2024 Persistent enhancement of basolateral amygdala-dorsomedial striatum synapses causes compulsive-like behaviors in mice
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작성자 최고관리자 작성일 24-07-03 16:21본문
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Journal Info
- 15(1)
- Year
- 2024
Compulsive behaviors are observed in a range of psychiatric disorders, however the neural substrates underlying the behaviors are not clearly defined. In this study, through neural circuit dissections and in vitro whole-cell recordings, activating the basolateral amygdala-dorsomedial striatum (BLA-DMS) circuit was found to lead to compulsive-like behaviors. BLA neurons projecting to the DMS, particularly those targeting dopamine D1 receptor-expressing neurons, overlapped significantly with neurons responsive to aversive stress. Optogenetic activation of this circuit triggered strong anxiety and compulsive grooming in mice. Furthermore, chronic activation of the BLA-DMS circuit in a mouse model resulted in a range of compulsive behaviors and persistent molecular changes at BLA-DMS synapses. These findings demonstrate that the BLA-DMS circuit plays a crucial role in the development of long-lasting compulsive behaviors through enduring synaptic modifications.