Top-down circuitry from the anterior insular cortex to VTA dopamine neurons modulates reward-related memory.
The insular cortex (IC) has been linked to the processing of interoceptive and exteroceptive signals associated with addictive behavior. However, whether the IC modulates the acquisition of drug-related affective states by direct top-down connectivity with ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons is unknown. We found that photostimulation of VTA terminals of the anterior insular cortex (aIC) induces rewarding contextual memory, modulates VTA activity, and triggers dopamine release within the VTA. Employing neuronal recordings and neurochemical and transsynaptic tagging techniques, we disclose the functional top-down organization tagging the aIC pre-synaptic neuronal bodies and identifying VTA recipient neurons. Furthermore, systemic administration of amphetamine altered the VTA excitability of neurons modulated by the aIC projection, where photoactivation enhances, whereas photoinhibition impairs, a contextual rewarding behavior. Our study reveals a key circuit involved in developing and retaining drug reward-related contextual memory, providing insight into the neurobiological basis of addictive behavior and helping develop therapeutic addiction strategies.
Pubmed ID: 37924513 RIS Download
Additional research tools detected in this publication
None foundAntibodies used in this publication
- Biotin-SP-AffiniPure Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (H+L) (min X Hu,Ms,Rat Sr Prot) (RRID:AB_2337965)
- Donkey Anti-Rabbit IgG H&L (Alexa Fluor® 647) (RRID:AB_2752244)
- Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG Polyclonal antibody, Cyanine 3 Conjugated (RRID:AB_92489)
- ABE457 | Anti-c-Fos Antibody (RRID:AB_2631318)
- Anti-NeuN antibody (RRID:AB_2732785)
- Rabbit Anti-Tyrosine Hydroxylase Antibody, Unconjugated (RRID:AB_461064)
Associated grants
NonePublication 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.
This is a list of tools and resources that we have found mentioned in this publication.
Biotin-SP-AffiniPure Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (H+L) (min X Hu,Ms,Rat Sr Prot) (antibody)
RRID:AB_2337965
This unknown targets Rabbit IgG (H+L)
View all literature mentionsDonkey Anti-Rabbit IgG H&L (Alexa Fluor® 647) (antibody)
RRID:AB_2752244
This polyclonal targets IgG
View all literature mentionsGoat Anti-Rabbit IgG Polyclonal antibody, Cyanine 3 Conjugated (antibody)
RRID:AB_92489
This polyclonal targets Rabbit IgG
View all literature mentionsABE457 | Anti-c-Fos Antibody (antibody)
RRID:AB_2631318
This polyclonal targets N-terminus c-Fos
View all literature mentionsAnti-NeuN antibody (antibody)
RRID:AB_2732785
This monoclonal targets NeuN
View all literature mentionsRabbit Anti-Tyrosine Hydroxylase Antibody, Unconjugated (antibody)
RRID:AB_461064
This unknown targets Rat / Bovine Tyrosine Hydroxylase
View all literature mentionsGraphPad Prism (software resource)
RRID:SCR_002798
Statistical 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 mentionsSTATISTICA (software resource)
RRID:SCR_014213
Analytics 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 mentionsMATLAB (software resource)
RRID:SCR_001622
Multi paradigm numerical computing environment and fourth generation programming language developed by MathWorks. Allows matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in other languages, including C, C++, Java, Fortran and Python. Used to explore and visualize ideas and collaborate across disciplines including signal and image processing, communications, control systems, and computational finance.
View all literature mentionsFiji (software resource)
RRID:SCR_002285
Software package as distribution of ImageJ and ImageJ2 together with Java, Java3D and plugins organized into coherent menu structure. Used to assist research in life sciences.
View all literature mentionsANY-maze (software resource)
RRID:SCR_014289
Video 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 mentions
