The Lateral Habenula Directs Coping Styles Under Conditions of Stress via Recruitment of the Endocannabinoid System

The ability to effectively cope with stress is a critical determinant of disease susceptibility. The lateral habenula (LHb) and the endocannabinoid (ECB) system have independently been shown to be involved in the selection of stress coping strategies, yet the role of ECB signaling in the LHb remains unknown.

Using a battery of complementary techniques in rats, we examined the localization of type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB₁Rs) and assessed the behavioral and neuroendocrine effects of intra-LHb CB₁R manipulations. We further tested the extent to which the ECB system in the LHb is impacted following chronic unpredictable stress or social defeat stress, and whether manipulation of LHb CB₁Rs can bias coping strategies in rats with a history of chronic stress.

Electron microscopy studies revealed CB₁R expression on presynaptic axon terminals, postsynaptic membranes, mitochondria, and glial processes in the rat LHb. In vivo microdialysis experiments indicated that acute stress increased the amount of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the LHb, while intra-LHb CB₁R blockade increased basal corticosterone, augmented proactive coping strategies, and reduced anxiety-like behavior. Basal LHb 2-arachidonoylglycerol content was similarly elevated in rats that were subjected to chronic unpredictable stress or social defeat stress and positively correlated with adrenal weight. Finally, intra-LHb CB₁R blockade increased proactive behaviors in response to a novel conspecific, increasing approach behaviors irrespective of stress history and decreasing the latency to be attacked during an agonistic encounter.

Alterations in LHb ECB signaling may be relevant for development of stress-related pathologies in which LHb dysfunction and stress-coping impairments are hallmark symptoms.