Figure 2.

Schematic representation of nAChR subtypes and circuit function in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. (A) Pyramidal cells in layer V of the PFC lack nAChRs but their activity is modulated by excitatory and inhibitory neurons that do express them. There are two types of GABAergic interneurons, fast spiking and non-fast spiking, with only the latter bearing nAChRs (α7 and α4β2^*). Distinct populations of glutamatergic inputs express either α7 or α4β2^* nAChRs while DA terminals projecting from the VTA contain α4β2^* nAChRs. Cholinergic inputs into the PFC arise from the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nBM). (B) In the NAc, nAChRs (α4β2^*, α6β2^*, and α6α4β2^*) expressed on DAergic terminals from the VTA mediate DA release based on the neuronal activity firing rate. A small population of tonically active cholinergic interneurons (~2%) is synchronized with DA cell firing. Glutamatergic inputs from the PFC endow α7 nAChRs. (C) The VTA receives cholinergic innervation from the pedunculopontine (PPn) and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei (LDTn). In addition to the nAChRs localized on DA cell bodies, DAergic cell firing is modulated by α4β2^* (and possibly α7) nAChRs expressed on GABAergic interneurons and excitatory glutamatergic afferents from the PFC and the PPn.