Alcohol induces input-specific aberrant synaptic plasticity in the rat dorsomedial striatum

Neuropharmacology
Tengfei MaJun Wang

Abstract

Accumulated evidence suggests that the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) of the basal ganglia plays an essential role in pathological excessive alcohol consumption. The DMS receives multiple glutamatergic inputs. However, whether and how alcohol consumption distinctly affects these excitatory afferents to the DMS remains unknown. Here, we used optogenetics to selectively activate the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) inputs in DMS slices, and measured the effects of alcohol consumption on glutamatergic transmission in these corticostriatal and amygdalostriatal circuits. We found that excessive alcohol consumption increased AMPA receptor- and NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated neurotransmission, as well as the GluN2B/NMDAR ratio, at the corticostriatal input to the DMS. The probability of glutamate release was increased selectively at the amygdalostriatal input. Interestingly, we discovered that paired activation of the mPFC and BLA inputs using dual-channel optogenetics induced robust long-term potentiation (LTP) of the corticostriatal input to the DMS. Taken together, these results indicate that excessive alcohol consumption potentiates glutamatergic transmission via a postsynaptic mechanism for the corti...Continue Reading

Citations

Mar 31, 2018·The European Journal of Neuroscience·Kim T BlackwellDavid M Lovinger
Feb 9, 2019·Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology·Jiayi LuJun Wang
Aug 18, 2018·Learning & Memory·David M Lovinger, Karina P Abrahao
May 23, 2019·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·Veronica M PiggottShane A Perrine
Mar 3, 2020·Frontiers in Neuroscience·Asha Jacob, Ping Wang
Mar 12, 2021·Journal of Neurochemistry·Esi DomiEric Augier
Oct 3, 2020·Current Biology : CB·Simon D FisherBernard W Balleine

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Amygdala: Sensory Processes

Amygdalae, nuclei clusters located in the temporal lobe of the brain, play a role in memory, emotional responses, and decision-making. Here is the latest research on sensory processes in the amygdala.

Amygdala and Midbrain Dopamine

The midbrain dopamine system is widely studied for its involvement in emotional and motivational behavior. Some of these neurons receive information from the amygdala and project throughout the cortex. When the circuit and transmission of dopamine is disrupted symptoms may present. Here is the latest research on the amygdala and midbrain dopamine.

Basal Ganglia

Basal Ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei in the brain associated with control of voluntary motor movements, procedural and habit learning, emotion, and cognition. Here is the latest research.