Chemogenetic Manipulations of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons Reveal Multifaceted Roles in Cocaine Abuse.

ABSTRACT: Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons perform diverse functions in motivation and cognition, but their precise roles in addiction-related behaviors are still debated. Here, we targeted VTA DA neurons for bidirectional chemogenetic modulation during specific tests of cocaine reinforcement, demand, and relapse-related behaviors in male rats, querying the roles of DA neuron inhibitory and excitatory G-protein signaling in these processes. Designer receptor stimulation of G_q signaling, but not G_s signaling, in DA neurons enhanced cocaine seeking via functionally distinct projections to forebrain limbic regions. In contrast, engaging inhibitory G_i/o signaling in DA neurons blunted the reinforcing and priming effects of cocaine, reduced stress-potent

SUBMITTER: Mahler SV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6335749 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature