Work

A Cre Driver Line for Genetic Targeting of Kappa Opioid Receptor Expressing Cells

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Here we describe the generation and characterization of aCreknock-in mouse line that harbors a Cre insertion in the 3′UTR of the κ opioid receptor gene (Oprk1) locus and provides genetic access to populations of κ opioid receptor (KOR)-expressing neurons throughout the brain. Using a combination of techniques including RNAin situhybridization and immunohistochemistry, we report that Cre is expressed with high fidelity in KOR-expressing cells throughout the brain in this mouse line. We also provide evidence that Cre insertion does not alter basal KOR function. Baseline anxiety-like behaviors and nociceptive thresholds are unaltered inOprk1-Cremice. Chemogenetic activation of KOR-expressing cells in the basolateral amygdala (BLAKORcells) resulted in several sex-specific effects on anxiety-like and aversive behaviors. Activation led to decreased anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze and increased sociability in female but not in maleOprk1-Cremice. Activation of BLAKORcells also attenuated KOR agonist-induced conditioned place aversion (CPA) in maleOprk1-Cremice. Overall, these results suggest a potential role for BLAKORcells in regulating anxiety-like behaviors and KOR-agonist mediated CPA. In summary, these results provide evidence for the utility of the newly generatedOprk1-Cremice in assessing localization, anatomy, and function of KOR circuits throughout the brain.

Source: eNeuro

DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0043-23.2023