Intrinsic properties of central amygdala dynorphin neurons

The central amygdala (CeA) is a critical anatomical substrate for emotional regulation in response to stress, pain, and alcohol-related behaviors. While many cell-types have been identified in the CeA, much less is understood about the unique properties of these molecularly-defined neurons. We focus on a subset of neurons in the CeA expressing the neuropeptide dynorphin (Dyn+), the endogenous ligand of the kappa opioid receptor. To genetically identify dynorphinergic (Dyn) neurons, we crossed a Cre-dependent tdTomato reporter mouse to a mouse expressing Cre recombinase under the same promoter as preprodynorphin.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research