D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens core have distinct and valence-independent roles in learning

JE Zachry, MG Kutlu, HJ Yoon, MZ Leonard, M Chevée… - Neuron, 2024 - cell.com
At the core of value-based learning is the nucleus accumbens (NAc). D1-and D2-receptor-
containing medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the NAc core are hypothesized to have …

Neuropeptide Y modulates excitatory synaptic transmission and promotes social behavior in the mouse nucleus accumbens

NK Smith, V Kondev, TR Hunt, BA Grueter - Neuropharmacology, 2022 - Elsevier
Social interactions define the human experience, but these integral behaviors are disrupted
in many psychiatric disorders. Social behaviors have evolved over millennia, and …

Kappa opioid receptor modulation of excitatory drive onto nucleus accumbens fast-spiking interneurons

BC Coleman, KM Manz, BA Grueter - Neuropsychopharmacology, 2021 - nature.com
The dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system within the nucleus accumbens (NAc)
contributes to affective states. Parvalbumin fast-spiking interneurons (PV-FSIs), a key …

An ensemble recruited by α2a-adrenergic receptors is engaged in a stressor-specific manner in mice

JA Brown, N Petersen, SW Centanni, AY Jin… - …, 2023 - nature.com
Abstract α2a-adrenergic receptor (α2a-AR) agonists are candidate substance use disorder
therapeutics due to their ability to recruit noradrenergic autoreceptors to dampen stress …

[HTML][HTML] A cocaine-activated ensemble exerts increased control over behavior while decreasing in size

KC Thibeault, MZ Leonard, V Kondev, SD Emerson… - Biological …, 2024 - Elsevier
Background Substance use disorder (SUD) is characterized by long-lasting changes in
reward-related brain regions, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Previous work has …

Cannabinoid type 1 receptors in A2a neurons contribute to cocaine-environment association

BD Turner, NK Smith, KM Manz, BT Chang… - …, 2021 - Springer
Rationale Cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) are widely expressed within the brain's
reward circuits and are implicated in regulating drug induced behavioral adaptations …

Kappa opioid receptor modulation of nucleus accumbens feedforward inhibitory microcircuits

BC Coleman - 2022 - search.proquest.com
The dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system within the nucleus accumbens (NAc)
contributes to negative affective states following withdrawal from illicit drugs, pain, and …

Microcircuit Mechanisms Regulating Nucleus Accumbens Circuit Function

KM Manz - 2019 - ir.vanderbilt.edu
The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is implicated in the pathogenesis of conditions characterized
by maladaptive motivational states, including addiction and depression. Embedded within …