Prairie Voles

Do mice find social interactions rewarding

Microdialysis Probe

Is OXT released in the NAc?

Is OXT localized in LDCV in axon terminals of NAc

Is OXT released in NAc?

How to label neurones that project to the NAc?

What neurones in the brain innervate the NAc?

Do PVN neurones produce OXT?

immunohistochemisty

Making an antibody for a specific Protein

Method

Which neurones in the NAc have OXT receptors?

Are the OXT receptors located on the soma of cells in NAc required for social reward? (can one remove all OXT receptors from soma located on the NAc)?

Are the OXT receptors located on the soma of cells in NAc required for social reward?

Transgenic vs. Knock in/Knock out mouse

knock in/ knock out mice

OXT receptor expression in NAc cells isn't required for social reward

Brain Slice Electrophysiology

Adding OXT to NAc doesn't change excitability of projection neurones v. much, but it reduces f. of glutamate input

probability of NT release in response to action potential is mediated by diff. things

long term changes in synaptic strength can be b/c of factors influences in the pre synapse

Do any neurones that project to the NAc from anywhere express OXT receptors

Which projection to the NAc mediates OXT- dependent social reward?

OXT receptor-expressing cells in dorsal-raphe send serotenergic projections to NAc

serotonin receptors in NAc required for social reward