Dopamine D2 receptor-mediated circuit from the central amygdala to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis regulates impulsive behavior

Abstract

Significance Impulsivity is a tendency to act with little or no forethought or consideration of the consequences and is a major component of various psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the brain circuits that regulate reward-related impulsivity. Our genetic manipulations reveal that dopamine D2 receptors in the central nucleus of the amygdala have a crucial role in reward-related impulsive behavior. By using optogenetics to control the neurons that possess these receptors, we have identified elements of a neural circuit that contributes to regulating impulsivity. This information should enable approaches to managing impulsivity associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and addiction-related disorders.