A discrete serotonergic circuit regulates vulnerability to social stress.

ABSTRACT: Exposure to social stress and dysregulated serotonergic neurotransmission have both been implicated in the etiology of psychiatric disorders. However, the serotonergic circuit involved in stress vulnerability is still unknown. Here, we explored whether a serotonergic input from the dorsal raphe (DR) to ventral tegmental area (VTA) influences vulnerability to social stress. We identified a distinct, anatomically and functionally defined serotonergic subpopulation in the DR that projects to the VTA (5-HT^DR→VTA neurons). Moreover, we found that susceptibility to social stress decreased the firing activity of 5-HT^DR→VTA neurons. Importantly, the bidirectional manipulation of 5-HT^DR→VTA neurons could modulate susceptibility to social stress. Our findings reveal

SUBMITTER: Zou WJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7445164 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature