High-Frequency Activation of Nucleus Accumbens D1-MSNs Drives Excitatory Potentiation on D2-MSNs.

ABSTRACT: Subtypes of nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons (MSNs) promote dichotomous outcomes in motivated behaviors. However, recent reports indicate enhancing activity of either nucleus accumbens (NAc) core MSN subtype augments reward, suggesting coincident MSN activity may underlie this outcome. Here, we report a collateral excitation mechanism in which high-frequency, NAc core dopamine 1 (D1)-MSN activation causes long-lasting potentiation of excitatory transmission (LLP) on dopamine receptor 2 (D2)-MSNs. Our mechanistic investigation demonstrates that this form of plasticity requires release of the excitatory peptide substance P from D1-MSNs and robust cholinergic interneuron activation through neurokinin receptor stimulation. We also reveal that D2-MSN LLP requires muscarinic 1 receptor act

SUBMITTER: Francis TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6712577 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature