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Dopamine control of social novelty preference is constrained by an interpeduncular-tegmentum circuit

Psychology

Dopamine control of social novelty preference is constrained by an interpeduncular-tegmentum circuit

S. Molas, T. G. Freels, et al.

Explore the fascinating world of social interactions as this innovative research by Susanna Molas and colleagues reveals how mesolimbic dopamine influences mice's preference for novel social stimuli. Discover how specific neural circuits dynamically regulate these responses and challenge your understanding of social behavior!

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study investigated the neural circuit mechanisms underlying social novelty preference (NP) in mice. Using calcium and neurotransmitter sensors with fiber photometry and optogenetics, the researchers found that mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurotransmission is strongly activated by social novelty, controlling the duration of social interaction. An interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) to lateral dorsal tegmentum (LDTg) circuit dynamically regulates this DA response. Inhibition of this IPN→LDTg pathway increased interaction with familiar stimuli, while activation reduced interaction with novel stimuli. These findings suggest that mesolimbic DA encodes interest in novel social stimuli, and this response is modulated by the IPN→LDTg circuit to control NP.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Apr 03, 2024
Authors
Susanna Molas, Timothy G. Freels, Rubing Zhao-Shea, Timothy Lee, Pablo Gimenez-Gomez, Melanie Barbini, Gilles E. Martin, Andrew R. Tapper
Tags
social novelty preference
mesolimbic dopamine
neural circuits
interpeduncular nucleus
calcium sensors
fiber photometry
optogenetics
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