| First Author | Paliarin F | Year | 2023 |
| Journal | eNeuro | Volume | 10 |
| Issue | 7 | PubMed ID | 37364995 |
| Mgi Jnum | J:338351 | Mgi Id | MGI:7508773 |
| Doi | 10.1523/ENEURO.0043-23.2023 | Citation | Paliarin F, et al. (2023) A Cre Driver Line for Genetic Targeting of Kappa Opioid Receptor Expressing Cells. eNeuro 10(7):ENEURO.0043-23.2023 |
| abstractText | Here we describe the generation and characterization of a Cre knock-in mouse line that harbors a Cre insertion in the 3'UTR of the kappa opioid receptor gene (Oprk1) locus and provides genetic access to populations of kappa opioid receptor (KOR)-expressing neurons throughout the brain. Using a combination of techniques including RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we report that Cre is expressed with high fidelity in KOR-expressing cells throughout the brain in this mouse line. We also provide evidence that Cre insertion does not alter basal KOR function. Baseline anxiety-like behaviors and nociceptive thresholds are unaltered in Oprk1-Cre mice. Chemogenetic activation of KOR-expressing cells in the basolateral amygdala (BLA(KOR) cells) resulted in several sex-specific effects on anxiety-like and aversive behaviors. Activation led to decreased anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze and increased sociability in female but not in male Oprk1-Cre mice. Activation of BLA(KOR) cells also attenuated KOR agonist-induced conditioned place aversion (CPA) in male Oprk1-Cre mice. Overall, these results suggest a potential role for BLA(KOR) cells in regulating anxiety-like behaviors and KOR-agonist mediated CPA. In summary, these results provide evidence for the utility of the newly generated Oprk1-Cre mice in assessing localization, anatomy, and function of KOR circuits throughout the brain. |
