CRBS Seminar series : Electrophysiological alterations of the habenulo-tegmental pathway in depression induced by neuropathic pain

Abstract :

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pathological condition resulting from injury or disease of the somatosensory system. More than 30% of patients with chronic pain will develop a major depressive disorder in their lifetime. Dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) play an essential role in reward processing, motivation and other functions. Alterations in this system have been implicated in chronic pain and major depressive disorders. Additionally, the lateral habenula (LHb), a key region in mood disorders, sends projections to the VTA. Our current work aims to identify the potential implication of dopaminergic neurons of the VTA, particularly those receiving inputs from the LHb, in the comorbidity of chronic pain and major depressive disorder. To achieve this, we combine different approach such as single-cell electrophysiology and optogenetic in a mouse model of chronic pain-induced depression.