Valence-encoding in the lateral habenula arises from the entopeduncular region

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.41223
• Publication Date: 2019-03-11T13:00:19Z
• Authors: Hao Li; Dominika Pullmann; Thomas C Jhou
• Keywords: Habenula; Ventral pallidum; Lateral hypothalamus

Lateral habenula (LHb) neurons are activated by negative motivational stimuli and play key roles in the pathophysiology of depression. Prior reports suggested that rostral entopeduncular nucleus (rEPN) drive these responses LHb rostromedial tegmental (RMTg), but influences remain untested. Using rabies viral tracers, we demonstrate disynaptic projections from rEPN to RMTg, not VTA, via rats. vivo electrophysiology, find or subpopulations exhibit activation/inhibition patterns after negative/positive stimuli, similar while temporary inactivation a region centered on decreases basal burst firing, reduces valence-related signals neurons. Additionally, excitotoxic lesions partly diminish footshock-induced cFos RMTg. Together, our findings indicate an important role rEPN, possibly immediately adjacent hypothalamus, driving activities valence processing RMTg