Cholinergic interneurons in the nucleus accumbens regulate depression-like behavior.

Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Warner-Schmidt J, Schmidt E, Marshall J, Rubin A, Arango-Lievano M, Kaplitt M, Ibañez-Tallon I, Heintz N, Greengard P
Journal Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Volume 109
Issue 28
Pagination 11360-5
Date Published 06/25/2012
ISSN 1091-6490
Keywords Annexin A2, Depression, Interneurons, Nucleus Accumbens, S100 Proteins
Abstract A large number of studies have demonstrated that the nucleus accumbens (NAC) is a critical site in the neuronal circuits controlling reward responses, motivation, and mood, but the neuronal cell type(s) underlying these processes are not yet known. Identification of the neuronal cell types that regulate depression-like states will guide us in understanding the biological basis of mood and its regulation by diseases like major depressive disorder. Taking advantage of recent findings demonstrating that the serotonin receptor chaperone, p11, is an important molecular regulator of depression-like states, here we identify cholinergic interneurons (CINs) as a primary site of action for p11 in the NAC. Depression-like behavior is observed in mice after decrease of p11 levels in NAC CINs. This phenotype is recapitulated by silencing neuronal transmission in these cells, demonstrating that accumbal cholinergic neuronal activity regulates depression-like behaviors and suggesting that accumbal CIN activity is crucial for the regulation of mood and motivation.
DOI 10.1073/pnas.1209293109
PubMed ID 22733786
PubMed Central ID PMC3396525
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