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The Projection Targets of Medium Spiny Neurons Govern Cocaine-Evoked Synaptic Plasticity in the Nucleus Accumbens.

ABSTRACT: We examine synaptic connectivity and cocaine-evoked plasticity at specific networks within the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We identify distinct subpopulations of D1+ medium spiny neurons (MSNs) that project to either the ventral pallidum (D1+VP) or the ventral tegmental area (D1+VTA). We show that inputs from the ventral hippocampus (vHPC), but not the basolateral amygdala (BLA), are initially biased onto D1+VTA MSNs. However, repeated cocaine exposure eliminates the bias of vHPC inputs onto D1+VTA MSNs, while strengthening BLA inputs onto D1+VP MSNs. Our results reveal that connectivity and plasticity depend on the specific inputs and outputs of D1+ MSNs and highlight the complexity of cocaine-evoked circuit level adaptations in the NAc.

SUBMITTER: Baimel C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6733522 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The Projection Targets of Medium Spiny Neurons Govern Cocaine-Evoked Synaptic Plasticity in the Nucleus Accumbens.

Baimel Corey C McGarry Laura M LM Carter Adam G AG

Cell reports 20190801 9

We examine synaptic connectivity and cocaine-evoked plasticity at specific networks within the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We identify distinct subpopulations of D1+ medium spiny neurons (MSNs) that project to either the ventral pallidum (D1+VP) or the ventral tegmental area (D1+VTA). We show that inputs from the ventral hippocampus (vHPC), but not the basolateral amygdala (BLA), are initially biased onto D1+VTA MSNs. However, repeated cocaine exposure eliminates th ...[more]

PMID: 31461643

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2024-10-09 | GSE272823 | GEO

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