Nucleus accumbens D2-expressing neurons: Balancing reward and licking disruption through rhythmic optogenetic stimulation.

ABSTRACT: Nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine D1 receptor-expressing neurons are known to be critical for processing reward and regulating food intake. However, the role of D2-expressing neurons in this nucleus remains less understood. This study employed optogenetic manipulations to investigate the role of NAc D2-expressing neurons in reward processing and sucrose consumption. Optogenetic activation of these neurons decreased sucrose preference (at 20 Hz), disrupted licking patterns (particularly at 8 and 20 Hz), and increased self-stimulation. Conversely, synchronizing stimulation with the animal licking rhythm mitigated licking disruption and even increased sucrose intake, suggesting a rewarding effect. Furthermore, 20 Hz stimulation (but not 8 Hz) induced place preference in a real-time place prefe

SUBMITTER: Requejo-Mendoza N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11805367 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature