GPePV neurons identified as key players in controlling cocaine addiction behaviors

Study: Molecular and circuit determinants in the globus pallidus mediating control of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity . Image Credit: Alex Mit / Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in Neuron , researchers examine how globus pallidus externus parvalbumin-positive (GPe PV ) cells regulate cocaine-induced behaviors through interactions with ventral tegmental area dopamine (VTA DA ) cells.

A closer look at the interaction between VTA DA and GPe neurons Ventral tegmental area dopamine (VTA DA ) cells are essential to motivation, reward, and substance abuse behaviors. Although targeting the entire dopamine system is ineffective for treating addiction due to potential off-target effects, modulating specific dopamine subcircuits may offer therapeutic benefits with fewer side effects. Previous studies have reported that VTA DA cells project to the amygdala in cocaine withdrawal-related anxiety.

However, the lack of unique genetic markers to study subtypes of VTA DA cells has prevented extensive analysis into their functions. GPe has traditionally been associated with habit formation and motor behaviors. Recently, the researchers of the current study identified that GPe neurons are critically involved in the development of cocaine-induced behavioral changes.

These experiments demonstrated that the number and activity of GPe neurons that innervate VTA DA cells significantly increases following cocaine exposure. Nevertheless, further research is needed to fully understand .