Effects Of Neurotensin Research Articles

Neurotensin and xenin stimulates pancreatic exocrine secretion through the peripheral cholinergic nerves in conscious sheep

The present study aimed to clarify the effects of neurotensin and xenin on pancreatic exocrine secretion in conscious sheep and their mechanism of actions. The animals were equipped with two silastic cannulae in the common bile duct to separately collect pancreatic fluid and bile, and a silastic cannula in the proximal duodenum to continuously return the mixed fluids. NT and xenin were intravenously injected at range of 0.01–3.0 nmol/kg during the phase I of duodenal migrating motor complex. A single intravenous NT injection significantly and dose-dependently increased pancreatic fluid, protein, and bicarbonate outputs. The effect of NT at 1 nmol/kg was completely inhibited by a background intravenous infusion of atropine methyl nitrate at a dose of 10 nmol/kg/min, however, the effect was not altered by a prior injection of the neurotensin receptor subtype (NTR)-1 antagonist SR 48692 at 60 nmol/kg. Moreover, a single intravenous xenin-25 injection significantly and dose-dependently increased pancreatic fluid and protein output, whereas the effect of xenin-25 did not clearly show dose-dependence. The prior SR 48692 injection at 30 nmol/kg did not significantly alter the effects of xenin-25 at 0.3 nmol/kg, while the atropine infusion significantly inhibited the increase in fluid secretion. Under the atropine infusion, xenin-25 at 0.3 nmol/kg did not increase protein and bicarbonate outputs, whereas the inhibitory effect of the atropine was not significant compared to that of the single injection of xenin-25. A single intravenous injection of NTR-2 agonist levocabastine at 0.1–3 nmol/kg did not alter pancreatic exocrine secretion. These results suggest that both NT and xenin-25 effectively stimulates pancreatic exocrine secretion through the peripheral cholinergic system in sheep and that NTR-2 is not involved in the regulation of pancreatic exocrine secretion, however, we did not precisely determine the role of NTR-1 in the actions of both the peptides on pancreatic exocrine secretion.

Diverse intracellular signaling pathways mediate the effects of neurotensin on the excitability of type II neurons in the rat dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis

Diverse intracellular signaling pathways mediate the effects of neurotensin on the excitability of type II neurons in the rat dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis

Diverse intracellular signaling pathways mediate the effects of neurotensin on the excitability of type II neurons in the rat dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis

We examined the effects of neurotensin (NTS) on the excitability of type II neurons in the rat dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dlBNST) using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. Bath-application of NTS depolarized type II dlBNST neurons. Analyses of the steady-state I–V relationships implied that the depolarizing effect of NTS is due to potassium conductance blocking. The depolarizing effect of NTS was abolished in the presence of a PLC inhibitor, but not affected by a protein kinase C inhibitor. In the presence of a CaMKII inhibitor, NTS showed depolarizing effects via the increase in non-selective cation conductance in addition to the decrease in potassium conductance. Unexpectedly, in the presence of a PKA inhibitor, NTS hyperpolarized type II dlBNST neurons. These results reveal that diverse signaling pathways mediate the effects of NTS on the excitability of type II dlBNST neurons. The elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels via the inositol phosphate-mediated signaling activates both Ca2+-dependent adenylate cyclase (AC) and CaMKII. Activation of the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway exerts depolarizing effects on type II dlBNST neurons by decreasing potassium conductance and increasing non-selective cation conductance, whereas activation of the CaMKII pathway exerts hyperpolarizing effects on dlBNST neurons by decreasing non-selective cation conductance.

Co-infusion of Neurotensin and GLP-1 Effects on Appetite and Food Intake.

Co-infusion of Neurotensin and GLP-1 Effects on Appetite and Food Intake.

Beneficial Effects of Neurotensin in Murine Model of Hapten-Induced Asthma.

Neurotensin (NT) demonstrates ambiguous activity on inflammatory processes. The present study was undertaken to test the potential anti-inflammatory activity of NT in a murine model of non-atopic asthma and to establish the contribution of NTR1 receptors. Asthma was induced in BALB/c mice by skin sensitization with dinitrofluorobenzene followed by intratracheal hapten provocation. The mice were treated intraperitoneally with NT, SR 142948 (NTR1 receptor antagonist) + NT or NaCl. Twenty-four hours after the challenge, airway responsiveness to nebulized methacholine was measured. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs were collected for biochemical and immunohistological analysis. NT alleviated airway hyperreactivity and reduced the number of inflammatory cells in BALF. These beneficial effects were inhibited by pretreatment with the NTR1 antagonist. Additionally, NT reduced levels of IL-13 and TNF-α in BALF and IL-17A, IL12p40, RANTES, mouse mast cell protease and malondialdehyde in lung homogenates. SR 142948 reverted only a post-NT TNF-α decrease. NT exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in the hapten-induced asthma. Reduced leukocyte accumulation and airway hyperresponsiveness indicate that this beneficial NT action is mediated through NTR1 receptors. A lack of effect by the NTR1 blockade on mast cell activation, oxidative stress marker and pro-inflammatory cytokine production suggests that other pathways can be involved, which requires further research.

New extracellular factors in glioblastoma multiforme development: neurotensin, growth differentiation factor-15, sphingosine-1-phosphate and cytomegalovirus infection.

Recent years have seen considerable progress in understanding the biochemistry of cancer. For example, more significance is now assigned to the tumor microenvironment, especially with regard to intercellular signaling in the tumor niche which depends on many factors secreted by tumor cells. In addition, great progress has been made in understanding the influence of factors such as neurotensin, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) on the ‘hallmarks of cancer’ in glioblastoma multiforme.Therefore, in the present work we describe the influence of these factors on the proliferation and apoptosis of neoplastic cells, cancer stem cells, angiogenesis, migration and invasion, and cancer immune evasion in a glioblastoma multiforme tumor. In particular, we discuss the effect of neurotensin, GDF-15, S1P (including the drug FTY720), and infection with CMV on tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), microglial cells, neutrophil and regulatory T cells (Treg), on the tumor microenvironment. In order to better understand the role of the aforementioned factors in tumoral processes, we outline the latest models of intratumoral heterogeneity in glioblastoma multiforme. Based on the most recent reports, we discuss the problems of multi-drug therapy in treating glioblastoma multiforme.

Expression of neurotensin receptor 1 in endometrial adenocarcinoma is correlated with histological grade and clinical outcome.

The promalignant effects of neurotensin (NTS) are sustained in many solid tumors, including hormone-dependent cancers. As the endometrium is also subjected to hormonal regulation, we evaluated the contribution of NTS to endometrial carcinogenesis. Neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) expression and NTSR1 promoter methylation (HM450) were analyzed in 385 cases of endometrial carcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Additionally, from a series of 100 endometrial carcinomas, and 66 benign endometrium samples, NTS and NTSR1 labeling was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Using TCGA series, NTSR1 messenger RNA (mRNA) level was negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p=0.0012 and p=0.0116, respectively), and positively correlated with the grade (p=0.0008). When including only endometrioid carcinomas, NTSR1 mRNA level continued to be negatively correlated with OS (log-rank: p<0.0001) and PFS (log-rank: p=0.002). A higher NTSR1 mRNA level was significantly associated with a loss of NTSR1 promoter methylation. Immunohistochemical expression of NTS and NTSR1 was significantly increased in adenocarcinoma (n=100), as compared to benign endometrium (p<0.001). NTSR1 expression was positively correlated with grade (p=0.004). High immunohistochemical expression of cytoplasmic NTSR1 was significantly correlated with a shorter OS and PFS (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). This correlation remained significant when excluding non-endometrioid subtypes (p=0.04 and p=0.02, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the expression of NTSR1 was an independent prognostic factor (p=0.004). NTSR1 overexpression is a poor prognostic factor in endometrial cancer, highlighting the contribution of NTS in endometrial cancer progression and its uses as a prognostic marker, and as a potential therapeutic target.

GW27-e0647 The effect of gastrointestinal hormone on postprandial hypotension

Postprandial hypotension (PPH) is a unique clinical phenomenon in the elderly. But its underlying pathogenesis has not been elucidated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of insulin, glucagon and neurotensin on postprandial hypotension. From May 2014 to Feb 2016, 28 inpatients who were

Effects of Peripheral Neurotensin on Appetite Regulation and Its Role in Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Neurotensin (NT) is a peptide expressed in the brain and in the gastrointestinal tract. Brain NT inhibits food intake, but the effects of peripheral NT are less investigated. In this study, peripheral NT decreased food intake in both mice and rats, which was abolished by a NT antagonist. Using c-Fos immunohistochemistry, we found that peripheral NT activated brainstem and hypothalamic regions. The anorexigenic effect of NT was preserved in vagotomized mice but lasted shorter than in sham-operated mice. This in combination with a strong increase in c-Fos activation in area postrema after ip administration indicates that NT acts both through the blood circulation and the vagus. To improve the pharmacokinetics of NT, we developed a pegylated NT peptide, which presumably prolonged the half-life, and thus, the effect on feeding was extended compared with native NT. On a molecular level, the pegylated NT peptide increased proopiomelanocortin mRNA in the arcuate nucleus. We also investigated the importance of NT for the decreased food intake after gastric bypass surgery in a rat model of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). NT was increased in plasma and in the gastrointestinal tract in RYGB rats, and pharmacological antagonism of NT increased food intake transiently in RYGB rats. Taken together, our data suggest that NT is a metabolically active hormone, which contributes to the regulation of food intake.

Neurotensin Changes Propulsive Activity into a Segmental Motor Pattern in the Rat Colon.

Background/AimsNeurotensin is a gut-brain peptide with both inhibitory and excitatory actions on the colonic musculature; our objective was to understand the implications of this for motor patterns occurring in the intact colon of the rat.MethodsThe effects of neurotensin with concentrations ranging from 0.1–100 nM were studied in the intact rat colon in vitro, by investigating spatio-temporal maps created from video recordings of colonic motility before and after neurotensin.ResultsLow concentration of neurotensin (0.1–1 nM) inhibited propagating long distance contractions and rhythmic propagating motor complexes; in its place a slow propagating rhythmic segmental motor pattern developed. The neurotensin receptor 1 antagonist SR-48692 prevented the development of the segmental motor pattern. Higher concentrations of neurotensin (10 nM and 100 nM) were capable of restoring long distance contraction activity and inhibiting the segmental activity. The slow propagating segmental contraction showed a rhythmic contraction—relaxation cycle at the slow wave frequency originating from the interstitial cells of Cajal associated with the myenteric plexus pacemaker. High concentrations given without prior additions of low concentrations did not evoke the segmental motor pattern. These actions occurred when neurotensin was given in the bath solution or intraluminally. The segmental motor pattern evoked by neurotensin was inhibited by the neural conduction blocker lidocaine.ConclusionsNeurotensin (0.1–1 nM) inhibits the dominant propulsive motor patterns of the colon and a distinct motor pattern of rhythmic slow propagating segmental contractions develops. This motor pattern has the hallmarks of haustral boundary contractions.

The Administration of Levocabastine, a NTS2 Receptor Antagonist, Modifies Na+, K+-ATPase Properties

Neurotensin behaves as a neuromodulator or as a neurotransmitter interacting with NTS1 and NTS2 receptors. Neurotensin in vitro inhibits synaptosomal membrane Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity. This effect is prevented by administration of SR 48692 (antagonist for NTS1 receptor). The administration of levocabastine (antagonist for NTS2 receptor) does not prevent Na(+), K(+)-ATPase inhibition by neurotensin when the enzyme is assayed with ATP as substrate. Herein levocabastine effect on Na(+), K(+)-ATPase K(+) site was explored. For this purpose, levocabastine was administered to rats and K(+)-p-nitrophenylphosphatase (K(+)-p-NPPase) activity in synaptosomal membranes and [(3)H]-ouabain binding to cerebral cortex membranes were assayed in the absence (basal) and in the presence of neurotensin. Male Wistar rats were administered with levocabastine (50μg/kg, i.p., 30min) or the vehicle (saline solution). Synaptosomal membranes were obtained from cerebral cortex by differential and gradient centrifugation. The activity of K(+)-p-NPPase was determined in media laking or containing ATP plus NaCl. In such phosphorylating condition enzyme behaviour resembles that observed when ATP hydrolyses is recorded. In the absence of ATP plus NaCl, K(+)-p-NPPase activity was similar for levocabastine or vehicle injected (roughly 11μmole hydrolyzed substrate per mg protein per hour). Such value remained unaltered by the presence of 3.5×10(-6)M neurotensin. In the phosphorylating medium, neurotensin decreased (32%) the enzyme activity in membranes obtained from rats injected with the vehicle but failed to alter those obtained from rats injected with levocabastine. Levocabastine administration enhanced (50%) basal [(3)H]-ouabain binding to cerebral cortex membranes but failed to modify neurotensin inhibitory effect on this ligand binding. It is concluded that NTS2 receptor blockade modifies the properties of neuronal Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and that neurotensin effect on Na(+), K(+)-ATPase involves NTS1 receptor and -at least partially- NTS2 receptor.

Neurotensin inhibits both dopamine- and GABA-mediated inhibition of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons.

Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter that plays an important role in a number of different physiological processes and disorders. There is substantial evidence that the neuropeptide neurotensin interacts with the mesolimbic dopamine system and can regulate dopamine neuron activity. In these studies we have used whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiology in brain slices from mice to examine how neurotensin regulates dopamine neuron activity by examining the effect of neurotensin on the inhibitory postsynaptic current generated by somatodendritic dopamine release (D2R IPSC) in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons. Neurotensin inhibited the D2R IPSC and activated an inward current in VTA dopamine neurons that appeared to be at least partially mediated by activation of a transient receptor potential C-type channel. Neither the inward current nor the inhibition of the D2R IPSC was affected by blocking PKC or calcium release from intracellular stores, and the inhibition of the D2R IPSC was greater with neurotensin compared with activation of other Gq-coupled receptors. Interestingly, the effects of neurotensin were not specific to D2R signaling as neurotensin also inhibited GABAB inhibitory postsynaptic currents in VTA dopamine neurons. Finally, the effects of neurotensin were significantly larger when intracellular Ca(2+) was strongly buffered, suggesting that reduced intracellular calcium facilitates these effects. Overall these results suggest that neurotensin may inhibit the D2R and GABAB IPSCs downstream of receptor activation, potentially through regulation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels. These studies provide an important advance in our understanding of dopamine neuron activity and how it is controlled by neurotensin.

Effects of Neurotensin and LANT-6 on Food Intake in Chicks

Neurotensin (NT) and an NT-related peptide (Lys, Asn, NT8–13; LANT-6) are produced in the chicken brain and intestine, and these peptides are encoded by the same precursor gene (NT/LANT-6 precursor). Although it has been reported that the central administration of NT suppresses food intake in mammals, the effect of NT and LANT-6 on feeding behavior in birds has not yet been investigated. In this paper, we analyzed the expression levels of NT/LANT-6 precursor and the NT receptor (NTR1) mRNAs in the hypothalamic infundibulum, an important region for regulating feeding behaviors. We also examined the effects of NT and LANT-6 administration on food intake in chicks. Real-time PCR analysis showed that NT/LANT-6 precursor and NTR1 mRNAs had moderately high expression in the hypothalamic infundibulum. Further, in the hypothalamic infundibulum, the mRNA level of NT/LANT-6 precursor showed a trend toward increasing during postnatal development and increased 2.9-fold after a 48 hour fast, although the NTR1 mRNA level was not changed in both analyses. Contrary to our expectations, central administration of NT or LANT-6 had no effect on food intake in chicks.

Claudin-3 expression in radiation-exposed rat models: A potential marker for radiation-induced intestinal barrier failure

The molecular events leading to radiation-induced intestinal barrier failure are not well known. The influence of the expression of claudin proteins in the presence and absence of neurotensin was investigated in radiation-exposed rat intestinal epithelium. Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, irradiation, and irradiation+neurotensin groups, and bacterial translocation to the mesenteric lymph node and expression of claudins were determined. Irradiation led to intestinal barrier failure as demonstrated by significant bacterial translocation. In irradiated terminal ilea, expression of claudin-3 and claudin-4 was significantly decreased, and claudin-2 expression was increased. Administration of neurotensin significantly reduced bacterial translocation and restored the structure of the villi as seen by histologic examination. Among the three subtype of claudins, only claudin-3 expression was restored. These results suggest that the therapeutic effect of neurotensin on the disruption of the intestinal barrier is associated with claudin-3 alteration and that claudin-3 could be used as a marker in evaluating radiation-induced intestinal injury.

Effects of Neurotensin on the Effects of Pain Stress in Rats with Neurotoxic Lesions to Serotoninergic Structures of the Substantia Nigra of the Brain

The aim of the present work was to study the effects of neurotensin on the behavior of rats with neurotoxic lesions to the serotoninergic structures of the substantia nigra of the brain. Changes in the reproduction of conditioned passive avoidance reactions were analyzed, as were changes in the effects of pain stimulation on the activity of rats in the open field. Administration of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine into the substantia nigra was found to impair the reproduction of passive avoidance reactions and to weaken the suppressive effects of pain stimulation. Administration of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor antagonist p-MPPF into the substantia nigra had similar effects on the effects of pain stimulation. Administration of neurotensin into the caudate nucleus before application of pain stimulation prevented the toxin-induced impairment to defensive behavior and its effects on motor activity. Administration of neurotensin into the substantia nigra 24 h after pain stimulation had no marked effect on the passive avoidance reaction but increased motor activity during its reproduction. The effects of giving neurotoxin into the substantia nigra were linked with weakening of the action of pain stress on motor activity. Prevention of the development of this effect in rats after microinjection of neurotensin into the caudate nucleus may be due to recovery of neurotoxin-impaired reproduction of passive avoidance and can be explained by normalization of the balance of interactions between the serotoninergic (5-HT) and dopaminergic systems of the brain.

Neurotensin decreases the proinflammatory status of human skin fibroblasts and increases epidermal growth factor expression.

Fibroblasts colonization into injured areas during wound healing (WH) is responsible for skin remodelling and is also involved in the modulation of inflammation, as fibroblasts are immunologically active. Herein, we aimed to determine neurotensin effect on the immunomodulatory profile of fibroblasts, both in homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Neurotensin mediated responses occurred through NTR1 or NTR3 receptors, while under inflammatory conditions NTR1 expression increase seemed to modulate neurotensin responses. Among different immunomodulatory genes, CCL11, IL-8, and IL-6 were the most expressed genes, while CCL4 and EGF were the less expressed genes. After neurotensin exposure, IL-8 mRNA expression was increased while CCL11 was decreased, suggesting a proinflammatory upregulation and chemoattractant ability downregulation of fibroblasts. Under inflammatory conditions, gene expression was significantly increased. After neurotensin exposure, CCL4 and IL-6 mRNA expression were decreased while CCL11 was increased, suggesting again a decrease in the chemoattractant capacity of fibroblasts and in their proinflammatory status. Furthermore, the expression of EGF, a crucial growth factor for skin cells proliferation and WH, was increased in all conditions. Overall, neurotensin, released by nerve fibers or skin cells, may be involved in the decrease of the chemotaxis and the proinflammatory status in the proliferation and remodelling phases of WH.

Neurotensin receptor1 antagonist SR48692 reduces proliferation by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in melanoma cells

Malignant melanoma is highly aggressive, and always resistant to conventional chemo-radiotherapy, which results in poor prognosis. As a specific antagonist of neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1), emerging evidences confirmed that SR48692 can reverse the pro-growth effect of neurotensin (NTS) by interrupting the interaction between NTS and NTSR1. A375 melanoma cell line was used in this experiment, and SR48692 was employed as the inhibitor of NTS/NTSR1 pathway. We detected the expression of NTSR1 by NTSR1 immunofluorescence and Western blot. After SR48692 treatment, cell proliferation was determined by cell counting, MTT assay and BrdU incorporation study, the cell cycle and apoptosis were performed by flow cytometry. At last Soft Agar Clonogenic assay and xenograft cancer mice model in vivo were used to confirm our result. In this study, we showed that NTSR1 is commonly high expressed in melanoma cells, but low expressed in normal immortalized human keratinocyte line HaCaT. SR48692 not only reduced cell proliferation and self-renewal potential in vitro, but also inhibited the tumor growth derived from A375 cells in NOD/SCID mice in vivo. Further, we originally reported that SR48692 inhibited cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Considering the favorable toxicity profile in vitro and in vivo though targeting NTS/NTSR1, SR48692 is worthy of further study and exploitation in melanoma treatment.

The effect of neurotensin in human keratinocytes – implication on impaired wound healing in diabetes

Diabetic foot ulcers are an important complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by chronic, non-healing ulcers resulting from poor proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, thus impairing a correct re-epithelialization of wounded tissues. This healing process can be modulated by neuropeptides released from peripheral nerves; however, little is known regarding the role of neurotensin (NT) as a modulator of human keratinocyte function under hyperglycemic conditions. Therefore, this work is focused on the effect of NT in human keratinocytes, under normal and hyperglycemic conditions at different functional levels, namely NT receptors, cytokine, and growth factor expression, as well as proliferation and migration. Human keratinocyte cells were maintained at either 10/30 mM glucose and treated with or without NT (10 nM). The results show that NT did not affect keratinocyte viability. In addition, NT and all NT receptor expression levels were significantly reduced by hyperglycemia; however, NT treatment stimulated expression of NT and neurotensin receptor 2 (NTR2) while neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1) and neurotensin receptor 3 (NTR3) expression levels were unchanged. Keratinocyte proliferation was not affected by NT and hyperglycemia, while cell migration was reduced by NT treatment. These results demonstrated that hyperglycemic conditions strongly impaired endogenous NT and NTR2 expression in keratinocytes. Despite the addition of exogenous NT to stimulate the endogenous NT and NTR2 expression, these changes do not translate into functional modifications on keratinocytes, particularly in terms of migration, proliferation, and production of cytokines or growth factors. These results suggest that NT production by keratinocytes may exert a paracrine effect on other skin cells, namely fibroblasts, macrophages, and dendritic cells for correct wound healing.

Neurotensin and cholecystokinin contract gallbladder circular muscle in chickens

The contractile effects of neurotensin (NT) and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) on isolated circular smooth muscle strips of chicken gallbladder were investigated. The NT (0.25-300 nM) produced concentration-dependent contractions on smooth muscle with an EC50 of 8.5 nM (95% confidence limits = 5.3-13.6 nM). In comparison, CCK-8 produced concentration-dependent contractions with an EC50 of 13 nM (95% confidence limits of 9-20 nM). There were no statistical differences in contractile responses when comparing NT and CCK-8 at equimolar concentrations. The NT appears to act directly on smooth muscle tissue in the chicken; the contractile responses were not blocked by 10 µM atropine or tetrodotoxin. A portion of the activity is mediated by extracellular calcium as 100 nM nifedipine inhibited 30% of peptide-induced muscle tension. The NT receptor (NTR) type 1 antagonist SR 48692 (0.1 µM) did not significantly reduce NT potency. The contractile effects of CCK-8 remained unaltered in tissues pretreated with atropine, TTX, or nifedipine. The CCK-A antagonist lorglumide, at a concentration of 1 µM, reduced the contractile potency of CCK-8 by one-half. Avian receptors for NT and CCK may differ pharmacologically from their mammalian counterparts, but their contractile actions on the gallbladder resulting in increased biliary output by flow are further evidence of their role in the postprandial regulation of lipid digestion in chickens.

Hypothalamic Neurotensin Projections Promote Reward by Enhancing Glutamate Transmission in the VTA

The lateral hypothalamus (LH) sends a dense glutamatergic and peptidergic projection to dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a cell group known to promote reinforcement and aspects of reward. The role of the LH to VTA projection in reward-seeking behavior can be informed by using optogenetic techniques to dissociate the actions of LH neurons from those of other descending forebrain inputs to the VTA. In the present study, we identify the effect of neurotensin (NT), one of the most abundant peptides in the LH to VTA projection, on excitatory synaptic transmission in the VTA and reward-seeking behavior. Mice displayed robust intracranial self-stimulation of LH to VTA fibers, an operant behavior mediated by NT 1 receptors (Nts1) and NMDA receptors. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of VTA dopamine neurons demonstrated that NT (10 nm) potentiated NMDA-mediated EPSCs via Nts1. Results suggest that NT release from the LH into the VTA activates Nts1, thereby potentiating NMDA-mediated EPSCs and promoting reward. The striking behavioral and electrophysiological effects of NT and glutamate highlight the LH to VTA pathway as an important component of reward.