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Published on: March 4, 2014
Dopaminergic projections from midbrain to primary motor cortex mediate motor skill learning
Jonas A Hosp1, Ana Pekanovic, Mengia S Rioult-Pedotti
1Clinical Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurology, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
Summary
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) projects dopamine to the rat primary motor cortex (M1), crucial for learning new motor skills. This pathway is essential for motor skill acquisition but not for executing already learned movements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Neuroplasticity
Background:
- The primary motor cortex (M1) in rats contains dopaminergic terminals, but their origin and function in movement are unclear.
- Dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to other cortical regions are known to be involved in learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the VTA projects dopaminergically to M1.
- To determine the role of this VTA-M1 dopaminergic projection in motor skill learning and M1 plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Retrograde tracing and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry to identify dopaminergic neurons projecting to M1.
- Electrical stimulation of the VTA and assessment of c-fos expression in M1, blocked by D(1)/D(2) antagonists.
- VTA lesions to assess effects on motor skill learning (forelimb reaching) and performance of learned skills.
Main Results:
- Dopaminergic cell bodies were identified in the VTA projecting to M1.
- VTA stimulation induced c-fos expression in M1, indicating plasticity, which was dopamine receptor-dependent.
- VTA lesions impaired new motor skill acquisition but did not affect performance of already learned skills.
Conclusions:
- Dopaminergic terminals in M1 originate from the VTA and are essential for motor skill learning.
- The VTA-M1 projection contributes to M1 plasticity, supporting the acquisition of new motor skills.
- This pathway may relay reward information to M1, facilitating the neural encoding of motor skills.
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