Activation of Pedunculopontine Glutamate Neurons Is Reinforcing

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3082-16.2016
• Publication Date: 2016-11-16T13:39:21Z
• Authors: Ji Hoon Yoo; Vivien Zell; Johnathan Wu; Cindy Punta; Nivedita Ramajayam; Xinyi Shen; Lauren Faget; Varoth Lilascharoen; Byung Kook Lim; Thomas S. Hnasko
• Keywords: Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus; Pedunculopontine nucleus; Tegmentum; Photostimulation

Dopamine transmission from midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons underlies behavioral processes related to motivation and drug addiction. The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPTg) is a brainstem containing glutamate-, acetylcholine-, GABA-releasing with connections basal ganglia limbic brain regions. Here we investigated the role of PPTg glutamate in reinforcement, an emphasis on their projections VTA dopamine neurons. We used cell-type-specific anterograde tracing optogenetic methods selectively label manipulate mice. anatomical, electrophysiological, assays determine patterns connectivity ascribe functional roles reinforcement. found that photoactivation cell bodies could serve as direct positive reinforcer intracranial self-photostimulation assays. Further, directly innervate VTA; photostimulation this pathway preferentially excites sufficient induce These results demonstrate ascending can drive motivated behavior, synapses may represent important target relevant addiction other mental health disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Uncovering circuits underlying reward-seeking step toward understanding circuit bases psychiatric dopaminergic system emanating plays key regulating behaviors. optogenetics sends glutamatergic neurons, stimulation promotes findings support critical for neurotransmission modulating neuron activity