakri R, De Miranda BR, Palladino MJ, McCabe BD, Fish KN, Seney ML, Rayport S, Mingote S, Deisseroth K, Hnasko TS, Awatramani R, Watson AM, Waddell S, Cheetham CEJ, Logan RW, Freyberg Z. Sexually dimorphic mechanisms of VGLUT-mediated protection from dopaminergic neurodegeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.02.560584. [PMID: 37873436 PMCID: PMC10592912 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) targets some dopamine (DA) neurons more than others. Sex differences offer insights, with females more protected from DA neurodegeneration. The mammalian vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT2 and Drosophila ortholog dVGLUT have been implicated as modulators of DA neuron resilience. However, the mechanisms by which VGLUT2/dVGLUT protects DA neurons remain unknown. We discovered DA neuron dVGLUT knockdown increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in a sexually dimorphic manner in response to depolarization or paraquat-induced stress, males being especially affected. DA neuron dVGLUT also reduced ATP biosynthetic burden during depolarization. RNA sequencing of VGLUT+ DA neurons in mice and flies identified candidate genes that we functionally screened to further dissect VGLUT-mediated DA neuron resilience across PD models. We discovered transcription factors modulating dVGLUT-dependent DA neuroprotection and identified dj-1β as a regulator of sex-specific DA neuron dVGLUT expression. Overall, VGLUT protects DA neurons from PD-associated degeneration by maintaining mitochondrial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas A. Buck
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sophie A. Rubin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tenzin Kunkhyen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Christoph D. Treiber
- Centre for Neural Circuits & Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Xiangning Xue
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Lief E. Fenno
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Samuel J. Mabry
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Varun R. Sundar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Zilu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Divia Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyle D. Ketchesin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Darius D. Becker-Krail
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Iaroslavna Vasylieva
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Megan C. Smith
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Florian J. Weisel
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Wenjia Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - M. Quincy Erickson-Oberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Emma I. O’Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Eshan Aravind
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yoon Seok Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yanying Wu
- Centre for Neural Circuits & Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Matthias Quick
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Coleman
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | | | - Rania Elbakri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Briana R. De Miranda
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Michael J. Palladino
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Brian D. McCabe
- Brain Mind Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth N. Fish
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marianne L. Seney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Stephen Rayport
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Susana Mingote
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Neuroscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Thomas S. Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | | | - Alan M. Watson
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Scott Waddell
- Centre for Neural Circuits & Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | | | - Ryan W. Logan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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13
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Barker DJ, Zhang S, Wang H, Estrin DJ, Miranda-Barrientos J, Liu B, Kulkarni RJ, de Deus JL, Morales M. Lateral preoptic area glutamate neurons relay nociceptive information to the ventral tegmental area. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113029. [PMID: 37632750 PMCID: PMC10584074 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113029] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) has been proposed to play a role in pain, but the brain structures modulating VTA activity in response to nociceptive stimuli remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the lateral preoptic area (LPO) glutamate neurons relay nociceptive information to the VTA. These LPO glutamatergic neurons synapsing on VTA neurons respond to nociceptive stimulation and conditioned stimuli predicting nociceptive stimulation and also mediate aversion. In contrast, LPO GABA neurons synapsing in the VTA mediate reward. By ultrastructural quantitative synaptic analysis, ex vivo electrophysiology, and functional neuroanatomy we identify a complex circuitry between LPO glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons and VTA dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons. We conclude that LPO glutamatergic neurons play a causal role in the processing of nociceptive stimuli and in relaying information about nociceptive stimuli. The pathway from LPO glutamatergic neurons to the VTA represents an unpredicted interface between peripheral nociceptive information and the limbic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Barker
- Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Shiliang Zhang
- Confocal and Electron Microscopy Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Huiling Wang
- Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - David J Estrin
- Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jorge Miranda-Barrientos
- Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Bing Liu
- Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Rucha J Kulkarni
- Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Junia Lara de Deus
- Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Marisela Morales
- Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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14
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Black EM, Samels SB, Xu W, Barson JR, Bass CE, Kortagere S, España RA. Hypocretin / Orexin Receptor 1 Knockdown in GABA or Dopamine Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area Differentially Impact Mesolimbic Dopamine and Motivation for Cocaine. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 7:100104. [PMID: 37854172 PMCID: PMC10583964 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2023.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The hypocretins/orexins (HCRT) have been demonstrated to influence motivation for cocaine through actions on dopamine (DA) transmission. Pharmacological or genetic disruption of the hypocretin receptor 1 (Hcrtr1) reduces cocaine self-administration, blocks reinstatement of cocaine seeking, and decreases conditioned place preference for cocaine. These effects are likely mediated through actions in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and resulting alterations in DA transmission. For example, HCRT drives VTA DA neuron activity and enhances the effects of cocaine on DA transmission, while disrupting Hcrtr1 attenuates DA responses to cocaine. These findings have led to the perspective that HCRT exerts its effects through Hcrtr1 actions in VTA DA neurons. However, this assumption is complicated by the observation that Hcrtr1 are present on both DA and GABA neurons in the VTA and HCRT drives the activity of both neuronal populations. To address this issue, we selectively knocked down Hcrtr1 on either DA or GABA neurons in the VTA and examined alterations in DA transmission and cocaine self-administration in female and male rats. We found that Hcrtr1 knockdown in DA neurons decreased DA responses to cocaine, increased days to acquire cocaine self-administration, and reduced motivation for cocaine. Although, Hcrtr1 knockdown in GABA neurons enhanced DA responses to cocaine, this manipulation did not affect cocaine self-administration. These observations indicate that while Hcrtr1 on DA versus GABA neurons exert opposing effects on DA transmission, only Hcrtr1 on DA neurons affected acquisition or motivation for cocaine - suggesting a complex interplay between DA transmission and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Black
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Shanna B. Samels
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Jessica R. Barson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Caroline E. Bass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo NY 14214
| | - Sandhya Kortagere
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Rodrigo A. España
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129
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15
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Qi Y, Zhang Z, Li Y, Zhao G, Huang J, Zhang Y, Xue J, Tang X. Whether the Subacute MPTP-Treated Mouse is as Suitable as a Classic Model of Parkinsonism. Neuromolecular Med 2023; 25:360-374. [PMID: 36913134 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-023-08740-7] [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: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mice model is one of the most common animal models for Parkinson's disease (PD). It is classified into three types: acute, subacute, and chronic intoxication models. The subacute model has attracted much attention for its short period and similarity to PD. However, whether subacute MPTP intoxication in mouse mimics the movement and cognitive disorders of PD still remains highly controversial. Therefore, the present study reassessed the behavioral performances of subacute MPTP intoxication in mice using open field, rotarod, Y maze, and gait analysis at different time points (1, 7, 14, and 21 days) after modeling. Results of the current study showed that although MPTP-treated mice using subacute regimen showed severe dopaminergic neuronal loss and evident astrogliosis, they failed to display significant motor and cognitive deficits. Besides, expression of mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL), a marker of necroptosis, was also significantly increased in the ventral midbrain and striatum of MPTP-intoxicated mice. This evidently implies that necroptosis may play an important role in MPTP-induced neurodegeneration. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest that subacute MPTP-intoxicated mice may not be a suitable model for studying parkinsonism. However, it can help in revealing the early pathophysiology of PD and studying the compensatory mechanisms which occur in early PD that prevent the emergence of behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qi
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Harmonious Avenue, Zhang Gong District, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Harmonious Avenue, Zhang Gong District, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yanning Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Guojian Zhao
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Jinyong Huang
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Jinhua Xue
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Harmonious Avenue, Zhang Gong District, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
| | - Xiaolu Tang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Harmonious Avenue, Zhang Gong District, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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16
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Altbürger C, Holzhauser J, Driever W. CRISPR/Cas9-based QF2 knock-in at the tyrosine hydroxylase ( th) locus reveals novel th-expressing neuron populations in the zebrafish mid- and hindbrain. Front Neuroanat 2023; 17:1196868. [PMID: 37603776 PMCID: PMC10433395 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1196868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Catecholaminergic neuron clusters are among the most conserved neuromodulatory systems in vertebrates, yet some clusters show significant evolutionary dynamics. Because of their disease relevance, special attention has been paid to mammalian midbrain dopaminergic systems, which have important functions in motor control, reward, motivation, and cognitive function. In contrast, midbrain dopaminergic neurons in teleosts were thought to be lost secondarily. Here, we generated a CRISPR/Cas9-based knock-in transgene at the th locus, which allows the expression of the Q-system transcription factor QF2 linked to the Tyrosine hydroxylase open reading frame by an E2A peptide. The QF2 knock-in allele still expresses Tyrosine hydroxylase in catecholaminergic neurons. Coexpression analysis of QF2 driven expression of QUAS fluorescent reporter transgenes and of th mRNA and Th protein revealed that essentially all reporter expressing cells also express Th/th. We also observed a small group of previously unidentified cells expressing the reporter gene in the midbrain and a larger group close to the midbrain-hindbrain boundary. However, we detected no expression of the catecholaminergic markers ddc, slc6a3, or dbh in these neurons, suggesting that they are not actively transmitting catecholamines. The identified neurons in the midbrain are located in a GABAergic territory. A coexpression analysis with anatomical markers revealed that Th-expressing neurons in the midbrain are located in the tegmentum and those close to the midbrain-hindbrain boundary are located in the hindbrain. Our data suggest that zebrafish may still have some evolutionary remnants of midbrain dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Altbürger
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology I, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS and BIOSS - Centres for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Holzhauser
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology I, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Driever
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology I, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS and BIOSS - Centres for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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17
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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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Faget L, Oriol L, Lee WC, Sargent C, Ramanathan D, Hnasko TS. Ventral pallidum GABA and glutamate neurons drive approach and avoidance through distinct modulation of VTA cell types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.12.548750. [PMID: 37502884 PMCID: PMC10369949 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.12.548750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) contains GABA and glutamate (Glut) neurons projecting to ventral tegmental area (VTA) whose stimulation drives approach and avoidance, respectively. Yet little is known about the cell-type-specific mechanisms by which VP projections to VTA drive behavior. Here, we found that both VP GABA and Glut neurons were activated during approach to reward or delivery of an aversive stimulus. Stimulation of VP GABA neurons inhibited VTA GABA, but activated dopamine (DA) and glutamate neurons. Remarkably, this cell-type-specific recruitment was behavior-contingent such that VTA recruitment was inhibited when evoked by the subject's own action. Conversely, VP Glut neurons activated VTA GABA, as well as DA and Glut neurons, despite driving aversion. However, VP Glut neurons evoked DA in reward-associated ventromedial nucleus accumbens (NAc), but reduced DA in aversion-associated dorsomedial NAc. These findings show how heterogeneous VP cell types can engage VTA cell types to shape approach and avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Faget
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Lucie Oriol
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wen-Chun Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Cody Sargent
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dhakshin Ramanathan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Thomas S. Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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19
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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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20
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Zhao C, Wang C, Zhang H, Yan W. A mini-review of the role of vesicular glutamate transporters in Parkinson's disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1118078. [PMID: 37251642 PMCID: PMC10211467 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1118078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease implicated in multiple interacting neurotransmitter pathways. Glutamate is the central excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and plays critical influence in the control of neuronal activity. Impaired Glutamate homeostasis has been shown to be closely associated with PD. Glutamate is synthesized in the cytoplasm and stored in synaptic vesicles by vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). Following its exocytotic release, Glutamate activates Glutamate receptors (GluRs) and mediates excitatory neurotransmission. While Glutamate is quickly removed by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) to maintain its relatively low extracellular concentration and prevent excitotoxicity. The involvement of GluRs and EAATs in the pathophysiology of PD has been widely studied, but little is known about the role of VGLUTs in the PD. In this review, we highlight the role of VGLUTs in neurotransmitter and synaptic communication, as well as the massive alterations in Glutamate transmission and VGLUTs levels in PD. Among them, adaptive changes in the expression level and function of VGLUTs may exert a crucial role in excitatory damage in PD, and VGLUTs are considered as novel potential therapeutic targets for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hainan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiqian Yan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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21
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Walker NB, Yan Y, Tapia MA, Tucker BR, Thomas LN, George BE, West AM, Marotta CB, Lester HA, Dougherty DA, Holleran KM, Jones SR, Drenan RM. β2 nAChR Activation on VTA DA Neurons Is Sufficient for Nicotine Reinforcement in Rats. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0449-22.2023. [PMID: 37193602 PMCID: PMC10216253 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0449-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesolimbic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChRs) activation is necessary for nicotine reinforcement behavior, but it is unknown whether selective activation of nAChRs in the dopamine (DA) reward pathway is sufficient to support nicotine reinforcement. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that activation of β2-containing (β2*) nAChRs on VTA neurons is sufficient for intravenous nicotine self-administration (SA). We expressed β2 nAChR subunits with enhanced sensitivity to nicotine (referred to as β2Leu9'Ser) in the VTA of male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, enabling very low concentrations of nicotine to selectively activate β2* nAChRs on transduced neurons. Rats expressing β2Leu9'Ser subunits acquired nicotine SA at 1.5 μg/kg/infusion, a dose too low to support acquisition in control rats. Saline substitution extinguished responding for 1.5 μg/kg/inf, verifying that this dose was reinforcing. β2Leu9'Ser nAChRs also supported acquisition at the typical training dose in rats (30 μg/kg/inf) and reducing the dose to 1.5 μg/kg/inf caused a significant increase in the rate of nicotine SA. Viral expression of β2Leu9'Ser subunits only in VTA DA neurons (via TH-Cre rats) also enabled acquisition of nicotine SA at 1.5 μg/kg/inf, and saline substitution significantly attenuated responding. Next, we examined electrically-evoked DA release in slices from β2Leu9'Ser rats with a history of nicotine SA. Single-pulse evoked DA release and DA uptake rate were reduced in β2Leu9'Ser NAc slices, but relative increases in DA following a train of stimuli were preserved. These results are the first to report that β2* nAChR activation on VTA neurons is sufficient for nicotine reinforcement in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah B Walker
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Yijin Yan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Melissa A Tapia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Brenton R Tucker
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Leanne N Thomas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Brianna E George
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Alyssa M West
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Christopher B Marotta
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91106
| | - Henry A Lester
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91106
| | - Dennis A Dougherty
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91106
| | - Katherine M Holleran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Sara R Jones
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Ryan M Drenan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
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22
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Chuhma N, Oh SJ, Rayport S. The dopamine neuron synaptic map in the striatum. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112204. [PMID: 36867530 PMCID: PMC10657204 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine neurons project to the striatum to control movement, cognition, and motivation via slower volume transmission as well as faster dopamine, glutamate, and GABA synaptic actions capable of conveying the temporal information in dopamine neuron firing. To define the scope of these synaptic actions, recordings of dopamine-neuron-evoked synaptic currents were made in four major striatal neuron types, spanning the entire striatum. This revealed that inhibitory postsynaptic currents are widespread, while excitatory postsynaptic currents are localized to the medial nucleus accumbens and the anterolateral-dorsal striatum, and that all synaptic actions are weak in the posterior striatum. Synaptic actions in cholinergic interneurons are the strongest, variably mediating inhibition throughout the striatum and excitation in the medial accumbens, capable of controlling their activity. This mapping shows that dopamine neuron synaptic actions extend throughout the striatum, preferentially target cholinergic interneurons, and define distinct striatal subregions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Chuhma
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Soo Jung Oh
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Stephen Rayport
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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23
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Kelly EA, Contreras J, Duan A, Vassell R, Fudge JL. Unbiased Stereological Estimates of Dopaminergic and GABAergic Neurons in the A10, A9, and A8 Subregions in the Young Male Macaque. Neuroscience 2022; 496:152-164. [PMID: 35738547 PMCID: PMC9329254 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ventral midbrain is the primary source of dopamine- (DA) expressing neurons in most species. GABA-ergic and glutamatergic cell populations are intermixed among DA-expressing cells and purported to regulate both local and long-range dopamine neuron activity. Most work has been conducted in rodent models, however due to evolutionary expansion of the ventral midbrain in primates, the increased size and complexity of DA subpopulations warrants further investigation. Here, we quantified the number of DA neurons, and their GABA-ergic complement in classic DA cell groups A10 (midline ventral tegmental area nuclei [VTA] and parabrachial pigmented nucleus [PBP]), A9 (substantia nigra, pars compacta [SNc]) and A8 (retrorubral field [RRF]) in the macaque. Because the PBP is a disproportionately expanded feature of the A10 group, and has unique connectional features in monkeys, we analyzed A10 data by dividing it into 'classic' midline nuclei and the PBP. Unbiased stereology revealed total putative DA neuron counts to be 210,238 ± 17,127 (A10 = 110,319 ± 9649, A9 = 87,399 ± 7751 and A8 = 12,520 ± 827). Putative GABAergic neurons were fewer overall, and evenly dispersed across the DA subpopulations (GAD67 = 71,215 ± 5663; A10 = 16,836 ± 2743; A9 = 24,855 ± 3144 and A8 = 12,633 ± 3557). Calculating the GAD67/TH ratio for each subregion revealed differential balances of these two cell types across the DA subregions. The A8 subregion had the highest complement of GAD67-positive neurons compared to TH-positive neurons (1:1), suggesting a potentially high capacity for GABAergic inhibition of DA output in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Kelly
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, United States
| | - Jancy Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, The City University of New York, United States
| | - Annie Duan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, United States
| | - Rochelle Vassell
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, United States
| | - Julie L Fudge
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, United States.
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24
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Cai J, Tong Q. Anatomy and Function of Ventral Tegmental Area Glutamate Neurons. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:867053. [PMID: 35669454 PMCID: PMC9164627 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.867053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is well known for regulating reward consumption, learning, memory, and addiction behaviors through mediating dopamine (DA) release in downstream regions. Other than DA neurons, the VTA is known to be heterogeneous and contains other types of neurons, including glutamate neurons. In contrast to the well-studied and established functions of DA neurons, the role of VTA glutamate neurons is understudied, presumably due to their relatively small quantity and a lack of effective means to study them. Yet, emerging studies have begun to reveal the importance of glutamate release from VTA neurons in regulating diverse behavioral repertoire through a complex intra-VTA and long-range neuronal network. In this review, we summarize the features of VTA glutamate neurons from three perspectives, namely, cellular properties, neural connections, and behavioral functions. Delineation of VTA glutamatergic pathways and their interactions with VTA DA neurons in regulating behaviors may reveal previously unappreciated functions of the VTA in other physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cai
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States.,Neuroscience Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States.,Neuroscience Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
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25
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Phillips RA, Tuscher JJ, Black SL, Andraka E, Fitzgerald ND, Ianov L, Day JJ. An atlas of transcriptionally defined cell populations in the rat ventral tegmental area. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110616. [PMID: 35385745 PMCID: PMC10888206 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a complex brain region that is essential for reward function and frequently implicated in neuropsychiatric disease. While decades of research on VTA function have focused on dopamine neurons, recent evidence has identified critical roles for GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in reward processes. Additionally, although subsets of VTA neurons express genes involved in the synthesis and transport of multiple neurotransmitters, characterization of these combinatorial populations has largely relied on low-throughput methods. To comprehensively define the molecular architecture of the VTA, we performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing on 21,600 cells from the rat VTA. Analysis of neuronal subclusters identifies selective markers for dopamine and combinatorial neurons, reveals expression profiles for receptors targeted by drugs of abuse, and demonstrates population-specific enrichment of gene sets linked to brain disorders. These results highlight the heterogeneity of the VTA and provide a resource for further exploration of VTA gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Phillips
- Department of Neurobiology & Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jennifer J Tuscher
- Department of Neurobiology & Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Samantha L Black
- Department of Neurobiology & Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Emma Andraka
- Department of Neurobiology & Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - N Dalton Fitzgerald
- Department of Neurobiology & Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Lara Ianov
- Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jeremy J Day
- Department of Neurobiology & Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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26
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Dvořáček J, Bednářová A, Krishnan N, Kodrík D. Dopaminergic muhsroom body neurons in Drosophila: flexibility of neuron identity in a model organism? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104570. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Logan CN, Rojas G, Wilkinson CS, Polo Escorcia AK, Reichel CM, Peris J, Knackstedt LA. Systemic oxytocin increases glutamate efflux in the nucleus accumbens core of cocaine-experienced male and female rats but only increases dopamine efflux in males. Behav Brain Res 2022; 417:113590. [PMID: 34551348 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113590] [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: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin attenuates cocaine-seeking when administered both systemically and directly into the nucleus accumbens core. This effect is blocked by intra-accumbens antagonism of mGlu2/3 and, together with our finding that intra-accumbens oxytocin increases glutamate concentrations in this brain region, indicates that pre-synaptic regulation of glutamate release by oxytocin influences cocaine relapse. However, mGlu2/3 receptors also regulate dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. Here we aimed to determine whether systemic oxytocin increases glutamate and dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens core of cocaine-experienced and cocaine-naïve male and female rats. A subset of rats self-administered cocaine (0.5 mg/kg/infusion) and then underwent extinction training for 2-3 weeks. Rats were implanted with microdialysis probes in the accumbens core and samples were collected for a baseline period, and following saline (1 mL/kg), and oxytocin (1 mg/kg, IP) injections. Locomotion was assessed during microdialysis. In cocaine-experienced rats, oxytocin increased glutamate concentrations in the accumbens core to the same extent in males and females but only increased dopamine concentrations in male rats. Oxytocin did not alter glutamate levels in cocaine-naïve rats. Oxytocin did not produce sedation. These results extend previous findings that systemic oxytocin increases nucleus accumbens dopamine in a sex-specific manner in cocaine-experienced rats. These data are the first to find that systemic oxytocin increases nucleus accumbens glutamate after cocaine experience, providing a mechanism of action by which oxytocin attenuates the reinstatement of cocaine seeking in both male and female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Logan
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - G Rojas
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - C S Wilkinson
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - C M Reichel
- Neuroscience Dept., Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC, USA
| | - J Peris
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Pharmacodynamics Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - L A Knackstedt
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Avegno EM, Gilpin NW. Reciprocal midbrain-extended amygdala circuit activity in preclinical models of alcohol use and misuse. Neuropharmacology 2022; 202:108856. [PMID: 34710467 PMCID: PMC8627447 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is characterized by a shift in motivation to consume alcohol from positive reinforcement (i.e., increased likelihood of future alcohol drinking based on its rewarding effects) to negative reinforcement (i.e., increased likelihood of future alcohol drinking based on alcohol-induced reductions in negative affective symptoms, including but not limited to those experienced during alcohol withdrawal). The neural adaptations that occur during this transition are not entirely understood. Mesolimbic reinforcement circuitry (i.e., ventral tegmental area [VTA] neurons) is activated during early stages of alcohol use, and may be involved in the recruitment of brain stress circuitry (i.e., extended amygdala) during the transition to alcohol dependence, after chronic periods of high-dose alcohol exposure. Here, we review the literature regarding the role of canonical brain reinforcement (VTA) and brain stress (extended amygdala) systems, and the connections between them, in acute, sub-chronic, and chronic alcohol response. Particular emphasis is placed on preclinical models of alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Avegno
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA,Department of Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA,Corresponding author: Correspondence should be addressed to Elizabeth Avegno, 1901 Perdido St, Room 7205, New Orleans, LA 70112,
| | - Nicholas W Gilpin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA,Department of Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA,Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA,Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA
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Pérez-Fernández J, Barandela M, Jiménez-López C. The Dopaminergic Control of Movement-Evolutionary Considerations. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11284. [PMID: 34681941 PMCID: PMC8541398 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine is likely the most studied modulatory neurotransmitter, in great part due to characteristic motor deficits in Parkinson's disease that arise after the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). The SNc, together with the ventral tegmental area (VTA), play a key role modulating motor responses through the basal ganglia. In contrast to the large amount of existing literature addressing the mammalian dopaminergic system, comparatively little is known in other vertebrate groups. However, in the last several years, numerous studies have been carried out in basal vertebrates, allowing a better understanding of the evolution of the dopaminergic system, especially the SNc/VTA. We provide an overview of existing research in basal vertebrates, mainly focusing on lampreys, belonging to the oldest group of extant vertebrates. The lamprey dopaminergic system and its role in modulating motor responses have been characterized in significant detail, both anatomically and functionally, providing the basis for understanding the evolution of the SNc/VTA in vertebrates. When considered alongside results from other early vertebrates, data in lampreys show that the key role of the SNc/VTA dopaminergic neurons modulating motor responses through the basal ganglia was already well developed early in vertebrate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pérez-Fernández
- Center for Biomedical Research (CINBIO), Neurocircuits Group, Department of Functional Biology and Health Sciences, Campus Universitario Lagoas, Marcosende, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (M.B.); (C.J.-L.)
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He Z, Jiang Y, Gu S, Wu D, Qin D, Feng G, Ma X, Huang JH, Wang F. The Aversion Function of the Limbic Dopaminergic Neurons and Their Roles in Functional Neurological Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:713762. [PMID: 34616730 PMCID: PMC8488171 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.713762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Freudian theory of conversion suggested that the major symptoms of functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are due to internal conflicts at motivation, especially at the sex drive or libido. FND patients might behave properly at rewarding situations, but they do not know how to behave at aversive situations. Sex drive is the major source of dopamine (DA) release in the limbic area; however, the neural mechanism involved in FND is not clear. Dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons have been shown to play a key role in processing motivation-related information. Recently, DAergic neurons are found to be involved in reward-related prediction error, as well as the prediction of aversive information. Therefore, it is suggested that DA might change the rewarding reactions to aversive reactions at internal conflicts of FND. So DAergic neurons in the limbic areas might induce two major motivational functions: reward and aversion at internal conflicts. This article reviewed the recent advances on studies about DAergic neurons involved in aversive stimulus processing at internal conflicts and summarizes several neural pathways, including four limbic system brain regions, which are involved in the processing of aversion. Then the article discussed the vital function of these neural circuits in addictive behavior, depression treatment, and FNDs. In all, this review provided a prospect for future research on the aversion function of limbic system DA neurons and the therapy of FNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengming He
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Jiang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Simeng Gu
- Department of Psychology, Jiangsu University Medical School, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Duo Qin
- School of Foreign Languages, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Guangkui Feng
- Department of Neurology, Lianyungang Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianjun Ma
- Department of Neurology, Lianyungang Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jason H Huang
- Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Fushun Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Neurology, Lianyungang Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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31
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Jara CP, de Andrade Berti B, Mendes NF, Engel DF, Zanesco AM, Pereira de Souza GF, de Medeiros Bezerra R, de Toledo Bagatin J, Maria-Engler SS, Morari J, Velander WH, Velloso LA, Araújo EP. Glutamic acid promotes hair growth in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15453. [PMID: 34326383 PMCID: PMC8322389 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94816-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamic acid is the main excitatory neurotransmitter acting both in the brain and in peripheral tissues. Abnormal distribution of glutamic acid receptors occurs in skin hyperproliferative conditions such as psoriasis and skin regeneration; however, the biological function of glutamic acid in the skin remains unclear. Using ex vivo, in vivo and in silico approaches, we showed that exogenous glutamic acid promotes hair growth and keratinocyte proliferation. Topical application of glutamic acid decreased the expression of genes related to apoptosis in the skin, whereas glutamic acid increased cell viability and proliferation in human keratinocyte cultures. In addition, we identified the keratinocyte glutamic acid excitotoxic concentration, providing evidence for the existence of a novel skin signalling pathway mediated by a neurotransmitter that controls keratinocyte and hair follicle proliferation. Thus, glutamic acid emerges as a component of the peripheral nervous system that acts to control cell growth in the skin. These results raise the perspective of the pharmacological and nutritional use of glutamic acid to treat skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Poblete Jara
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St., 126, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil.
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA.
| | - Beatriz de Andrade Berti
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St., 126, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Natália Ferreira Mendes
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St., 126, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Daiane Fátima Engel
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ariane Maria Zanesco
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Freitas Pereira de Souza
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Renan de Medeiros Bezerra
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St., 126, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Julia de Toledo Bagatin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Department, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvya Stuchi Maria-Engler
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Department, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joseane Morari
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - William H Velander
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Lício A Velloso
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Eliana Pereira Araújo
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St., 126, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Avegno EM, Kasten CR, Snyder WB, Kelley LK, Lobell TD, Templeton TJ, Constans M, Wills TA, Middleton JW, Gilpin NW. Alcohol dependence activates ventral tegmental area projections to central amygdala in male mice and rats. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12990. [PMID: 33331103 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The neural adaptations that occur during the transition to alcohol dependence are not entirely understood but may include a gradual recruitment of brain stress circuitry by mesolimbic reward circuitry that is activated during early stages of alcohol use. Here, we focused on dopaminergic and nondopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), important for mediating acute alcohol reinforcement, to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), important for alcohol dependence-related negative affect and escalated alcohol drinking. The VTA projects directly to the CeA, but the functional relevance of this circuit is not fully established. Therefore, we combined retrograde and anterograde tracing, anatomical, and electrophysiological experiments in mice and rats to demonstrate that the CeA receives input from both dopaminergic and nondopaminergic projection neurons primarily from the lateral VTA. We then used slice electrophysiology and fos immunohistochemistry to test the effects of alcohol dependence on activity and activation profiles of CeA-projecting neurons in the VTA. Our data indicate that alcohol dependence activates midbrain projections to the central amygdala, suggesting that VTA projections may trigger plasticity in the CeA during the transition to alcohol dependence and that this circuit may be involved in mediating behavioral dysregulation associated with alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Avegno
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Chelsea R. Kasten
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - William B. Snyder
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Leslie K. Kelley
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Thomas D. Lobell
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Taylor J. Templeton
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Michael Constans
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Tiffany A. Wills
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Jason W. Middleton
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Nicholas W. Gilpin
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System (SLVHCS) New Orleans Louisiana USA
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33
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Buck SA, De Miranda BR, Logan RW, Fish KN, Greenamyre JT, Freyberg Z. VGLUT2 Is a Determinant of Dopamine Neuron Resilience in a Rotenone Model of Dopamine Neurodegeneration. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4937-4947. [PMID: 33893220 PMCID: PMC8260163 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2770-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive dopamine (DA) neuron loss in the SNc. In contrast, DA neurons in the VTA are relatively protected from neurodegeneration, but the underlying mechanisms for this resilience remain poorly understood. Recent work suggests that expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) selectively impacts midbrain DA neuron vulnerability. We investigated whether altered DA neuron VGLUT2 expression determines neuronal resilience in rats exposed to rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor and toxicant model of PD. We discovered that VTA/SNc DA neurons that expressed VGLUT2 are more resilient to rotenone-induced DA neurodegeneration. Surprisingly, the density of neurons with detectable VGLUT2 expression in the VTA and SNc increases in response to rotenone. Furthermore, dopaminergic terminals within the NAc, where the majority of VGLUT2-expressing DA neurons project, exhibit greater resilience compared with DA terminals in the caudate/putamen. More broadly, VGLUT2-expressing terminals are protected throughout the striatum from rotenone-induced degeneration. Together, our data demonstrate that a distinct subpopulation of VGLUT2-expressing DA neurons are relatively protected from rotenone neurotoxicity. Rotenone-induced upregulation of the glutamatergic machinery in VTA and SNc neurons and their projections may be part of a broader neuroprotective mechanism. These findings offer a putative new target for neuronal resilience that can be manipulated to prevent toxicant-induced DA neurodegeneration in PD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Environmental exposures to pesticides contribute significantly to pathologic processes that culminate in Parkinson's disease (PD). The pesticide rotenone has been used to generate a PD model that replicates key features of the illness, including dopamine neurodegeneration. To date, longstanding questions remain: are there dopamine neuron subpopulations resilient to rotenone; and if so, what are the molecular determinants of this resilience? Here we show that the subpopulation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons that express the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) are more resilient to rotenone-induced neurodegeneration. Rotenone also upregulates VGLUT2 more broadly in the midbrain, suggesting that VGLUT2 expression generally confers increased resilience to rotenone. VGLUT2 may therefore be a new target for boosting neuronal resilience to prevent toxicant-induced DA neurodegeneration in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas A Buck
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
| | - Briana R De Miranda
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
| | - Ryan W Logan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02118
- Center for Systems Neurogenetics of Addiction, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609
| | - Kenneth N Fish
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
| | - J Timothy Greenamyre
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
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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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Eskenazi D, Malave L, Mingote S, Yetnikoff L, Ztaou S, Velicu V, Rayport S, Chuhma N. Dopamine Neurons That Cotransmit Glutamate, From Synapses to Circuits to Behavior. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:665386. [PMID: 34093138 PMCID: PMC8170480 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.665386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovered just over 20 years ago, dopamine neurons have the ability to cotransmit both dopamine and glutamate. Yet, the functional roles of dopamine neuron glutamate cotransmission and their implications for therapeutic use are just emerging. This review article encompasses the current body of evidence investigating the functions of dopamine neurons of the ventral midbrain that cotransmit glutamate. Since its discovery in dopamine neuron cultures, further work in vivo confirmed dopamine neuron glutamate cotransmission across species. From there, growing interest has led to research related to neural functioning including roles in synaptic signaling, development, and behavior. Functional connectome mapping reveals robust connections in multiple forebrain regions to various cell types, most notably to cholinergic interneurons in both the medial shell of the nucleus accumbens and the lateral dorsal striatum. Glutamate markers in dopamine neurons reach peak levels during embryonic development and increase in response to various toxins, suggesting dopamine neuron glutamate cotransmission may serve neuroprotective roles. Findings from behavioral analyses reveal prominent roles for dopamine neuron glutamate cotransmission in responses to psychostimulants, in positive valence and cognitive systems and for subtle roles in negative valence systems. Insight into dopamine neuron glutamate cotransmission informs the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders such as addiction, schizophrenia and Parkinson Disease, with therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Eskenazi
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lauren Malave
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Susana Mingote
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
- Neuroscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Leora Yetnikoff
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
- CUNY Neuroscience Collaborative, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samira Ztaou
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Vlad Velicu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephen Rayport
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nao Chuhma
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
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Ducrot C, Trudeau LÉ. The challenging diversity of neurons in the ventral tegmental area: A commentary of Miranda-Barrientos, J. et al., Eur J Neurosci 2021. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:4085-4087. [PMID: 33942393 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Ducrot
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, CNS Research Group (GRSNC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Louis-Éric Trudeau
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, CNS Research Group (GRSNC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Piantadosi PT, Halladay LR, Radke AK, Holmes A. Advances in understanding meso-cortico-limbic-striatal systems mediating risky reward seeking. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1547-1571. [PMID: 33704784 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The risk of an aversive consequence occurring as the result of a reward-seeking action can have a profound effect on subsequent behavior. Such aversive events can be described as punishers, as they decrease the probability that the same action will be produced again in the future and increase the exploration of less risky alternatives. Punishment can involve the omission of an expected rewarding event ("negative" punishment) or the addition of an unpleasant event ("positive" punishment). Although many individuals adaptively navigate situations associated with the risk of negative or positive punishment, those suffering from substance use disorders or behavioral addictions tend to be less able to curtail addictive behaviors despite the aversive consequences associated with them. Here, we discuss the psychological processes underpinning reward seeking despite the risk of negative and positive punishment and consider how behavioral assays in animals have been employed to provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying addictive disorders. We then review the critical contributions of dopamine signaling to punishment learning and risky reward seeking, and address the roles of interconnected ventral striatal, cortical, and amygdala regions to these processes. We conclude by discussing the ample opportunities for future study to clarify critical gaps in the literature, particularly as related to delineating neural contributions to distinct phases of the risky decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Piantadosi
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Anna K Radke
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Yamaguchi T, Ozawa H, Yamaguchi S, Hamaguchi S, Ueda S. Calbindin-Positive Neurons Co-express Functional Markers in a Location-Dependent Manner Within the A11 Region of the Rat Brain. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:853-865. [PMID: 33439431 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03217-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The A11 region plays a role in numerous physiological functions, including pain and locomotor activity, and consists of a variety of neurons including GABAergic, calbindin positive (Calb+), and dopaminergic (DA) neurons. However, the neurochemical nature of Calb+ neurons and their regulatory role in the A11 region remain largely unknown. In this study, we examined the kind of functional markers co-expressed in the Calb+ neurons using sections from 8-week-old rats. To examine a marker related to classical neurotransmitters, we performed in situ hybridization for vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGluT2) or glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) 65 and 67, in conjunction with Calb immunohistochemistry. We found cellular co-expression of Calb with vGluT2 or GAD65/67 throughout the A11 region. Nearly all Calb+/GAD65/67+ neurons were found in the rostral-middle aspect of the A11 region. In contrast, Calb+/vGluT2+ neurons were found predominantly in the middle-caudal aspect of the A11 region. For receptors and neuropeptides, we performed immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). We found that Calb+ neurons co-expressed AR in the rostral aspect of the A11 region in both male and female rats. However, we rarely find cellular co-expression of Calb with ERα or ERβ in this region. For CGRP, we found both Calb+ neurons with or without CGRP expression. These results demonstrate that Calb+ neurons co-express many functional markers. Calb+ neurons have a distinct distribution pattern and may play a variety of regulatory roles, depending on their location within the A11 region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi
- Department of Histology and Neurobiology, Dokkyo Medical University, School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan.
| | - Hidechika Ozawa
- Department of Histology and Neurobiology, Dokkyo Medical University, School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Shigeki Yamaguchi
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Hamaguchi
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ueda
- Department of Histology and Neurobiology, Dokkyo Medical University, School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
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Laksmidewi AAAP, Soejitno A. Endocannabinoid and dopaminergic system: the pas de deux underlying human motivation and behaviors. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:615-630. [PMID: 33712975 PMCID: PMC8105194 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been identified ever since cannabinoid, an active substance of Cannabis, was known to interact with endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid/eCB) receptors. It later turned out that eCB was more intricate than previously thought. It has a pervasive role and exerts a multitude of cellular signaling mechanisms, regulating various physiological neurotransmission pathways in the human brain, including the dopaminergic (DA) system. eCB roles toward DA system were robust, clearly delineated, and reproducible with respect to physiological as well as pathological neurochemical and neurobehavioral manifestations of DA system, particularly those involving the nigrostriatal and mesocorticolimbic pathways. The eCB–DA system regulates the basics in the Maslow’s pyramid of hierarchy of needs required for individual survival such as food and sexual activity for reproductive purpose to those of higher needs in the pyramid, including self-actualization behaviors leading to achievement and reward (e.g., academic- and/or work-related performance and achievements). It is, thus, interesting to specifically discuss the eCB–DA system, not only on the molecular level, but also its tremendous potential to be developed as a future therapeutic strategy for various neuropsychiatric problems, including obesity, drug addiction and withdrawal, pathological hypersexuality, or low motivation behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A A Putri Laksmidewi
- Neurobehavioral and Cognitive Division, Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University/Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.
| | - Andreas Soejitno
- Neurobehavioral and Cognitive Division, Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University/Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
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Fischer KD, Knackstedt LA, Rosenberg PA. Glutamate homeostasis and dopamine signaling: Implications for psychostimulant addiction behavior. Neurochem Int 2021; 144:104896. [PMID: 33159978 PMCID: PMC8489281 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse disorders are serious worldwide health problems. To date, there are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of these disorders. Elucidation of the biochemical underpinnings contributing to psychostimulant addiction is critical for the development of effective therapies. Excitatory signaling and glutamate homeostasis are well known pathophysiological substrates underlying addiction-related behaviors spanning multiple types of psychostimulants. To alleviate relapse behavior to psychostimulants, considerable interest has focused on GLT-1, the major glutamate transporter in the brain. While many brain regions are implicated in addiction behavior, this review focuses on two regions well known for their role in mediating the effects of cocaine and amphetamines, namely the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). In addition, because many investigators have utilized Cre-driver lines to selectively control gene expression in defined cell populations relevant for psychostimulant addiction, we discuss potential off-target effects of Cre-recombinase that should be considered in the design and interpretation of such experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn D Fischer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Lori A Knackstedt
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Paul A Rosenberg
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Miranda-Barrientos J, Chambers I, Mongia S, Liu B, Wang HL, Mateo-Semidey GE, Margolis EB, Zhang S, Morales M. Ventral tegmental area GABA, glutamate, and glutamate-GABA neurons are heterogeneous in their electrophysiological and pharmacological properties. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:10.1111/ejn.15156. [PMID: 33619763 PMCID: PMC8380271 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) contains dopamine neurons intermixed with GABA-releasing (expressing vesicular GABA transporter, VGaT), glutamate-releasing (expressing vesicular glutamate transporter 2, VGluT2), and glutamate-GABA co-releasing (co-expressing VGluT2 and VGaT) neurons. By delivering INTRSECT viral vectors into the VTA of double vglut2-Cre/vgat-Flp transgenic mice, we targeted specific VTA cell populations for ex vivo recordings. We found that VGluT2+ VGaT- and VGluT2+ VGaT+ neurons on average had relatively hyperpolarized resting membrane potential, greater rheobase, and lower spontaneous firing frequency compared to VGluT2- VGaT+ neurons, suggesting that VTA glutamate-releasing and glutamate-GABA co-releasing neurons require stronger excitatory drive to fire than GABA-releasing neurons. In addition, we detected expression of Oprm1mRNA (encoding µ opioid receptors, MOR) in VGluT2+ VGaT- and VGluT2- VGaT+ neurons, and that the MOR agonist DAMGO hyperpolarized neurons with these phenotypes. Collectively, we demonstrate the utility of the double transgenic mouse to access VTA glutamate, glutamate-GABA, and GABA neurons to determine their electrophysiological properties. SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT: Some physiological properties of VTA glutamate-releasing and glutamate-GABA co-releasing neurons are distinct from those of VTA GABA-releasing neurons. µ-opioid receptor activation hyperpolarizes some VTA glutamate-releasing and some GABA-releasing neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ian Chambers
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Smriti Mongia
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bing Liu
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hui-Ling Wang
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Elyssa B. Margolis
- UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences|Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shiliang Zhang
- Confocal and Electron Microscopy Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marisela Morales
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Steinkellner T, Madany M, Haberl MG, Zell V, Li C, Hu J, Mackey M, Ramachandra R, Adams S, Ellisman MH, Hnasko TS, Boassa D. Genetic Probe for Visualizing Glutamatergic Synapses and Vesicles by 3D Electron Microscopy. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:626-639. [PMID: 33522227 PMCID: PMC7899175 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication between neurons relies on the release of diverse neurotransmitters, which represent a key-defining feature of a neuron's chemical and functional identity. Neurotransmitters are packaged into vesicles by specific vesicular transporters. However, tools for labeling and imaging synapses and synaptic vesicles based on their neurochemical identity remain limited. We developed a genetically encoded probe to identify glutamatergic synaptic vesicles at the levels of both light and electron microscopy (EM) by fusing the mini singlet oxygen generator (miniSOG) probe to an intralumenal loop of the vesicular glutamate transporter-2. We then used a 3D imaging method, serial block-face scanning EM, combined with a deep learning approach for automatic segmentation of labeled synaptic vesicles to assess the subcellular distribution of transporter-defined vesicles at nanometer scale. These tools represent a new resource for accessing the subcellular structure and molecular machinery of neurotransmission and for transmitter-defined tracing of neuronal connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Steinkellner
- Department of Neurosciences, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United
States
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and
Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090,
Austria
| | - Matthew Madany
- Department of Neurosciences, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United
States
- Center for Research in Biological Systems, National
Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San
Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Matthias G. Haberl
- Department of Neurosciences, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United
States
- Center for Research in Biological Systems, National
Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San
Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Charité−Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität
zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Neuroscience Research Center,
Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Vivien Zell
- Department of Neurosciences, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United
States
| | - Carolina Li
- Center for Research in Biological Systems, National
Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San
Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Junru Hu
- Department of Neurosciences, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United
States
- Center for Research in Biological Systems, National
Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San
Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Mason Mackey
- Department of Neurosciences, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United
States
- Center for Research in Biological Systems, National
Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San
Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ranjan Ramachandra
- Department of Neurosciences, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United
States
- Center for Research in Biological Systems, National
Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San
Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Stephen Adams
- Department of Pharmacology, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla California 92093, United
States
| | - Mark H. Ellisman
- Department of Neurosciences, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United
States
- Center for Research in Biological Systems, National
Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San
Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Thomas S. Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United
States
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare
System, San Diego, California 92161, United
States
| | - Daniela Boassa
- Department of Neurosciences, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United
States
- Center for Research in Biological Systems, National
Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San
Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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Altered baseline and amphetamine-mediated behavioral profiles in dopamine transporter Cre (DAT-Ires-Cre) mice compared to tyrosine hydroxylase Cre (TH-Cre) mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3553-3568. [PMID: 32778904 PMCID: PMC10120402 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05635-4] [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: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Transgenic mouse lines expressing Cre-recombinase under the regulation of either dopamine transporter (DAT) or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoters are commonly used to study the dopamine (DA) system. While use of the TH promoter appears to have less liability to changes in native gene expression, transgene insertion in the DAT locus results in reduced DAT expression and function. This confound is sometimes overlooked in genetically targeted behavioral experiments. OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the suitability of DAT-Ires-Cre and TH-Cre transgenic lines for behavioral pharmacology experiments with DA agonists. We hypothesized that DAT-Ires-Cre expression would impact DAT-mediated behaviors, but no impact of TH-Cre expression would be observed. METHODS DAT-Ires-Cre and TH-Cre mice bred on mixed 129S6/C57BL/6 and pure C57BL/6 backgrounds were evaluated for novelty-induced, baseline, and amphetamine (AMPH)-induced locomotion, and for AMPH and D1 agonist (SKF-38393)-induced preservative behaviors. RESULTS DAT-Ires-Cre mice on both mixed 129S6/C57BL/6 and pure C57BL/6 backgrounds displayed increased novelty-induced activity and decreased AMPH-induced locomotion, with mixed results for AMPH-induced stereotypy. TH-Cre mice on both backgrounds showed typical baseline activity and AMPH-induced stereotypy, with a difference in AMPH-induced locomotion observed only on the mixed background. Both transgenic lines displayed unaltered SKF-38393-induced grooming behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the DAT-Ires-Cre transgenic line may lead to confounds for experiments that are dependent on DAT expression. The TH-Cre transgenic line studied here may be a more useful option, depending on background strain, because of its lack of baseline and drug-induced phenotypes. These data highlight the importance of appropriate controls in studies employing transgenic mice.
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Nuno-Perez A, Mameli M. In DA Club of Reinforcement: Glutamate, It's Your Birthday. Neuron 2020; 107:765-767. [PMID: 32910888 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine release guides reward encoding, but the contribution of glutamate remains unclear. In this issue of Neuron, Zell et al. leverage the genetic ablation of dopamine synthesis from midbrain VGluT2 neurons to assess how glutamate shapes positive reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Nuno-Perez
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mameli
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; Inserm, UMR-S 839, 75005 Paris, France.
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Kouwenhoven WM, Fortin G, Penttinen AM, Florence C, Delignat-Lavaud B, Bourque MJ, Trimbuch T, Luppi MP, Salvail-Lacoste A, Legault P, Poulin JF, Rosenmund C, Awatramani R, Trudeau LÉ. VGluT2 Expression in Dopamine Neurons Contributes to Postlesional Striatal Reinnervation. J Neurosci 2020; 40:8262-8275. [PMID: 32928885 PMCID: PMC7577590 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0823-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A subset of adult ventral tegmental area dopamine (DA) neurons expresses vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2) and releases glutamate as a second neurotransmitter in the striatum, while only few adult substantia nigra DA neurons have this capacity. Recent work showed that cellular stress created by neurotoxins such as MPTP and 6-hydroxydopamine can upregulate VGluT2 in surviving DA neurons, suggesting the possibility of a role in cell survival, although a high level of overexpression could be toxic to DA neurons. Here we examined the level of VGluT2 upregulation in response to neurotoxins and its impact on postlesional plasticity. We first took advantage of an in vitro neurotoxin model of Parkinson's disease and found that this caused an average 2.5-fold enhancement of Vglut2 mRNA in DA neurons. This could represent a reactivation of a developmental phenotype because using an intersectional genetic lineage-mapping approach, we find that >98% of DA neurons have a VGluT2+ lineage. Expression of VGluT2 was detectable in most DA neurons at embryonic day 11.5 and was localized in developing axons. Finally, compatible with the possibility that enhanced VGluT2 expression in DA neurons promotes axonal outgrowth and reinnervation in the postlesional brain, we observed that DA neurons in female and male mice in which VGluT2 was conditionally removed established fewer striatal connections 7 weeks after a neurotoxin lesion. Thus, we propose here that the developmental expression of VGluT2 in DA neurons can be reactivated at postnatal stages, contributing to postlesional plasticity of dopaminergic axons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT A small subset of dopamine neurons in the adult, healthy brain expresses vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2) and thus releases glutamate as a second neurotransmitter in the striatum. This neurochemical phenotype appears to be plastic as exposure to neurotoxins, such as 6-OHDA or MPTP, that model certain aspects of Parkinson's disease pathophysiology, boosts VGluT2 expression in surviving dopamine neurons. Here we show that this enhanced VGluT2 expression in dopamine neurons drives axonal outgrowth and contributes to dopamine neuron axonal plasticity in the postlesional brain. A better understanding of the neurochemical changes that occur during the progression of Parkinson's disease pathology will aid the development of novel therapeutic strategies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemieke M Kouwenhoven
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Guillaume Fortin
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Anna-Maija Penttinen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Clélia Florence
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Benoît Delignat-Lavaud
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Bourque
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Thorsten Trimbuch
- Institut für Neurophysiologie, Charite Universitaetsmedizin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Milagros Pereira Luppi
- Department of Neurology and the Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Alix Salvail-Lacoste
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Pascale Legault
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jean-François Poulin
- Department of Neurology and the Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Christian Rosenmund
- Institut für Neurophysiologie, Charite Universitaetsmedizin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Raj Awatramani
- Department of Neurology and the Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Louis-Éric Trudeau
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
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Fougère M, van der Zouwen CI, Boutin J, Ryczko D. Heterogeneous expression of dopaminergic markers and Vglut2 in mouse mesodiencephalic dopaminergic nuclei A8-A13. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:1273-1292. [PMID: 32869307 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Co-transmission of glutamate by brain dopaminergic (DA) neurons was recently proposed as a potential factor influencing cell survival in models of Parkinson's disease. Intriguingly, brain DA nuclei are differentially affected in Parkinson's disease. Whether this is associated with different patterns of co-expression of the glutamatergic phenotype along the rostrocaudal brain axis is unknown in mammals. We hypothesized that, as in zebrafish, the glutamatergic phenotype is present preferentially in the caudal mesodiencephalic DA nuclei. Here, we used in mice a cell fate mapping strategy based on reporter protein expression (ZsGreen) consecutive to previous expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) gene, coupled with immunofluorescence experiments against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or dopamine transporter (DAT). We found three expression patterns in DA cells, organized along the rostrocaudal brain axis. The first pattern (TH-positive, DAT-positive, ZsGreen-positive) was found in A8-A10. The second pattern (TH-positive, DAT-negative, ZsGreen-positive) was found in A11. The third pattern (TH-positive, DAT-negative, ZsGreen-negative) was found in A12-A13. These patterns should help to refine the establishment of the homology of DA nuclei between vertebrate species. Our results also uncover that Vglut2 is expressed at some point during cell lifetime in DA nuclei known to degenerate in Parkinson's disease and largely absent from those that are preserved, suggesting that co-expression of the glutamatergic phenotype in DA cells influences their survival in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Fougère
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de La Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cornelis Immanuel van der Zouwen
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de La Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joël Boutin
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de La Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dimitri Ryczko
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de La Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Centre d'Excellence en Neurosciences de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Di Miceli M, Husson Z, Ruel P, Layé S, Cota D, Fioramonti X, Bosch-Bouju C, Gronier B. In silico Hierarchical Clustering of Neuronal Populations in the Rat Ventral Tegmental Area Based on Extracellular Electrophysiological Properties. Front Neural Circuits 2020; 14:51. [PMID: 32903825 PMCID: PMC7438989 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2020.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a heterogeneous brain region, containing different neuronal populations. During in vivo recordings, electrophysiological characteristics are classically used to distinguish the different populations. However, the VTA is also considered as a region harboring neurons with heterogeneous properties. In the present study, we aimed to classify VTA neurons using in silico approaches, in an attempt to determine if homogeneous populations could be extracted. Thus, we recorded 291 VTA neurons during in vivo extracellular recordings in anesthetized rats. Initially, 22 neurons with high firing rates (>10 Hz) and short-lasting action potentials (AP) were considered as a separate subpopulation, in light of previous studies. To segregate the remaining 269 neurons, presumably dopaminergic (DA), we performed in silico analyses, using a combination of different electrophysiological parameters. These parameters included: (1) firing rate; (2) firing rate coefficient of variation (CV); (3) percentage of spikes in a burst; (4) AP duration; (5) Δt1 duration (i.e., time from initiation of depolarization until end of repolarization); and (6) presence of a notched AP waveform. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering revealed two neuronal populations that differed in their bursting activities. The largest population presented low bursting activities (<17.5% of total spikes in burst), while the remaining neurons presented higher bursting activities (>17.5%). Within non-high-firing neurons, a large heterogeneity was noted concerning AP characteristics. In conclusion, this analysis based on conventional electrophysiological criteria clustered two subpopulations of putative DA VTA neurons that are distinguishable by their firing patterns (firing rates and bursting activities) but not their AP properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Di Miceli
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience Research Group, Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Laboratoire NutriNeuro, UMR INRAE 1286, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Zoé Husson
- Laboratoire NutriNeuro, UMR INRAE 1286, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Ruel
- Département de Mathématiques, Lycée Joffre, Académie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sophie Layé
- Laboratoire NutriNeuro, UMR INRAE 1286, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniela Cota
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Xavier Fioramonti
- Laboratoire NutriNeuro, UMR INRAE 1286, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Benjamin Gronier
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience Research Group, Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
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48
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Zell V, Steinkellner T, Hollon NG, Warlow SM, Souter E, Faget L, Hunker AC, Jin X, Zweifel LS, Hnasko TS. VTA Glutamate Neuron Activity Drives Positive Reinforcement Absent Dopamine Co-release. Neuron 2020; 107:864-873.e4. [PMID: 32610039 PMCID: PMC7780844 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Like ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons, VTA glutamate neuron activity can support positive reinforcement. However, a subset of VTA neurons co-release DA and glutamate, and DA release might be responsible for behavioral reinforcement induced by VTA glutamate neuron activity. To test this, we used optogenetics to stimulate VTA glutamate neurons in which tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and thus DA biosynthesis, was conditionally ablated using either floxed Th mice or viral-based CRISPR/Cas9. Both approaches led to loss of TH expression in VTA glutamate neurons and loss of DA release from their distal terminals in nucleus accumbens (NAc). Despite loss of the DA signal, optogenetic activation of VTA glutamate cell bodies or axon terminals in NAc was sufficient to support reinforcement. These results suggest that glutamate release from VTA is sufficient to promote reinforcement independent of concomitant DA co-release, establishing a non-DA mechanism by which VTA activity can support reward-seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Zell
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Thomas Steinkellner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nick G Hollon
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Shelley M Warlow
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Elizabeth Souter
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lauren Faget
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Avery C Hunker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Xin Jin
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Thomas S Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Research Service VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
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49
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Buck SA, Torregrossa MM, Logan RW, Freyberg Z. Roles of dopamine and glutamate co-release in the nucleus accumbens in mediating the actions of drugs of abuse. FEBS J 2020; 288:1462-1474. [PMID: 32702182 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Projections of ventral tegmental area dopamine (DA) neurons to the medial shell of the nucleus accumbens have been increasingly implicated as integral to the behavioral and physiological changes involved in the development of substance use disorders (SUDs). Recently, many of these nucleus accumbens-projecting DA neurons were found to also release the neurotransmitter glutamate. This glutamate co-release from DA neurons is critical in mediating the effect of drugs of abuse on addiction-related behaviors. Potential mechanisms underlying the role(s) of dopamine/glutamate co-release in contributing to SUDs are unclear. Nevertheless, an important clue may relate to glutamate's ability to potentiate loading of DA into synaptic vesicles within terminals in the nucleus accumbens in response to drug-induced elevations in neuronal activity, enabling a more robust release of DA after stimulation. Here, we summarize how drugs of abuse, particularly cocaine, opioids, and alcohol, alter DA release in the nucleus accumbens medial shell, examine the potential role of DA/glutamate co-release in mediating these effects, and discuss future directions for further investigating these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas A Buck
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ryan W Logan
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Center for Systems Neurogenetics of Addiction, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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50
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Vandegrift BJ, Hilderbrand ER, Satta R, Tai R, He D, You C, Chen H, Xu P, Coles C, Brodie MS, Lasek AW. Estrogen Receptor α Regulates Ethanol Excitation of Ventral Tegmental Area Neurons and Binge Drinking in Female Mice. J Neurosci 2020; 40:5196-5207. [PMID: 32482639 PMCID: PMC7329299 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2364-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevations in estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) are associated with increased alcohol drinking by women and experimentally in rodents. E2 alters the activity of the dopamine system, including the VTA and its projection targets, which plays an important role in binge drinking. A previous study demonstrated that, during high E2 states, VTA neurons in female mice are more sensitive to ethanol excitation. However, the mechanisms responsible for the ability of E2 to enhance ethanol sensitivity of VTA neurons have not been investigated. In this study, we used selective agonists and antagonists to examine the role of ER subtypes (ERα and ERβ) in regulating the ethanol sensitivity of VTA neurons in female mice and found that ERα promotes the enhanced ethanol response of VTA neurons. We also demonstrated that enhancement of ethanol excitation requires the activity of the metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGluR1, which is known to couple with ERα at the plasma membrane. To investigate the behavioral relevance of these findings, we administered lentivirus-expressing short hairpin RNAs targeting either ERα or ERβ into the VTA and found that knockdown of each receptor in the VTA reduced binge-like ethanol drinking in female, but not male, mice. Reducing ERα in the VTA had a more dramatic effect on binge-like drinking than reducing ERβ, consistent with the ability of ERα to alter ethanol sensitivity of VTA neurons. These results provide important insight into sex-specific mechanisms that drive excessive alcohol drinking.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Estrogen has potent effects on the dopamine system and increases the vulnerability of females to develop addiction to substances, such as alcohol. We investigated the mechanisms by which estrogen increases the response of neurons in the VTA to ethanol. We found that activation of the ERα increased the ethanol-induced excitation of VTA neurons. 17β-Estradiol-mediated enhancement of ethanol-induced excitation required the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR1. We also demonstrated that ERs in the VTA regulate binge-like alcohol drinking by female, but not male, mice. The influence of ERs on binge drinking in female mice suggests that treatments for alcohol use disorder in women may need to account for this sex difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha J Vandegrift
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics
| | | | - Rosalba Satta
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
| | - Rex Tai
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
| | - Donghong He
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
| | - Chang You
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics
| | - Hu Chen
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
| | - Pingwen Xu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Cassandre Coles
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
| | - Mark S Brodie
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
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