Dorsal raphe (DR) serotonin neurons provide a major input to the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Here, we show that DR serotonin transporter (SERT) neurons establish both asymmetric and symmetric synapses on VTA dopamine neurons, but most of these synapses are asymmetric. Moreover, the DR-SERT terminals making asymmetric synapses on VTA dopamine neurons coexpress vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGluT3; transporter for accumulation of glutamate for its synaptic release), suggesting the excitatory nature of these synapses. VTA photoactivation of DR-SERT fibers promotes conditioned place preference, elicits excitatory currents on mesoaccumbens dopamine neurons, increases their firing, and evokes dopamine release in nucleus accumbens. These effects are blocked by VTA inactivation of glutamate and serotonin receptors, supporting the idea of glutamate release in VTA from dual DR SERT-VGluT3 inputs. Our findings suggest a path-specific input from DR serotonergic neurons to VTA that promotes reward by the release of glutamate and activation of mesoaccumbens dopamine neurons.
Pubmed ID: 30699344 RIS Download
Publication data is provided by the National Library of Medicine ® and PubMed ®. Data is retrieved from PubMed ® on a weekly schedule. For terms and conditions see the National Library of Medicine Terms and Conditions.
Mus musculus with name C57BL/6J from IMSR.
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets Mouse IgG (H+L)
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets goat IgG
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets IgG (H+L)
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets Mouse IgG (H+L)
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets Guinea Pig IgG (H+L)
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets green fluorescent protein (YP_002302326)
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets Mouse IgG (H+L)
View all literature mentionsThis monoclonal targets Tyrosine Hydroxylase
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Fluorescent Gold?? (hydroxystibamidine)
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Guinea pig
View all literature mentionsThis monoclonal targets Tryptophan Hydroxylase
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets mouse HTT, 1-77 aa (AF013604)
View all literature mentionsThis monoclonal targets Synaptophysin
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets VGLUT 3
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets Biotin
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Tyrosine Hydroxylase
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets IgG
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets IgG
View all literature mentionsThis monoclonal targets mCherry
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets
View all literature mentionsAnalytics platform with various sub platforms, each with specific performance capabilities for tasks such as data analysis, data management, data visualization, and data mining procedures.
View all literature mentionsImaris provides range of capabilities for working with three dimensional images. Uses flexible editing and processing functions, such as interactive surface rendering and object slicing capabilities. And output to standard TIFF, Quicktime and AVI formats. Imaris accepts virtually all image formats that are used in confocal microscopy and many of those used in wide-field image acquisition.
View all literature mentionsStrain Type: Not Specified This is a legacy resource.
View all literature mentionsVideo tracking system used to automate testing in a variety of behavioral apparatus. ANY-maze can automatically track the tail, head, or body of a test animal in up to 16 pieces of apparatus. The software can record live images or digital files with different camera types and save the data in multiple formats. ANY-maze contains built in statistical tests and standard measures for distance, speed, mobility, duration, etc.
View all literature mentionsStatistical analysis software that combines scientific graphing, comprehensive curve fitting (nonlinear regression), understandable statistics, and data organization. Designed for biological research applications in pharmacology, physiology, and other biological fields for data analysis, hypothesis testing, and modeling.
View all literature mentionsSoftware for image processing, analysis, and editing. The software includes features such as touch capabilities, a customizable toolbar, 2D and 3D image merging, and Cloud access and options.
View all literature mentionsMus musculus with name STOCK Tg(Slc6a4-cre)ET33Gsat/Mmucd from MMRRC.
View all literature mentions