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Cardiovascular afferent inputs to ventral tegmental area

G J Kirouac¹, J Ciriello

¹Department of Physiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.

The American Journal of Physiology

|June 1, 1997

Summary

Cardiovascular afferent inputs modulate ventral tegmental area (VTA) neuron activity. Changes in arterial pressure (AP) may affect neurons involved in mesolimbic and mesocortical functions.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cardiovascular Physiology
Autonomic Nervous System

Background:

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a crucial role in reward and motivation.
The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is a primary integration center for cardiovascular afferent information.
Interactions between cardiovascular regulation and brain reward circuits are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of arterial baroreceptor activation and NTS stimulation on VTA neuronal activity.
To determine if cardiovascular afferent signals influence VTA neurons involved in mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways.

Main Methods:

Extracellular single-unit recordings were performed in alpha-chloralose-anesthetized rats.
Selective electrical stimulation of the aortic depressor nerve (ADN) was used to activate baroreceptors.
Reflex activation of baroreceptors was achieved via phenylephrine-induced hypertension.
Stimulation of cardiovascular depressor sites in the NTS was also performed.

Main Results:

Electrical stimulation of the ADN excited 12/21 and inhibited 2/21 VTA neurons.
Reflex activation of baroreceptors altered the discharge rate of 27/44 VTA units (12 excited, 15 inhibited).
VTA units responding to ADN stimulation or baroreflex activation also responded to NTS stimulation.

Conclusions:

Cardiovascular afferent inputs significantly modulate the activity of VTA neurons.
Systemic arterial pressure changes can influence the activity of VTA neurons involved in reward and motivation.
These findings suggest a link between cardiovascular regulation and mesolimbic/mesocortical functions.

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