AKT signaling within the ventral tegmental area regulates cellular and behavioral responses to stressful stimuli.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The neurobiological mechanisms by which only a minority of stress-exposed individuals develop psychiatric diseases remain largely unknown. Recent evidence suggests that dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) play a key role in the manifestation of stress vulnerability.

Methods

Using a social defeat paradigm, we segregated susceptible mice (socially avoidant) from unsusceptible mice (socially interactive) and examined VTA punches for changes in neurotrophic signaling. Employing a series of viral vectors, we sought to causally implicate these neurotrophic changes in the development of avoidance behavior.

Results

Susceptibility to social defeat was associated with a significant reduction in levels of active/phosphorylated AKT (thymoma viral p

SUBMITTER: Krishnan V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2742561 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature