Individual Dopaminergic Neurons of Lamprey SNc/VTA Project to Both the Striatum and Optic Tectum but Restrict Co-release of Glutamate to Striatum Only

Dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SNc) innervate both striatum and the superior colliculus in mammals, as well as its homolog the optic tectum in lampreys, belonging to the oldest group of living vertebrates [1–3]. In the lamprey, we have previously shown that the same neuron sends axonal branches to both striatum and the optic tectum [3]. Here, we show that most neurons in the lamprey SNc and ventral tegmental area (VTA) (also referred to as the nucleus of the posterior tuberculum) express not only tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), in lamprey a marker of dopaminergic neurons [4], but also the vesicular glutamate transporter (vGluT), suggesting that glutamate is a co-transmitter. Remarkably, the axonal branches that project to striatum elicit both dopaminergic and glutamatergic synaptic effects on striatal neurons, whereas the axonal projections to the optic tectum only evoke dopaminergic effects. Thus, axonal branches from the same neuron can use two transmitters in one branch and only one in the other. Previous studies suggest that, along an individual dopaminergic axon, there can be microdomains of either TH or vGluT [5–8]. In addition, the present results demonstrate that entire axonal branches to one target structure can differ from that of branches to another target, both originating from the same dopamine neuron. This implies that a given dopamine neuron can exert different effects on two different target structures. The combined release of dopamine and glutamate may be appropriate in striatum, whereas the effects exerted on the tectal motor center may be better served with a selective dopaminergic modulation. [Display omitted] •Most dopaminergic lamprey SNc/VTA neurons express glutamate•Individual co-expressing SNc/VTA neurons project to both striatum and optic tectum•SNc/VTA fibers in the striatum release both dopamine and glutamate•SNc/VTA fibers in the optic tectum release dopamine, but not glutamate von Twickel et al. show that most dopaminergic neurons in the lamprey SNc/VTA co-express glutamate and individual co-expressing neurons project to both the striatum and optic tectum. Remarkably, glutamate co-release is restricted to striatum, indicating differential neurotransmitter release depending on target area.