[PDF][PDF] Nucleus accumbens tac1-expressing neurons mediate stress-induced anhedonia-like behavior in mice

ZX He, YY Yin, K Xi, ZK Xing, JB Cao, TY Liu, L Liu… - Cell Reports, 2020 - cell.com
ZX He, YY Yin, K Xi, ZK Xing, JB Cao, TY Liu, L Liu, XX He, HL Yu, XJ Zhu
Cell Reports, 2020cell.com
Major depressive disorder (MDD) presents with two primary symptoms: depressed mood
and anhedonia, which suggests that distinct neuronal circuits may regulate MDD. However,
the underlying circuits of these individual symptoms linked to depression remain elusive.
Herein, we identify a discrete circuit of tachykinin precursor 1 (Tac1)-expressing neurons in
the nucleus accumbens (NAc) lateral shell, which project to ventral pallidum and contribute
to stress-induced anhedonia-like behavior. Selective inhibition and activation of Tac1 NAc …
Summary
Major depressive disorder (MDD) presents with two primary symptoms: depressed mood and anhedonia, which suggests that distinct neuronal circuits may regulate MDD. However, the underlying circuits of these individual symptoms linked to depression remain elusive. Herein, we identify a discrete circuit of tachykinin precursor 1 (Tac1)-expressing neurons in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) lateral shell, which project to ventral pallidum and contribute to stress-induced anhedonia-like behavior. Selective inhibition and activation of Tac1NAc neurons bidirectionally modulate stress susceptibility, revealing that Tac1 neurons in the NAc are critical for regulating anhedonia-like behaviors. We find that a subpopulation of VP neurons receives inhibitory inputs from Tac1NAc neurons and exhibits decreased excitability in susceptible mice. Furthermore, the inhibition of the neurokinin 1 receptor promotes susceptibility to social stress. Overall, our study reveals a discrete circuit regulating anhedonia-like behavior in mice.
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