Dopamine modulates visual threat processing in the superior colliculus via D2 receptors

Montardy, Q.; Zhou, Z.; Li, L.; Yang, Q.; Lei, Z.; Feng, X.; Chen, S.; Shi, Q.; Zhang, H.; Zhang, Z.; Zhao, B.; Xu, F.; Lu, Z.; Wang, L.

doi:10.1101/2021.02.12.430615

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2021.02.12.430615

Dopamine modulates visual threat processing in the superior colliculus via D2 receptors

Montardy, Q.·Zhou, Z.·Li, L.·Yang, Q.·Lei, Z.·Feng, X.·Chen, S.·Shi, Q.·Zhang, H.·Zhang, Z.·Zhao, B.·Xu, F.·Lu, Z.·Wang, L.

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Abstract

Dopamine (DA) system is intriguing in the aspect that distinct, typically opposing physiological functions are mediated by D1 dopamine receptors (Drd1) and D2 dopamine receptors (Drd2). Both Drd1+ and Drd2+ neurons were identified in superior colliculus (SC), a visuomotor integration center known for its role in defensive behaviors to visual threats. We hypothesized that Drd1+ and Drd2+ neurons in the SC may play a role in promoting instinctive defensive responses. Optogenetic activation of Drd2+ neurons, but not Drd1+ neurons, in the SC triggered strong defensive behaviors. Chemogenetic inhibition of SC Drd2+ neurons decreased looming-induced defensive behavior, suggesting involvement of SC Drd2+ neurons in defensive responses. To further confirm this functional role of Drd2 receptors, pretreatment with the Drd2+ agonist quinpirole in the SC impaired looming-evoked defensive responses, suggesting an essential role of Drd2 receptors in the regulation of innate defensive behavior. Inputs and outputs of SC Drd2+ neurons were investigated using viral tracing: SC Drd2+ neurons mainly receive moderate inputs from the Locus Coeruleus (LC), whilst we did not find any incoming projections from other dopaminergic structures. Our results suggest a sophisticated regulatory role of DA and its receptor system in innate defensive behavior.

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Montardy, Q., Zhou, Z., Li, L., Yang, Q., Lei, Z., Feng, X., Chen, S., Shi, Q., Zhang, H., Zhang, Z., Zhao, B., Xu, F., Lu, Z., Wang, L.. 2021-02-12. Dopamine modulates visual threat processing in the superior colliculus via D2 receptors. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.12.430615

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