Dopamine (DA) is a critical neuromodulator in neural circuits for motor control, cognition and reward. A chief target of DA modulation is signaling of the excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate. What are the basic principles for DA modulation of glutamatergic signaling and plasticity? Data addressing this question are maddeningly complex. Much of this complexity may be due to variations between cell types and circuits in which DA has been studied. What other factors might contribute to the heterogeneity? Using an ex vivo brain slice preparation of the nucleus accumbens (NAc)-a central component of the neural reward circuit-our pilot studies provide evidence for two additional factors: 1) in vivo exposure t novel stimuli and 2) the timing of DA signaling in relation to long-term potentiation (LTP) induction. We find that a brief exposure to novelty enables DA to induce a long-lasting depression in NAc AMPAR synaptic strength. We also find that prior DA signaling boosts the ability of tetanic stimulation to induce robust LTP. Using direct and sensitive electrophysiologica measures, we will investigate the roles for novelty and timing in DA modulation of NAc AMPARs. We expect our studies to inform new guiding principles for dopamine modulation in health and disease.

Public Health Relevance

Dopamine is a critical neuromodulator in neural circuits for motor control, cognition and reward, and one of its chief targets is glutamate signaling. Using brain slice electrophysiology in reward circuits, we will investigate the role of two unexplored factors in dopamine modulation of glutamate: novelty experience and timing. We expect our studies to inform new guiding principles for dopamine modulation in health and disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21DA033457-01A1
Application #
8443014
Study Section
Neurotransporters, Receptors, and Calcium Signaling Study Section (NTRC)
Program Officer
Sorensen, Roger
Project Start
2013-01-01
Project End
2014-12-31
Budget Start
2013-01-01
Budget End
2013-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$215,520
Indirect Cost
$65,520
Name
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
555917996
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55455