Deficiency of orexin receptor type 1 in dopaminergic neurons increases novelty-induced locomotion and exploration.

ABSTRACT: Orexin signaling in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra promotes locomotion and reward processing, but it is not clear whether dopaminergic neurons directly mediate these effects. We show that dopaminergic neurons in these areas mainly express orexin receptor subtype 1 (Ox1R). In contrast, only a minor population in the medial ventral tegmental area express orexin receptor subtype 2 (Ox2R). To analyze the functional role of Ox1R signaling in dopaminergic neurons, we deleted Ox1R specifically in dopamine transporter-expressing neurons of mice and investigated the functional consequences. Deletion of Ox1R increased locomotor activity and exploration during exposure to novel environments or when intracerebroventricularely injected with orexin A. Spontaneous activity in home cages,

SUBMITTER: Xiao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11753781 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature