The interpeduncular nucleus blunts the rewarding effect of nicotine

Nicotine stimulates ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons, producing a rewarding effect that drives tobacco consumption. The interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) is thought to become engaged at high nicotine doses to limit drug intake, but its response dynamics are unknown. We developed a chemogenetic approach using a "suicide" antagonist that selectively attaches to designer β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in genetically modified mice, enabling sustained and pharmacologically specific antagonism. Local infusion in the IPN revealed that nicotine, even at low doses, simultaneously activates and inhibits two distinct populations of IPN neurons, with β4-containing nAChRs mediating only the activation response. Blocking nicotine-induced IPN activation enhanced VTA responses and increased the drug's rewarding effect in a conditioned place preference paradigm. Moreover, optogenetic inhibition of IPN projections to the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg) replicated these behavioral effects. Our findings indicate that the IPN acts as a regulatory brake on the nicotine reward circuit via the LDTg.