Gustatory thalamic neurons mediate aversive behaviors

PB (Parabrachial nucleus) MBA:867 functionally connects to VPMpc (Ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus, parvicellular part) MBA:741 · Mouse

Optogenetic stimulation of CGRP parabrachial terminals in slices from CalcaFLPo::Oprm1Cre mice evoked EPSCs in almost all recorded Oprm1 VPMpc neurons (41 of 43). The responses were blocked by AMPA and NMDA receptor antagonists and were restored by 4AP after TTX.

Fig. 1i–m; Supplementary Fig. 3

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VPMpc (Ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus, parvicellular part) MBA:741 functionally connects to LA (Lateral amygdalar nucleus) MBA:131 · Mouse

Photostimulation of Cck VPMpc terminals evoked EPSCs in 17 of 19 rostral lateral amygdala neurons. The responses were TTX-sensitive and 4AP-restored, consistent with direct monosynaptic input.

Fig. 6e–h, l–n

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VPMpc (Ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus, parvicellular part) MBA:741 functionally connects to GU (Gustatory areas) MBA:1057 · Mouse

Light stimulation of ChR2-expressing Cck VPMpc axons in slices evoked EPSCs in every recorded insular cortex neuron. The responses were blocked by TTX and rescued by 4AP, indicating monosynaptic input.

Fig. 6e–k

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VPMpc (Ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus, parvicellular part) MBA:741 projects to CEA (Central amygdalar nucleus) MBA:536 · Mouse

Intersectionally labelled IC-projecting Cck VPMpc neurons also showed axonal labelling in the central amygdala.

Fig. 7c

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VPMpc (Ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus, parvicellular part) MBA:741 projects to LA (Lateral amygdalar nucleus) MBA:131 · Mouse

Anterograde labelling from Cck VPMpc neurons showed a weaker projection confined to the rostral lateral amygdala. Intersectional labelling of IC-projecting VPMpc neurons showed that these same cells also send collaterals to the LA.

Fig. 6d; Supplementary Fig. 11; Fig. 7c

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VPMpc (Ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus, parvicellular part) MBA:741 projects to CNU (Cerebral nuclei) MBA:623 · Mouse

In the intersectional tracing experiment, mCherry-labelled axons of IC-projecting VPMpc neurons were also seen in the amygdalostriatal transition area next to the amygdala.

Fig. 7c

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VPMpc (Ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus, parvicellular part) MBA:741 projects to GU (Gustatory areas) MBA:1057 · Mouse

Small Cre-dependent YFP and synaptophysin-mCherry injections into the VPMpc of CckCre mice produced a strong axonal projection to the medial and posterior insular cortex. The terminals formed one band in layer 1 and a larger band in layers 3–4.

Fig. 6a–d; Supplementary Fig. 10

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VPMpc (Ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus, parvicellular part) MBA:741 projects to GU (Gustatory areas) MBA:1057 · Mouse

Injecting retrograde AAV-Flp into the insular cortex, together with a Cre-on/Flp-on reporter in the VPMpc of CckCre mice, labelled Cck neurons in the VPMpc that project to the IC.

Fig. 7b–c

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