Activation of a hypothalamus-habenula circuit by mechanical stimulation inhibits cocaine addiction-like behaviors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mechanoreceptor activation modulates GABA neuron firing and dopamine (DA) release in the mesolimbic DA system, an area implicated in reward and substance abuse. The lateral habenula (LHb), the lateral hypothalamus (LH), and the mesolimbic DA system are not only reciprocally connected, but also involved in drug reward. We explored the effects of mechanical stimulation (MS) on cocaine addiction-like behaviors and the role of the LH-LHb circuit in the MS effects. MS was performed over ulnar nerve and the effects were evaluated by using drug seeking behaviors, optogenetics, chemogenetics, electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Mechanical stimulation attenuated locomotor activity in a nerve-dependent manner and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and DA

SUBMITTER: Jang HB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10190066 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature