Projection-specific Modulation of Dopamine Neuron Synapses by Aversive and Rewarding Stimuli

Overview

Journal Neuron

Publisher Cell Press

Specialty Neurology

Date 2011 Jun 11

PMID 21658580

Citations 434

Authors

Stephan Lammel

Daniela I Ion

Jochen Roeper

Robert C Malenka

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are not homogeneous but differ in their molecular properties and responses to external stimuli. We examined whether the modulation of excitatory synapses on DA neurons by rewarding or aversive stimuli depends on the brain area to which these DA neurons project. We identified DA neuron subpopulations in slices after injection of "Retrobeads" into single target areas of adult mice and found differences in basal synaptic properties. Administration of cocaine selectively modified excitatory synapses on DA cells projecting to nucleus accumbens (NAc) medial shell while an aversive stimulus selectively modified synapses on DA cells projecting to medial prefrontal cortex. In contrast, synapses on DA neurons projecting to NAc lateral shell were modified by both rewarding and aversive stimuli, which presumably reflects saliency. These results suggest that the mesocorticolimbic DA system may be comprised of three anatomically distinct circuits, each modified by distinct aspects of motivationally relevant stimuli.

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