Astrocytic D1 Dopamine-Signaling Regulates Synaptic Remodeling and Cocaine Seeking
D1-type receptor (D1R)-mediated dopaminergic signaling within the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) is essential for forming adaptive circuit changes that embed persistent memories associated with drug seeking and craving. While D1R is expressed in both NAcSh neurons and astrocytes, the specific contribution of astrocytic D1R to drug-related circuit plasticity remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate in mouse NAcSh slices that D1R agonists increase astrocytic Ca2+ activity, an effect that is attenuated by astrocyte-specific D1R knockdown. Furthermore, selective knockdown of astrocytic D1R in the NAcSh prior to cocaine self-administration inhibits cocaine-induced generation of silent synapses, therefore hampering the associated remodeling of NAcSh circuits. Behaviorally, knockdown of NAcSh astrocytic D1R expedites the extinction of cocaine seeking and reduces cue-induced reinstatement. These results identify astrocytic D1R as a fundamental component of NAcSh dopamine signaling during cocaine experience that remodels synaptic connections and neural networks underlying drug seeking and relapse.