# VTA microcircuit dynamics during chronic stress

> **NIH NIH R01** · GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $78,067

## 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:** 10505591
- **Project number:** 3R01MH122712-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Abigail Marie Polter
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $78,067
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-05-15 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10505591

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10505591, VTA microcircuit dynamics during chronic stress (3R01MH122712-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10505591. Licensed CC0.

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