Abstract
This aim of this chapter is to review literature on the excitability and function of dopamine neurons that originate in the midbrain and project to cortico-limbic and motor structures (A9 and A10 dopamine pathways). Electrophysiological studies on rodent or non-human primates have shown that these dopamine neurons are silent or spontaneously active. The spontaneously active neurons show slow regular firing, slow irregular firing or fast bursting activity. In the first section, we will review how neuronal firing is modulated by intrinsic factors, such as impulseregulating somatodendritic dopamine autoreceptors, a balance between inward voltage-gated sodium and calcium currents and outward potassium currents. We will then review the major excitatory and inhibitory pathways that play important roles in modulating dopamine cell excitability. In the second section, we will discuss how, in addition to being modulated by intrinsic and synaptic factors, excitability of dopamine neurons can also be modulated by life experiences. Dopamine neurons change their firing rate throughout the developmental period, their activity can be modified by stressful life events, and the firing mode can change as a consequence of acute or repeated exposure to psychoactive drugs. Finally, these cells change their firing pattern in response to behaviorally relevant stimuli and learning experiences. We will conclude by discussing how changes in the physiology of the dopamine neurons could participate in the development or exacerbation of psychiatric conditions such as drug addiction.
Keywords: stress, addiction, electrophysiology, Dopamine, ventral tegmental area, synaptic
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
Title: Excitability of Dopamine Neurons: Modulation and Physiological Consequences
Volume: 5 Issue: 1
Author(s): F. J. White, X- T. Hu, M. Marinelli and C. N. Rudick
Affiliation:
Keywords: stress, addiction, electrophysiology, Dopamine, ventral tegmental area, synaptic
Abstract: This aim of this chapter is to review literature on the excitability and function of dopamine neurons that originate in the midbrain and project to cortico-limbic and motor structures (A9 and A10 dopamine pathways). Electrophysiological studies on rodent or non-human primates have shown that these dopamine neurons are silent or spontaneously active. The spontaneously active neurons show slow regular firing, slow irregular firing or fast bursting activity. In the first section, we will review how neuronal firing is modulated by intrinsic factors, such as impulseregulating somatodendritic dopamine autoreceptors, a balance between inward voltage-gated sodium and calcium currents and outward potassium currents. We will then review the major excitatory and inhibitory pathways that play important roles in modulating dopamine cell excitability. In the second section, we will discuss how, in addition to being modulated by intrinsic and synaptic factors, excitability of dopamine neurons can also be modulated by life experiences. Dopamine neurons change their firing rate throughout the developmental period, their activity can be modified by stressful life events, and the firing mode can change as a consequence of acute or repeated exposure to psychoactive drugs. Finally, these cells change their firing pattern in response to behaviorally relevant stimuli and learning experiences. We will conclude by discussing how changes in the physiology of the dopamine neurons could participate in the development or exacerbation of psychiatric conditions such as drug addiction.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
White J. F., Hu T. X-, Marinelli M. and Rudick N. C., Excitability of Dopamine Neurons: Modulation and Physiological Consequences, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2006; 5 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152706784111542
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152706784111542 |
Print ISSN 1871-5273 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1996-3181 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system infectious diseases
Infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) can be divided into bacterial, tuberculous, viral, fungal, parasitic infections, etc. Early etiological treatment is often the most crucial means to reduce the mortality rate of patients with central nervous system infections, reduce complications and sequelae, and improve prognosis. The initial clinical ...read more
Techniques of Drug Repurposing: Delivering a new life to Herbs & Drugs
Of late, with the adaptation of innovative approaches and integration of advancements made towards medical sciences as well as the availability of a wide range of tools; several therapeutic challenges are being translated into viable clinical solutions, with a high degree of efficacy, safety, and selectivity. With a better understanding ...read more
Trends and perspectives in the rational management of CNS disorders
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases enforce a significant global health burden, driving ongoing efforts to improve our understanding and effectiveness of therapy. This issue investigates current advances in the discipline, focusing on the understanding as well as therapeutic handling of various CNS diseases. The issue covers a variety of diseases, ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Phenolic Compounds in Prevention and Treatment of Skin Cancers: A Review
Current Medicinal Chemistry Alzheimers Disease - An Interactive Perspective
Current Alzheimer Research Mechanisms of Neurodegeration in Type 2 Diabetes and the Neuroprotective Potential of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Leading Role of Antimicrobial Agents in Modulating the Binomial Host-Microorganism
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Anti-Infective Agents Caffeine and Suicide: A Systematic Review
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Repurposing Pharmaceuticals as Neuroprotective Agents for Cerebral Malaria
Current Clinical Pharmacology Capillary Electrophoresis with Mass Spectrometry: Applications to Metabolomic Analysis
Current Metabolomics Confocal Microscopy Evidence of Prion Protein Fragment hPrP[173-195] Internalization in Rat B104 Neuroblastoma Cell Line
Protein & Peptide Letters Oxidative Stress in Autoimmune Diseases: An Under Dealt Malice
Current Protein & Peptide Science Hsp90 Affecting Chromatin Remodeling Might Explain Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance in Drosophila
Current Genomics Carbon Monoxide in Acute Lung Injury
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Hydrocarbons Increases Dementia Risk in People Aged 50 Years and above in Taiwan
Current Alzheimer Research Imaging Localised Hydrogen Peroxide Production in Living Systems
Current Chemical Biology Stem Cell-Derived Oligodendroglial Cells for Therapy in Neurological Diseases
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Understanding the Binding Mechanism of Antagonist (AZD3293) Against BACE-1: Molecular Insights into Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery The Cardiovascular and Cardiac Actions of Ecstasy and its Metabolites
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Topiramate: A Novel Therapeutic Candidate for Diabetes and Aggression? Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Findings
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Novel Therapeutics for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Endocannabinoid/Endovanilloid System and Depression
Current Neuropharmacology Biological Effects of Curcumin and Its Role in Cancer Chemoprevention and Therapy
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry