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Published on: September 20, 2016
Opioid receptor distribution in the claustrum-dorsal endopiriform complex
Matthew Bolger1, Jesse Jackson2,3, Anna M W Taylor1,2,4,5
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract:
The claustrum and dorsal endopiriform form a subcortical structure reciprocally connected to the neocortex and enriched in opioid receptors. However, the precise cellular distribution of opioid receptors within this region remains unclear. Using multiplexed fluorescent in situ hybridization we mapped the expression of mu (Oprm), delta (Oprd), kappa (Oprk), and ORL1 (Oprl) opioid receptors in the mouse claustrum-dorsal endopiriform. Oprk expression was restricted to excitatory neurons and enriched in a single population of Synpr+ claustrum core projection cells. In contrast, Oprd, Oprm, and Oprl genes were more broadly distributed across excitatory and inhibitory populations. Spatial mapping further confirmed Oprk expression was restricted within the claustrum core. Analysis of a publicly available snRNA-seq dataset of the macaque claustrum also revealed a similar receptor distribution. This demonstrates an evolutionarily conserved, cell-type-specific organization of opioid receptor expression in the claustrum-dorsal endopiriform and suggests nuanced roles for other opioid receptors in modulating claustrocortical circuits.
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