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Striatopallidal neurons control avoidance behavior in exploratory tasks.

Kimberly H LeBlanc1, Tanisha D London1, Ilona Szczot1

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Dopamine D2 receptor-expressing neurons in the dorsal striatum control approach-avoidance behaviors. Disrupting these neurons increases avoidance, suggesting a target for anxiety disorder treatments.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Neuropharmacology

Background:

  • The dorsal striatum is implicated in decision-making under conflict.
  • The precise neural mechanisms of striatal neurons in approach-avoidance conflicts are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of striatopallidal dopamine D2 receptor (D2R)-expressing neurons in mediating approach-avoidance behaviors.
  • To determine if D2R signaling in these specific neurons is critical for regulating avoidance in conflict tasks.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized genetic manipulation to eliminate D2Rs specifically on striatopallidal neurons (iMSNs) in mice.
  • Employed two established behavioral paradigms: the elevated zero maze and open field test.
  • Assessed behavioral responses and population calcium activity (dorsomedial iMSNs) using optogenetics.

Main Results:

  • Genetic elimination of D2Rs on iMSNs significantly increased avoidance of open areas in both tasks, independent of movement changes.
  • Disrupted population calcium activity in dorsomedial iMSNs correlated with heightened avoidance.
  • Optogenetic stimulation of iMSN output intensified avoidance, while inhibition reduced it.

Conclusions:

  • Dorsomedial striatal iMSNs are crucial for controlling approach-avoidance conflicts in exploratory tasks.
  • This neural population represents a potential therapeutic target for reducing avoidance behaviors associated with anxiety disorders.