PUBLICATION

Identification of GABAergic neurons innervating the zebrafish lateral habenula

Authors
Ramaswamy, M., Cheng, R.K., Jesuthasan, S.
ID
ZDB-PUB-200529-12
Date
2020
Source
The European journal of neuroscience   52(8): 3918-3928 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Jesuthasan, Suresh
Keywords
none
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • GABAergic Neurons
  • Habenula*
  • Thalamus
  • Zebrafish
PubMed
32464693 Full text @ Eur. J. Neurosci.
Abstract
Habenula neurons are constantly active. The level of activity affects mood and behaviour, with increased activity in the lateral habenula reflecting exposure to punishment and a switch to passive coping and depression. Here, we identify GABAergic neurons that could reduce activity in the lateral habenula of larval zebrafish. GAD65/67 immunohistochemistry and imaging of gad1b:DsRed transgenic fish suggest the presence of GABAergic terminals in the neuropil and between cell bodies in the lateral habenula. Retrograde tracing with the lipophilic dye DiD suggests that the former derives from the thalamus, while the latter originates from a group of cells in the posterior hypothalamus that are located between the posterior tuberal nucleus and hypothalamic lobes. Two-photon calcium imaging indicates that blue light causes excitation of thalamic GABAergic neurons and terminals in the neuropil, while a subpopulation of lateral habenula neurons show reduced intracellular calcium levels. Whole-cell electrophysiological recording indicates that blue-light reduces membrane potential of lateral habenula neurons. These observations suggest that GABAergic input from the thalamus may mediate inhibition in the zebrafish lateral habenula. Mechanisms governing release of GABA from the neurons in the posterior hypothalamus, which are likely to be in the tuberomammillary nucleus, remain to be defined.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
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Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping