Gabapentin regulates dopaminergic neuron firing and theta oscillation in the ventral tegmental area to reverse depression-like behavior in chronic neuropathic pain state

Abstract

The present study confirmed that the tonic firing activity of VTA DA neurons, but not the burst firing activity, was the key factor in peripheral neuropathy-induced depression. Chronic GBP regulated the firing pattern of DA neurons and decreased theta oscillation in VTA to treat pain-related depression. This variation tendency of electrophysiological characteristics of VTA DA neurons and theta oscillation in VTA might represent an attempt to cope with pain-related negative mood disorder.