# VTA microcircuit dynamics during chronic stress

> **NIH NIH R01** · GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $395,852

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
In this project, we will investigate the dynamics of inhibition in the ventral tegmental area (VTA)
during chronic stress. GABAergic neurons make up 35% of neurons in the VTA, but relatively little is
known about them. These cells are critical regulators of neighboring dopaminergic neurons, and are
robustly activated by acute stress. VTA GABA neurons are thus poised to be a significant mediator of
stress’s effects on the VTA. It remains unknown, however, how these neurons respond to chronic
stress. In this proposal, we will take a multidisciplinary approach, utilizing electrophysiology,
optogenetics, behavior, and fiber photometry to address the hypothesis that chronic stress leads to
persistent hyperactivity of VTA GABA neurons and that this underlies the emergence of maladaptive
behavioral responses. In the first aim, we will examine the dynamics of inhibition of VTA dopamine
neurons by VTA GABA neurons during stress. In the second, we will investigate how activity of and
strength of synaptic inputs onto VTA GABA neurons changes during stress. In the third aim, we will
examine whether in vivo activity of VTA GABA neurons contributes to individual differences in the
emergence of social anhedonia post-stress. These studies hold the potential to contribute significantly
to our understanding of how the reward system is altered by stress and may lead to novel avenues
for the development of therapeutic treatments for depression and other stress-linked disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10165835
- **Project number:** 5R01MH122712-02
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Abigail Marie Polter
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $395,852
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-05-15 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10165835

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10165835, VTA microcircuit dynamics during chronic stress (5R01MH122712-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10165835. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*