Encoding opposing valences through frequency-dependent transmitter switching in single peptidergic neurons
Year: 2024
Type: preprint
Abstract: Peptidergic neurons often co-express fast transmitters and neuropeptides in separate vesicles with distinct release properties. However, the release dynamics of each transmitter in various contexts have not been fully understood in behaving animals. Here, we demonstrate that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) neurons in the external lateral subdivision of the parabrachial nucleus (CGRP PBel ) encode opposing valence via differential release, rather than corelease, of glutamate and neuropeptides, according to firing rate. Glutamate is released preferentially at lower firing rates with minimal release at higher firing rates, whereas neuropeptides are released at higher firing rates, resulting in frequency-dependent switching of transmitters. Aversive stimuli evoke high frequency responses with accompanying neuropeptide release to encode negative valence, whereas appetitive stimuli evoke low frequency responses with glutamate release to encode positive valence. Our study reveals a previously unknown capability of single CGRP PBel neurons to bidirectionally encode valence via frequency-dependent differential release of transmitters in vivo .
Authors: Dong-Il Kim, Sukjae J. Kang, Jinho Jhang, Yong S. Jo, Seahyung Park, Mao Ye, Gyeong Hee Pyeon, Geun-Ho Im, Seong-Gi Kim, Sung Han
Language: English
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4404204512