VGluT3 BNST neurons transmit GABA and restrict sucrose consumption

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Behavioral Neuroscience

Background:

• The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays a role in feeding, reward, aversion, and anxiety.
• Identifying specific neuronal populations within the BNST is crucial for understanding its functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize a novel neuronal population in the BNST involved in regulating feeding behavior.
• To investigate the projection targets and functional output of these identified BNST neurons.

Main Methods:

• Utilized techniques including immunohistochemistry, retrograde tracing, ex vivo electrophysiology, in vivo calcium imaging, and optogenetics.
• Investigated the role of BNST VGluT3 neurons in sucrose consumption and anxiety-like behaviors.

Main Results:

• Identified BNST neurons expressing vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGluT3) and vesicular GABA transporter (VGaT).
• These neurons project to the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and primarily release GABA.
• Optogenetic activation of BNST VGluT3 neurons reduced sucrose consumption in fasted states but did not affect anxiety-like behaviors.

Conclusions:

• BNST VGluT3 neurons form a distinct population that inhibits hypothalamic feeding circuits.
• These neurons play a specific role in suppressing sucrose intake, particularly during states of hunger.
• BNST VGluT3 neurons do not appear to modulate anxiety-like behaviors.