Midbrain Dopamine Controls Anxiety-like Behavior by Engaging Unique Interpeduncular Nucleus Microcircuitry.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dopamine (DA) is hypothesized to modulate anxiety-like behavior, although the precise role of DA in anxiety behaviors and the complete anxiety network in the brain have yet to be elucidated. Recent data indicate that dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) innervate the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), but how the IPN responds to DA and what role this circuit plays in anxiety-like behavior are unknown.

Methods

We expressed a genetically encoded G protein-coupled receptor activation-based DA sensor in mouse midbrain to detect DA in IPN slices using fluorescence imaging combined with pharmacology. Next, we selectively inhibited or activated VTA→IPN DAergic inputs via optogenetics during anxiety-like behavior. We used a biophysical approach to ch

SUBMITTER: DeGroot SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8043246 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature