2021
Sex Differences in the Ventral Tegmental Area and Nucleus Accumbens Proteome at Baseline and Following Nicotine Exposure
Lee AM, Mansuri MS, Wilson RS, Lam TT, Nairn AC, Picciotto MR. Sex Differences in the Ventral Tegmental Area and Nucleus Accumbens Proteome at Baseline and Following Nicotine Exposure. Frontiers In Molecular Neuroscience 2021, 14: 657064. PMID: 34335180, PMCID: PMC8317211, DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.657064.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchVentral tegmental areaC3H/HeJ miceGlial fibrillary acidic proteinChronic nicotine administrationNicotine administrationProtein abundanceProteomeIsobaric labelingNicotine exposureFemale miceTegmental areaHeJ miceNucleus accumbensNicotine addictionProteinSex differencesSample fractionationPathwayFibrillary acidic proteinTandem mass spectrometryNetwork analysisMouse strainsChronic nicotineMesolimbic systemNicotine reward
2014
GABAergic and glutamatergic efferents of the mouse ventral tegmental area
Taylor SR, Badurek S, Dileone RJ, Nashmi R, Minichiello L, Picciotto MR. GABAergic and glutamatergic efferents of the mouse ventral tegmental area. The Journal Of Comparative Neurology 2014, 522: 3308-3334. PMID: 24715505, PMCID: PMC4107038, DOI: 10.1002/cne.23603.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsCell CountCholine O-AcetyltransferaseDependovirusEfferent PathwaysGABAergic NeuronsGlutamate DecarboxylaseGlutamatesLuminescent ProteinsMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, TransgenicStilbamidinesSubstance PTyrosine 3-MonooxygenaseVentral Tegmental AreaVesicular Glutamate Transport Protein 2Vesicular Inhibitory Amino Acid Transport ProteinsConceptsVentral tegmental areaGABA neuronsVTA GABATegmental areaMouse ventral tegmental areaGABA projection neuronsVTA GABAergic neuronsVTA GABA neuronsMagnocellular preoptic nucleusDeep mesencephalic nucleusLocal inhibitory connectionsPrefrontal cortical regionsDrugs of abuseGlutamatergic efferentsSpecific anterogradeBrainstem targetsDorsal rapheNeurons projectGABAergic markersGABAergic neuronsRetrograde tracingProjection neuronsLateral hypothalamusMesencephalic nucleusCentral amygdalaSelf-Administration of Ethanol, Cocaine, or Nicotine Does Not Decrease the Soma Size of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons
Mazei-Robison MS, Appasani R, Edwards S, Wee S, Taylor SR, Picciotto MR, Koob GF, Nestler EJ. Self-Administration of Ethanol, Cocaine, or Nicotine Does Not Decrease the Soma Size of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons. PLOS ONE 2014, 9: e95962. PMID: 24755634, PMCID: PMC3995955, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095962.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsVentral tegmental areaSoma sizeDopamine neuronsVentral tegmental area dopamine neuronsChronic opiate administrationAdditional drug classesDrug-specific mannerMorphological changesSelf-administer cocaineOpiate administrationTegmental areaDrug classesDA circuitsMesolimbic DA circuitSelf-AdministrationFiring rateSimilar morphological changesGeneral hallmarkNeuronsNicotineCocaineDrugsRecent findingsPrevious observationsNeuroplasticity
2013
Repeated in vivo exposure of cocaine induces long‐lasting synaptic plasticity in hypocretin/orexin‐producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus in mice
Rao Y, Mineur YS, Gan G, Wang AH, Liu Z, Wu X, Suyama S, de Lecea L, Horvath TL, Picciotto MR, Gao X. Repeated in vivo exposure of cocaine induces long‐lasting synaptic plasticity in hypocretin/orexin‐producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus in mice. The Journal Of Physiology 2013, 591: 1951-1966. PMID: 23318871, PMCID: PMC3624862, DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.246983.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCAMP response element-binding proteinHypocretin neuronsLong-term potentiationSynaptic potentiationLateral hypothalamusCocaine administrationExperience-dependent synaptic potentiationExperience-dependent potentiationHypocretin-producing neuronsVivo cocaine administrationCocaine-treated animalsOrexin-producing neuronsAMPA-type glutamate receptorsVentral tegmental areaHigh-frequency stimulationCocaine-treated micePlace preference protocolResponse element-binding proteinDrugs of abuseCocaine withdrawalTegmental areaGlutamatergic synapsesGlutamate receptorsHypocretin systemElement-binding protein
2009
Localized low‐level re‐expression of high‐affinity mesolimbic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors restores nicotine‐induced locomotion but not place conditioning
Mineur YS, Brunzell DH, Grady SR, Lindstrom JM, McIntosh JM, Marks MJ, King SL, Picciotto MR. Localized low‐level re‐expression of high‐affinity mesolimbic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors restores nicotine‐induced locomotion but not place conditioning. Genes Brain & Behavior 2009, 8: 257-266. PMID: 19077117, PMCID: PMC2672109, DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2008.00468.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsConditioning, PsychologicalCyclic AMP Response Element-Binding ProteinDopamineGamma-Aminobutyric AcidGene Expression RegulationLocomotionMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, TransgenicNicotineNicotinic AgonistsPhosphorylationPresynaptic TerminalsReceptors, NicotinicRewardSynaptosomesTobacco Use DisorderVentral Tegmental AreaConceptsVentral tegmental areaGamma-aminobutyric acidNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsCyclic AMP response element binding proteinTegmental areaPlace preferenceTransgenic miceAcetylcholine receptorsBeta2 knockout micePedunculopontine tegmental areaSystemic nicotine administrationHigh-affinity nAChRsLaterodorsal tegmental nucleusNicotine place preferenceNicotinic partial agonistPlace preference testingDifferent neuronal subtypesAMP response element binding proteinTotal CREB levelsResponse element-binding proteinDA neuronsCholinergic neuronsNicotine administrationSystemic nicotineSmoking cessation
2008
Effects of galanin on cocaine-mediated conditioned place preference and ERK signaling in mice
Narasimhaiah R, Kamens HM, Picciotto MR. Effects of galanin on cocaine-mediated conditioned place preference and ERK signaling in mice. Psychopharmacology 2008, 204: 95-102. PMID: 19099295, PMCID: PMC2872184, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1438-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsVentral tegmental areaEffects of galaninNucleus accumbensNeuropeptide galaninPlace preferenceThreshold doseEffects of morphineMesolimbic dopamine systemMesolimbic dopaminergic pathwaySystemic cocaine injectionPlace preference paradigmCocaine-induced activationDrugs of abuseAmphetamine reinforcementWild-type controlsExtracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activityTegmental areaCocaine injectionCocaine responseDopaminergic pathwaysConclusionsThese dataGalaninRewarding effectsDopamine systemDrug reinforcementVoluntary oral nicotine intake in mice down-regulates GluR2 but does not modulate depression-like behaviors
Vieyra-Reyes P, Picciotto MR, Mineur YS. Voluntary oral nicotine intake in mice down-regulates GluR2 but does not modulate depression-like behaviors. Neuroscience Letters 2008, 434: 18-22. PMID: 18261852, PMCID: PMC2757003, DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.01.021.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdministration, OralAnimalsAnxiety DisordersBehavior, AnimalBrainCyclic AMP Response Element-Binding ProteinDepressive DisorderDown-RegulationGlutamic AcidMaleMiceMice, Inbred BALB CMice, Inbred C57BLMotor ActivityNeural PathwaysNicotineNicotinic AgonistsNucleus AccumbensReceptors, AMPARewardSynaptic TransmissionTobacco Use DisorderVentral Tegmental AreaVolitionConceptsCAMP response element-binding proteinDepression-like behaviorVentral tegmental areaNucleus accumbensMesolimbic systemNicotine preferenceChronic nicotine exposureDepression-related behaviorsNon-treated animalsBALB/cOral nicotine intakeCentral nervous systemResponse element-binding proteinNicotine exposureNicotine rewardMesolimbic dopamine projectionsTegmental areaNicotine intakeGlutamate receptorsDopamine projectionsElement-binding proteinNervous systemLocomotor activityMice C57BL/6JGluR1 levels
2007
Role of Calcineurin in Nicotine-Mediated Locomotor Sensitization
Addy NA, Fornasiero EF, Stevens TR, Taylor JR, Picciotto MR. Role of Calcineurin in Nicotine-Mediated Locomotor Sensitization. Journal Of Neuroscience 2007, 27: 8571-8580. PMID: 17687035, PMCID: PMC6672935, DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2601-07.2007.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsVentral tegmental areaEffects of nicotineLocomotor sensitizationCalcineurin inhibitorsRole of calcineurinInfusion of rapamycinCultured cortical neuronsSprague-Dawley ratsNicotine-mediated behaviorsCyclosporine administrationTegmental areaCortical neuronsDawley ratsFK-binding proteinActivation of calcineurinNicotineSensitizationCalcineurin activityInfusionIntracellular signalingAdministrationCalcineurinFK506InhibitorsDirect infusion
2006
Differential effects of nicotinic antagonists perfused into the nucleus accumbens or the ventral tegmental area on cocaine-induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens of mice
Zanetti L, Picciotto MR, Zoli M. Differential effects of nicotinic antagonists perfused into the nucleus accumbens or the ventral tegmental area on cocaine-induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens of mice. Psychopharmacology 2006, 190: 189. PMID: 17061109, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0598-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsIntra-VTA perfusionVentral tegmental areaDA levelsNucleus accumbensCocaine-elicited increasesPerfusate levelsTegmental areaCocaine-induced dopamine releaseNicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonistMesolimbic DA neuronsDihydro-β-erythroidineAcetylcholine receptor antagonistEffects of cocaineMesolimbic dopamine systemSubtype-specific mannerDA neuronsNAChR antagonistIntracerebral microdialysisNicotinic antagonistsReceptor antagonistNicotinic pathwayLocal perfusionDopamine releaseDopamine systemPerfusionGhrelin modulates the activity and synaptic input organization of midbrain dopamine neurons while promoting appetite
Abizaid A, Liu ZW, Andrews ZB, Shanabrough M, Borok E, Elsworth JD, Roth RH, Sleeman MW, Picciotto MR, Tschöp MH, Gao XB, Horvath TL. Ghrelin modulates the activity and synaptic input organization of midbrain dopamine neurons while promoting appetite. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2006, 116: 3229-3239. PMID: 17060947, PMCID: PMC1618869, DOI: 10.1172/jci29867.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAction PotentialsAnimalsAppetiteDopamineFluorescent Antibody TechniqueGhrelinMaleMesencephalonMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, KnockoutNeuronsNucleus AccumbensPatch-Clamp TechniquesPeptide HormonesRatsRats, Sprague-DawleyReceptors, GhrelinReceptors, G-Protein-CoupledTime FactorsVentral Tegmental AreaConceptsVentral tegmental areaGHSR-deficient miceGHSR-dependent mannerGut hormone ghrelinDopamine neuronal activityMidbrain dopamine neuronsMesolimbic reward circuitrySynaptic input organizationPeripheral ghrelinRebound feedingVTA administrationOrexigenic effectDopamine turnoverGHSR antagonistDopamine neuronsHypothalamic centersTegmental areaHormone ghrelinNucleus accumbensGhrelinNeuronal activitySynapse formationReward circuitryInput organizationFeeding schedule
2004
Characterization of GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3 immunoreactivity in catecholaminergic nuclei of the mouse brain
Hawes JJ, Picciotto MR. Characterization of GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3 immunoreactivity in catecholaminergic nuclei of the mouse brain. The Journal Of Comparative Neurology 2004, 479: 410-423. PMID: 15514977, DOI: 10.1002/cne.20329.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsBrainCatecholaminesGalaninImmunohistochemistryLocus CoeruleusMiceNeural PathwaysNeuronsNucleus AccumbensOpioid-Related DisordersReceptor, Galanin, Type 1Receptor, Galanin, Type 2Receptor, Galanin, Type 3Receptors, GalaninRewardSubstantia NigraTyrosine 3-MonooxygenaseVentral Tegmental AreaConceptsVentral tegmental areaSubstantia nigraLocus coeruleusNucleus accumbensGalanin receptorsBrain areasMouse brainDistribution of immunoreactivityNoradrenergic transmissionGalanin bindingOpiate withdrawalTegmental areaCatecholaminergic nucleiTyrosine hydroxylaseDopamine neurotransmissionGalR1GalR2GalR3BrainProtein levelsDrug addictionGalaninImmunoreactivityReceptorsCoeruleus
2003
In vivo nicotine treatment regulates mesocorticolimbic CREB and ERK signaling in C57Bl/6J mice
Brunzell DH, Russell DS, Picciotto MR. In vivo nicotine treatment regulates mesocorticolimbic CREB and ERK signaling in C57Bl/6J mice. Journal Of Neurochemistry 2003, 84: 1431-1441. PMID: 12614343, DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01640.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdministration, OralAmygdalaAnimalsCotinineCyclic AMP Response Element-Binding ProteinDrug Administration ScheduleLimbic SystemMaleMesencephalonMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMitogen-Activated Protein KinasesNicotineNicotinic AgonistsNucleus AccumbensPhosphorylationPrefrontal CortexSignal TransductionTobacco Use DisorderVentral Tegmental AreaConceptsCAMP response element-binding proteinChronic nicotine exposureChronic nicotineNicotine exposurePrefrontal cortexC57BL/6J miceTyrosine hydroxylaseNicotine dependenceCREB phosphorylationVentral tegmental areaCREB activityResponse element-binding proteinCatecholaminergic toneNicotine treatmentNicotine withdrawalNicotine reinforcementTegmental areaNucleus accumbensNeuronal plasticityElement-binding proteinDrug reinforcementChronic exposureTH levelsNeural plasticityWestern blotting
2000
Nicotinic modulation of mesoprefrontal dopamine neurons: pharmacologic and neuroanatomic characterization.
George TP, Verrico CD, Picciotto MR, Roth RH. Nicotinic modulation of mesoprefrontal dopamine neurons: pharmacologic and neuroanatomic characterization. Journal Of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics 2000, 295: 58-66. PMID: 10991961.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMesoprefrontal DA neuronsDA neuronsLocal infusionNicotinic acetylcholine receptor stimulationMesoprefrontal dopamine neuronsMesoprefrontal dopamine systemEndogenous opioid peptidesVentral tegmental areaHigh comorbid ratesNicotine-pretreated ratsMedial prefrontal cortexDA metabolismNicotinic modulationCortical dysfunctionNicotine administrationCigarette smokingSite of actionStress-induced statesNicotine pretreatmentDA dysregulationDopamine neuronsSystemic administrationTegmental areaDA dysfunctionCognitive dysfunction
1999
Centrally administered galanin blocks morphine place preference in the mouse
Zachariou V, Parikh K, Picciotto M. Centrally administered galanin blocks morphine place preference in the mouse. Brain Research 1999, 831: 33-42. PMID: 10411981, DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(99)01476-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNucleus accumbensMorphine reinforcementLocus coeruleusSpinal cordPlace preferenceAcute naltrexone administrationGalanin binding sitesQuantitative receptor autoradiographyVentral tegmental areaMorphine place preferencePlace preference paradigmGalaninergic systemMorphine treatmentPeripheral administrationNaltrexone administrationReceptor autoradiographyGalanin bindingOpioid receptorsTegmental areaNeuroendocrine functionGalaninBrain areasDrug dependenceMorphineAversive properties