Midbrain Dopamine Neurons Defined by TrpV1 Modulate Psychomotor Behavior.

ABSTRACT: Dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) continue to gain attention as far more heterogeneous than previously realized. Within the medial aspect of the VTA, the unexpected presence of TrpV1 mRNA has been identified. TrpV1 encodes the Transient Receptor Potential cation channel subfamily V member 1, TRPV1, also known as the capsaicin receptor, well recognized for its role in heat and pain processing by peripheral neurons. In contrast, the brain distribution of TrpV1 has been debated. Here, we hypothesized that the TrpV1⁺ identity defines a distinct subpopulation of VTA DA neurons. To explore these brain TrpV1⁺ neurons, histological analyses and Cre-driven mouse genetics were employed. TrpV1 mRNA was most strongly detected at the perinatal stage forming

SUBMITTER: Serra GP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8632262 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature