A NAc Tac1 Neural Circuit Mediates Aversion

Abstract

Neural circuits that encode aversive stimuli are essential for motivational regulation and survival in animals. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays an important role in predicting aversive events and translating motivations into actions. However, the NAc circuits that mediate aversive behaviors remain elusive. Here, we report that the activity of tachykinin precursor 1 (Tac1) neurons in the NAc medial shell regulates aversive behaviors. Using viral tracing and electrophysiology, we show that NAcTac1 neurons receive excitatory inputs from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and project inhibitory signals to the lateral hypothalamic area (LH). Moreover, selective optogenetic inhibition and activation of the mPFC glutamatergic neurons (mPFCGlut)→NAc medial shell Tac1 neurons (NAcTac1) →LH glutamatergic neurons (LHGlut) circuit bidirectionally modulate aversive behaviors in mice. Overall, our study reveals a discrete circuit regulating aversion.