Astrocytic GPCR signaling in the anterior cingulate cortex modulates decision making in rats

Decision making is a process of selecting a course of action by assessing the worth or value of the potential consequences. Rat Gambling Task (RGT) is a well-established behavioral paradigm that allows for assessment of the decision-making performance of rats. Astrocytes are emerging as key players in modulating cognitive functions. Using repeated RGTs with short intersession time intervals (48 h), the current study demonstrates that G_i pathway activation of astrocytes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) leads to impaired decision-making in consistently good decision-making rats. On the other hand, ACC astrocytic G_q pathway activation improves decision-making in a subset of rats who are not consistently good decision-makers. Furthermore, we show that astrocytic G_q activation is associated with an increase in the L-lactate level in the extracellular fluid of the ACC. Together, these results expand our knowledge of the role of astrocytic GPCR signaling in modulating cognitive functions.