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Hazlett MF, Hall VL, Patel E, Halvorsen A, Calakos N, West AE. The Perineuronal Net Protein Brevican Acts in Nucleus Accumbens Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons of Adult Mice to Regulate Excitatory Synaptic Inputs and Motivated Behaviors. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)00080-5. [PMID: 38346480 PMCID: PMC11315813 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experience-dependent functional adaptation of nucleus accumbens (NAc) circuitry underlies the development and expression of reward-motivated behaviors. Parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) interneurons (PVINs) within the NAc are required for this process. Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are extracellular matrix structures enriched around PVINs that arise during development and have been proposed to mediate brain circuit stability. However, their function in the adult NAc is largely unknown. Here, we studied the developmental emergence and adult regulation of PNNs in the NAc of male and female mice and examined the cellular and behavioral consequences of reducing the PNN component brevican in NAc PVINs. METHODS We characterized the expression of PNN components in mouse NAc using immunofluorescence and RNA in situ hybridization. We lowered brevican in NAc PVINs of adult mice using an intersectional viral and genetic method and quantified the effects on synaptic inputs to NAc PVINs and reward-motivated learning. RESULTS PNNs around NAc PVINs were developmentally regulated and appeared during adolescence. In the adult NAc, PVIN PNNs were also dynamically regulated by cocaine. Transcription of the gene that encodes brevican was regulated in a cell type- and isoform-specific manner in the NAc, with the membrane-tethered form of brevican being highly enriched in PVINs. Lowering brevican in NAc PVINs of adult mice decreased their excitatory inputs and enhanced both short-term novel object recognition and cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. CONCLUSIONS Regulation of brevican in NAc PVINs of adult mice modulates their excitatory synaptic drive and sets experience thresholds for the development of motivated behaviors driven by rewarding stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah F Hazlett
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Victoria L Hall
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Esha Patel
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Aaron Halvorsen
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Nicole Calakos
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anne E West
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
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Warlow SM, Singhal SM, Hollon NG, Faget L, Dowlat DS, Zell V, Hunker AC, Zweifel LS, Hnasko TS. Mesoaccumbal glutamate neurons drive reward via glutamate release but aversion via dopamine co-release. Neuron 2024; 112:488-499.e5. [PMID: 38086374 PMCID: PMC10922836 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Ventral tegmental area (VTA) projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) drive reward-related motivation. Although dopamine neurons are predominant, a substantial glutamatergic projection is also present, and a subset of these co-release both dopamine and glutamate. Optogenetic stimulation of VTA glutamate neurons not only supports self-stimulation but can also induce avoidance behavior, even in the same assay. Here, we parsed the selective contribution of glutamate or dopamine co-release from VTA glutamate neurons to reinforcement and avoidance. We expressed channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in mouse VTA glutamate neurons in combination with CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt either the gene encoding vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) or tyrosine hydroxylase (Th). Selective disruption of VGLUT2 abolished optogenetic self-stimulation but left real-time place avoidance intact, whereas CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of Th preserved self-stimulation but abolished place avoidance. Our results demonstrate that glutamate release from VTA glutamate neurons is positively reinforcing but that dopamine release from VTA glutamate neurons can induce avoidance behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley M Warlow
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sarthak M Singhal
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nick G Hollon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Faget
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dina S Dowlat
- 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
| | - Avery C Hunker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas S Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Won W, Kim D, Shin E, Lee CJ. Mapping Astrocytic and Neuronal μ-opioid Receptor Expression in Various Brain Regions Using MOR-mCherry Reporter Mouse. Exp Neurobiol 2023; 32:395-409. [PMID: 38196135 PMCID: PMC10789176 DOI: 10.5607/en23039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor (MOR) is a class of opioid receptors characterized by a high affinity for β-endorphin and morphine. MOR is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a role in reward and analgesic effects. While expression of MOR has been well established in neurons and microglia, astrocytic MOR expression has been less clear. Recently, we have reported that MOR is expressed in hippocampal astrocytes, and its activation has a critical role in the establishment of conditioned place preference. Despite this critical role, the expression and function of astrocytic MOR from other brain regions are still unknown. Here, we report that MOR is significantly expressed in astrocytes and GABAergic neurons from various brain regions including the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, periaqueductal gray, amygdala, and arcuate nucleus. Using the MOR-mCherry reporter mice and Imaris analysis, we demonstrate that astrocytic MOR expression exceeded 60% in all tested regions. Also, we observed similar MOR expression of GABAergic neurons as shown in the previous distribution studies and it is noteworthy that MOR expression is particularly in parvalbumin (PV)-positive neurons. Furthermore, consistent with the normal MOR function observed in the MOR-mCherry mouse, our study also demonstrates intact MOR functionality in astrocytes through iGluSnFr-mediated glutamate imaging. Finally, we show the sex-difference in the expression pattern of MOR in PV-positive neurons, but not in the GABAergic neurons and astrocytes. Taken together, our findings highlight a substantial astrocytic MOR presence across various brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woojin Won
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Korea
| | - Daeun Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Eunjin Shin
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Korea
| | - C. Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Korea
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Jendryka MM, Lewin U, van der Veen B, Kapanaiah SKT, Prex V, Strahnen D, Akam T, Liss B, Pekcec A, Nissen W, Kätzel D. Control of sustained attention and impulsivity by G q-protein signalling in parvalbumin interneurons of the anterior cingulate cortex. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:243. [PMID: 37407615 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02541-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been implicated in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). More specifically, an appropriate balance of excitatory and inhibitory activity in the ACC may be critical for the control of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sustained attention which are centrally affected in ADHD. Hence, pharmacological augmentation of parvalbumin- (PV) or somatostatin-positive (Sst) inhibitory ACC interneurons could be a potential treatment strategy. We, therefore, tested whether stimulation of Gq-protein-coupled receptors (GqPCRs) in these interneurons could improve attention or impulsivity assessed with the 5-choice-serial reaction-time task in male mice. When challenging impulse control behaviourally or pharmacologically, activation of the chemogenetic GqPCR hM3Dq in ACC PV-cells caused a selective decrease of active erroneous-i.e. incorrect and premature-responses, indicating improved attentional and impulse control. When challenging attention, in contrast, omissions were increased, albeit without extension of reward latencies or decreases of attentional accuracy. These effects largely resembled those of the ADHD medication atomoxetine. Additionally, they were mostly independent of each other within individual animals. GqPCR activation in ACC PV-cells also reduced hyperactivity. In contrast, if hM3Dq was activated in Sst-interneurons, no improvement of impulse control was observed, and a reduction of incorrect responses was only induced at high agonist levels and accompanied by reduced motivational drive. These results suggest that the activation of GqPCRs expressed specifically in PV-cells of the ACC may be a viable strategy to improve certain aspects of sustained attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin M Jendryka
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Div. Research Germany, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Uwe Lewin
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Vivien Prex
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Strahnen
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Akam
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Birgit Liss
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Linacre College and New College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anton Pekcec
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Div. Research Germany, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Wiebke Nissen
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Div. Research Germany, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Dennis Kätzel
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
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5
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Li Y, Zhang B, Pan X, Wang Y, Xu X, Wang R, Liu Z. Dopamine-Mediated Major Depressive Disorder in the Neural Circuit of Ventral Tegmental Area-Nucleus Accumbens-Medial Prefrontal Cortex: From Biological Evidence to Computational Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:923039. [PMID: 35966208 PMCID: PMC9373714 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.923039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious psychiatric disorder, with an increasing incidence in recent years. The abnormal dopaminergic pathways of the midbrain cortical and limbic system are the key pathological regions of MDD, particularly the ventral tegmental area- nucleus accumbens- medial prefrontal cortex (VTA-NAc-mPFC) neural circuit. MDD usually occurs with the dysfunction of dopaminergic neurons in VTA, which decreases the dopamine concentration and metabolic rate in NAc/mPFC brain regions. However, it has not been fully explained how abnormal dopamine concentration levels affect this neural circuit dynamically through the modulations of ion channels and synaptic activities. We used Hodgkin-Huxley and dynamical receptor binding model to establish this network, which can quantitatively explain neural activity patterns observed in MDD with different dopamine concentrations by changing the kinetics of some ion channels. The simulation replicated some important pathological patterns of MDD at the level of neurons and circuits with low dopamine concentration, such as the decreased action potential frequency in pyramidal neurons of mPFC with significantly reduced burst firing frequency. The calculation results also revealed that NaP and KS channels of mPFC pyramidal neurons played key roles in the functional regulation of this neural circuit. In addition, we analyzed the synaptic currents and local field potentials to explain the mechanism of MDD from the perspective of dysfunction of excitation-inhibition balance, especially the disinhibition effect in the network. The significance of this article is that we built the first computational model to illuminate the effect of dopamine concentrations for the NAc-mPFC-VTA circuit between MDD and normal groups, which can be used to quantitatively explain the results of existing physiological experiments, predict the results for unperformed experiments and screen possible drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxi Li
- Institute for Cognitive Neurodynamics, School of Mathematics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochuan Pan
- Institute for Cognitive Neurodynamics, School of Mathematics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihong Wang
- Institute for Cognitive Neurodynamics, School of Mathematics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuying Xu
- Institute for Cognitive Neurodynamics, School of Mathematics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Rubin Wang
- Institute for Cognitive Neurodynamics, School of Mathematics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Rubin Wang, ;
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Anesthesia and Brain Function Research Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Zhiqiang Liu,
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6
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Siemsen BM, Barry SM, Vollmer KM, Green LM, Brock AG, Westphal AM, King RA, DeVries DM, Otis JM, Cowan CW, Scofield MD. A Subset of Nucleus Accumbens Neurons Receiving Dense and Functional Prelimbic Cortical Input Are Required for Cocaine Seeking. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:844243. [PMID: 35281297 PMCID: PMC8907444 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.844243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prelimbic cortical projections to the nucleus accumbens core are critical for cue-induced cocaine seeking, but the identity of the accumbens neuron(s) targeted by this projection, and the transient neuroadaptations contributing to relapse within these cells, remain unknown. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent cocaine or sucrose self-administration, extinction, and cue-induced reinstatement. Pathway-specific chemogenetics, patch-clamp electrophysiology, in vivo electrochemistry, and high-resolution confocal microscopy were used to identify and characterize a small population of nucleus accumbens core neurons that receive dense prelimbic cortical input to determine their role in regulating cue-induced cocaine and natural reward seeking. Results Chemogenetic inhibition of prelimbic cortical projections to the nucleus accumbens core suppressed cue-induced cocaine relapse and normalized real-time cue-evoked increases in accumbens glutamate release to that of sucrose seeking animals. Furthermore, chemogenetic inhibition of the population of nucleus accumbens core neurons receiving the densest prelimbic cortical input suppressed cocaine, but not sucrose seeking. These neurons also underwent morphological plasticity during the peak of cocaine seeking in the form of dendritic spine expansion and increased ensheathment by astroglial processes at large spines. Conclusion We identified and characterized a unique subpopulation of nucleus accumbens neurons that receive dense prelimbic cortical input. The functional specificity of this subpopulation is underscored by their ability to mediate cue-induced cocaine relapse, but not sucrose seeking. This subset of cells represents a novel target for addiction therapeutics revealed by anterograde targeting to interrogate functional circuits imbedded within a known network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M. Siemsen
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Sarah M. Barry
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Kelsey M. Vollmer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Lisa M. Green
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Ashley G. Brock
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Annaka M. Westphal
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Raven A. King
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Derek M. DeVries
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - James M. Otis
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Christopher W. Cowan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Michael D. Scofield
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael D. Scofield,
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Toddes C, Lefevre EM, Brandner DD, Zugschwert L, Rothwell PE. μ-Opioid Receptor (Oprm1) Copy Number Influences Nucleus Accumbens Microcircuitry and Reciprocal Social Behaviors. J Neurosci 2021; 41:7965-7977. [PMID: 34301826 PMCID: PMC8460143 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2440-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor regulates reward derived from both drug use and natural experiences, including social interaction, through actions in the nucleus accumbens. Here, we studied nucleus accumbens microcircuitry and social behavior in male and female mice with heterozygous genetic knockout of the μ-opioid receptor (Oprm1+/-). This genetic condition models the partial reduction of μ-opioid receptor signaling reported in several neuropsychiatric disorders. We first analyzed inhibitory synapses in the nucleus accumbens, using methods that differentiate between medium spiny neurons (MSNs) expressing the D1 or D2 dopamine receptor. Inhibitory synaptic transmission was increased in D2-MSNs of male mutants, but not female mutants, while the expression of gephyrin mRNA and the density of inhibitory synaptic puncta at the cell body of D2-MSNs was increased in mutants of both sexes. Some of these changes were more robust in Oprm1+/- mutants than Oprm1-/- mutants, demonstrating that partial reductions of μ-opioid signaling can have large effects. At the behavioral level, social conditioned place preference and reciprocal social interaction were diminished in Oprm1+/- and Oprm1-/- mutants of both sexes. Interaction with Oprm1 mutants also altered the social behavior of wild-type test partners. We corroborated this latter result using a social preference task, in which wild-type mice preferred interactions with another typical mouse over Oprm1 mutants. Surprisingly, Oprm1-/- mice preferred interactions with other Oprm1-/- mutants, although these interactions did not produce a conditioned place preference. Our results support a role for partial dysregulation of μ-opioid signaling in social deficits associated with neuropsychiatric conditions.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Activation of the μ-opioid receptor plays a key role in the expression of normal social behaviors. In this study, we examined brain function and social behavior of female and male mice, with either partial or complete genetic deletion of μ-opioid receptor expression. We observed abnormal social behavior following both genetic manipulations, as well as changes in the structure and function of synaptic input to a specific population of neurons in the nucleus accumbens, which is an important brain region for social behavior. Synaptic changes were most robust when μ-opioid receptor expression was only partially lost, indicating that small reductions in μ-opioid receptor signaling can have a large impact on brain function and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlee Toddes
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Emilia M Lefevre
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Dieter D Brandner
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Lauryn Zugschwert
- Neuroscience Program and Department of Biology, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
| | - Patrick E Rothwell
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
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8
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Covey DP, Yocky AG. Endocannabinoid Modulation of Nucleus Accumbens Microcircuitry and Terminal Dopamine Release. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:734975. [PMID: 34497503 PMCID: PMC8419321 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.734975] [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: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is located in the ventromedial portion of the striatum and is vital to valence-based predictions and motivated action. The neural architecture of the NAc allows for complex interactions between various cell types that filter incoming and outgoing information. Dopamine (DA) input serves a crucial role in modulating NAc function, but the mechanisms that control terminal DA release and its effect on NAc neurons continues to be elucidated. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has emerged as an important filter of neural circuitry within the NAc that locally shapes terminal DA release through various cell type- and site-specific actions. Here, we will discuss how eCB signaling modulates terminal DA release by shaping the activity patterns of NAc neurons and their afferent inputs. We then discuss recent technological advancements that are capable of dissecting how distinct cell types, their afferent projections, and local neuromodulators influence valence-based actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan P Covey
- Department of Neuroscience, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Alyssa G Yocky
- Department of Neuroscience, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Cai S, Tang AC, Luo TY, Yang SC, Yang H, Liu CX, Shu Y, Pan YC, Zhang Y, Zhou L, Yu T, Yu SY. Effect of basal forebrain somatostatin and parvalbumin neurons in propofol and isoflurane anesthesia. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:792-804. [PMID: 33764684 PMCID: PMC8193699 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The basal forebrain (BF) plays an essential role in wakefulness and cognition. Two subtypes of BF gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons, including somatostatin‐expressing (GABASOM) and parvalbumin‐positive (GABAParv) neurons, function differently in mediating the natural sleep–wake cycle. Since the loss of consciousness induced by general anesthesia and the natural sleep–wake cycle probably share similar mechanisms, it is important to clarify the accurate roles of these neurons in general anesthesia procedure. Methods Based on two transgenic mouse lines expressing SOM‐IRES‐Cre and PV‐IRES‐Cre, we used a combination of genetic activation, inactivation, and chronic ablation approaches to further explore the behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) roles of BFSOM and BFParv neurons in general anesthesia. After a single intravenous injection of propofol and the induction and recovery times of isoflurane anesthesia, the anesthesia time was compared. The changes in cortical EEG under different conditions were also compared. Results Activation of BF GABASOM neurons facilitates both the propofol and isoflurane anesthesia, manifesting as a longer anesthesia duration time with propofol anesthesia and a fast induction time and longer recovery time with isoflurane anesthesia. Moreover, BF GABASOM‐activated mice displayed a greater suppression of cortical electrical activity during anesthesia, showing an increase in δ power bands or a simultaneous decrease in high‐frequency power bands. However, only a limited and nuanced effect on propofol and isoflurane anesthesia was observed with the manipulated BF GABAParv neurons. Conclusions Our results suggested that BF GABASOM neurons play a critical role in propofol and isoflurane general anesthesia, while BF GABAParv neurons appeared to have little effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Cai
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ai-Chen Tang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Tian-Yuan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Shao-Cheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Huanhuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Cheng-Xi Liu
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yue Shu
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yun-Chao Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Tian Yu
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Shou-Yang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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10
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Wang Y, Liu Z, Cai L, Guo R, Dong Y, Huang YH. A Critical Role of Basolateral Amygdala-to-Nucleus Accumbens Projection in Sleep Regulation of Reward Seeking. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 87:954-966. [PMID: 31924324 PMCID: PMC7210061 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep impacts reward-motivated behaviors partly by retuning the brain reward circuits. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a reward processing hub sensitive to acute sleep deprivation. Glutamatergic transmission carrying reward-associated signals converges in the NAc and regulates various aspects of reward-motivated behaviors. The basolateral amygdala projection (BLAp) innervates broad regions of the NAc and critically regulates reward seeking. METHODS Using slice electrophysiology, we measured how acute sleep deprivation alters transmission at BLAp-NAc synapses in male C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, using SSFO (stabilized step function opsin) and DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) (Gi) to amplify and reduce transmission, respectively, we tested behavioral consequences following bidirectional manipulations of BLAp-NAc transmission. RESULTS Acute sleep deprivation increased sucrose self-administration in mice and altered the BLAp-NAc transmission in a topographically specific manner. It selectively reduced glutamate release at the rostral BLAp (rBLAp) onto ventral and lateral NAc (vlNAc) synapses, but spared caudal BLAp onto medial NAc synapses. Furthermore, experimentally facilitating glutamate release at rBLAp-vlNAc synapses suppressed sucrose reward seeking. Conversely, mimicking sleep deprivation-induced reduction of rBLAp-vlNAc transmission increased sucrose reward seeking. Finally, facilitating rBLAp-vlNAc transmission per se did not promote either approach motivation or aversion. CONCLUSIONS Sleep acts on rBLAp-vINAc transmission gain control to regulate established reward seeking but does not convey approach motivation or aversion on its own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Rong Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yanhua H. Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Arid1b haploinsufficiency in parvalbumin- or somatostatin-expressing interneurons leads to distinct ASD-like and ID-like behavior. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7834. [PMID: 32398858 PMCID: PMC7217886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory interneurons are essential for proper brain development and function. Dysfunction of interneurons is implicated in several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). We have previously shown that Arid1b haploinsufficiency interferes with interneuron development and leads to social, cognitive, and emotional impairments consistent with ASD and ID. It is unclear, however, whether interneurons play a major role for the behavioral deficits in Arid1b haploinsufficiency. Furthermore, it is critical to determine which interneuron subtypes contribute to distinct behavioral phenotypes. In the present study, we generated Arid1b haploinsufficient mice in which a copy of the Arid1b gene is deleted in either parvalbumin (PV) or somatostatin (SST) interneurons, and examined their ASD- and ID-like behaviors. We found that Arid1b haploinsufficiency in PV or SST interneurons resulted in distinct features that do not overlap with one another. Arid1b haploinsufficiency in PV neurons contributed to social and emotional impairments, while the gene deletion in the SST population caused stereotypies as well as learning and memory dysfunction. These findings demonstrate a critical role of interneurons in Arid1b haploinsufficient pathology and suggest that PV and SST interneurons may have distinct roles in modulating neurological phenotypes in Arid1b haploinsufficiency-induced ASD and ID.
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