Action of neurotensin on ventral tegmental area neurons and glia

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Neurons in the brain communicate through the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. One key neurotransmitter is called dopamine and contributes to the regulation of motivated behaviors such as eating and sexual activity. Understanding how the release of dopamine is controlled in the brain is thus of significant interest. In the present research program, we will evaluate how the activity of dopamine-producing neurons is controlled by a class of chemical messengers called neuropeptides. In particular, we will examine how the peptide neurotensin stimulates the activity of dopamine neurons. We will also examine the effects of this peptide on astrocytes, another class of cells that are abundant in the brain, that interact with neurons and that also respond to neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Our work should lead to a better understanding of the normal function of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. This could in turn contribute to a better understanding of normal brain function and behaviour.