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The lateral habenula in addiction and depression: an anatomical, synaptic and behavioral overview

2014; Wiley; Volume: 39; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/ejn.12480

1460-9568

Salvatore Lecca, Frank J. Meye, Manuel Mameli,

Sleep and Wakefulness Research

Abstract The lateral habenula ( LH b) is an epithalamic region with a crucial role in the regulation of midbrain monoaminergic systems. Over the past few years a renewed interest in the LH b has emerged due to studies highlighting its central role in encoding rewarding and aversive aspects of stimuli. Moreover, an increasing number of functional as well as behavioral indications provide substantial evidence supporting a role of LH b in neuropsychiatric diseases, including mood disorders and drug addiction. Cellular and synaptic adaptations in the LH b may therefore represent a critical phenomenon in the etiology of these diseases. In the current review we describe the anatomical and functional connections allowing the LH b to control the dopamine and serotonin systems, as well as possible roles of these connections in motivated behaviors and neuropsychiatric disorders. Finally, we discuss how drug exposure and stressful conditions alter the cellular physiology of the LH b, highlighting a role for the LH b in the context of drug addiction and depression.