Response dynamics of midbrain dopamine neurons and serotonin neurons to heroin, nicotine, cocaine, and MDMA
Chao Wei, Xiao Han, Danwei Weng, Qiru Feng, Xiangbing Qi, Jin Li, Minmin Luo
Cell Discovery October 5, 2018 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0060-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Mice |
| Interventions | Heroin nicotine cocaine MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Dopamine Nicotine Midbrain Heroin Pharmacology Anesthesia |
| Citations | 83 |
| Key findings | Heroin, nicotine, cocaine, and MDMA each produce distinct patterns of activation or suppression of midbrain dopamine and serotonin neurons in mice, with heroin strongly activating dopamine neurons, nicotine rapidly activating dopamine neurons, and cocaine and MDMA causing long-lasting suppression of both neuron types. |
Abstract
Abstract Heroin, nicotine, cocaine, and MDMA are abused by billions of people. They are believed to target midbrain dopamine neurons and/or serotonin neurons, but their effects on the dynamic neuronal activity remain unclear in behaving states. By combining cell-type-specific fiber photometry of Ca 2+ signals and intravenous drug infusion, here we show that these four drugs of abuse profoundly modulate the activity of mouse midbrain dopamine neurons and serotonin neurons with distinct potency and kinetics. Heroin strongly activates dopamine neurons, and only excites serotonin neurons at higher doses. Nicotine activates dopamine neurons in merely a few seconds, but produces minimal effects on serotonin neurons. Cocaine and MDMA cause long-lasting suppression of both dopamine neurons and serotonin neurons, although MDMA inhibits serotonin neurons more profoundly. Moreover, these inhibitory effects are mediated through the activity of dopamine and serotonin autoreceptors. These results suggest that the activity of dopamine neurons and that of serotonin neurons are more closely associated with the drug's reinforcing property and the drug's euphorigenic property, respectively. This study also shows that our methodology may facilitate further in-vivo interrogation of neural dynamics using animal models of drug addiction.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Effects of ketamine on GABAergic and glutamatergic activity in the mPFC: biphasic recruitment of GABA function in antidepressant-like responses. Neuropsychopharmacology March 1, 2025
- Increased iNOS and Nitrosative Stress in Dopaminergic Neurons of MDMA-Exposed Rats International Journal of Molecular Sciences March 12, 2019
- Utilizing Caenorhabditis Elegans as a Rapid and Precise Model for Assessing Amphetamine-Type Stimulants: A Novel Approach to Evaluating New Psychoactive Substances Activity and Mechanisms. Advanced Science May 1, 2025
- The effects of acute and repeated adolescent MDMA exposure on behavior, cognition, and the monoamine neurotransmitter systems: A review of human and pre-clinical research Behavioural Brain Research February 10, 2026
- Patterns of onset and progression of psychoses induced by psychoactive substance use. Psychiatry Research June 1, 2026
and 1 more in the library
Cites 4
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- Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental December 1, 2001
- Serotonin 5-HT2BReceptors Are Required for 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-Induced Hyperlocomotion and 5-HT ReleaseIn VivoandIn Vitro Journal of Neuroscience March 12, 2008
- Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of its possible persistent psychological effects Psychopharmacology September 7, 2000