Separate GABA afferents to dopamine neurons mediate acute action of opioids, development of tolerance, and expression of withdrawal

Aya Matsui, Brooke C. Jarvie, Brooks G. Robinson, Shane T. Hentges, John T. Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

157 Scopus citations

Abstract

GABA release from interneurons in VTA, projections from the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) was selectively activated in rat brain slices. The inhibition induced by μ-opioid agonists was pathway dependent. Morphine induced a 46% inhibition of IPSCs evoked from the RMTg, 18% from NAc, and IPSCs evoked from VTA interneurons were almost insensitive (11% inhibition). Invivo morphine treatment resulted in tolerance to the inhibition of RMTg, but not local interneurons or NAc, inputs. One common sign of opioid withdrawal is an increase in adenosine-dependent inhibition. IPSCs evoked from the NAc were potently inhibited by activation of presynaptic adenosine receptors, whereas IPSCs evoked from RMTg were not changed. Blockade of adenosine receptors selectively increased IPSCs evoked from the NAc during morphine withdrawal. Thus, the acute action of opioids, the development of tolerance, and the expression of withdrawal are mediated by separate GABA afferents to dopamine neurons.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1346-1356
Number of pages11
JournalNeuron
Volume82
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 18 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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