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Ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons in the brain have been implicated in the etiology of symptoms of substance use disorders, but a mechanism of action has not been elucidated. At rest (steady-state), VTA neurons have an internal pacemaker activity, possibly due to Na* leak channels. This pacemaker activity leads to the production of spontaneous action potential firing and the baseline release of neurotransmitters in target regions like the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. VTA neurons also have K* leak channels such as KCNK13 in their plasma membranes. Potassium leak channels, in general, are important for the formation/maintenance of resting membrane potentials in neurons. Recent studies indicate that ethanol blocks the function of K* leak channels such as KCNK13 (see accompanying figure). What impact will ethanol likely have on the basal/spontaneous firing rate of the VTA neurons? Explain.

Ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons in the brain have been implicated in the etiology of symptoms of substance use disorders, but a mechanism of action has not been elucidated. At rest (steady-state), VTA neurons have an internal pacemaker activity, possibly due to Na* leak channels. This pacemaker activity leads to the production of spontaneous action potential firing and the baseline release of neurotransmitters in target regions like the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. VTA neurons also have K* leak channels such as KCNK13 in their plasma membranes. Potassium leak channels, in general, are important for the formation/maintenance of resting membrane potentials in neurons. Recent studies indicate that ethanol blocks the function of K* leak channels such as KCNK13 (see accompanying figure). What impact will ethanol likely have on the basal/spontaneous firing rate of the VTA neurons? Explain.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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### Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) Neurons and Ethanol Influence 1. **Introduction to VTA Neurons:** Ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons in the brain have been implicated in the etiology of symptoms of substance use disorders, but a clear mechanism of action is still under investigation. At rest (steady state), VTA neurons exhibit internal pacemaker activity that is hypothesized to be driven by Na⁺ leak channels. This internal pacemaker activity facilitates the generation of spontaneous action potentials and the release of neurotransmitters to regions like the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, maintaining the baseline neuron activity. 2. **Role of K⁺ Leak Channels:** The VTA neurons also include K⁺ leak channels, specifically KCNK13, within their plasma membranes. These potassium leak channels are pivotal for the maintenance of resting membrane potentials in neurons. Maintaining this potential is crucial for normal neuron function and the generation of action potentials. 3. **Impact of Ethanol:** Recent studies suggest that ethanol can block the function of K⁺ leak channels like KCNK13. The accompanying figure illustrates this concept. With the inhibition of KCNK13 by ethanol, the balance between K⁺ and Na⁺ flux is disrupted, likely leading to alterations in the neuron's spontaneous firing rate. 4. **Figure Description:** - **Diagram Components:** - **VTA Neuron:** Illustrated as an oval structure. - **KCNK13 Channels:** Shown as channels on the VTA neuron through which K⁺ ions typically flow. - **Steady State Label:** Indicates the normal functioning state without ethanol influence. - **Connections:** The figure shows connections from the VTA neuron to regions like the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (Pfc), emphasizing the implications of VTA activity on these regions. 5. **Conclusion and Explanation:** - **Impact of Ethanol:** With ethanol inhibiting K⁺ leak channels, the neuron's ability to maintain its resting potential may be compromised. This could lead to increased excitability and a higher spontaneous firing rate of the VTA neurons. The increased activity may result in elevated dopamine release in target regions, which can contribute to the behavioral and addictive properties associated with ethanol. This comprehensive understanding underscores the crucial role of ion channels in neuronal function and highlights the complex interactions between neuro
Transcribed Image Text:### Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) Neurons and Ethanol Influence 1. **Introduction to VTA Neurons:** Ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons in the brain have been implicated in the etiology of symptoms of substance use disorders, but a clear mechanism of action is still under investigation. At rest (steady state), VTA neurons exhibit internal pacemaker activity that is hypothesized to be driven by Na⁺ leak channels. This internal pacemaker activity facilitates the generation of spontaneous action potentials and the release of neurotransmitters to regions like the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, maintaining the baseline neuron activity. 2. **Role of K⁺ Leak Channels:** The VTA neurons also include K⁺ leak channels, specifically KCNK13, within their plasma membranes. These potassium leak channels are pivotal for the maintenance of resting membrane potentials in neurons. Maintaining this potential is crucial for normal neuron function and the generation of action potentials. 3. **Impact of Ethanol:** Recent studies suggest that ethanol can block the function of K⁺ leak channels like KCNK13. The accompanying figure illustrates this concept. With the inhibition of KCNK13 by ethanol, the balance between K⁺ and Na⁺ flux is disrupted, likely leading to alterations in the neuron's spontaneous firing rate. 4. **Figure Description:** - **Diagram Components:** - **VTA Neuron:** Illustrated as an oval structure. - **KCNK13 Channels:** Shown as channels on the VTA neuron through which K⁺ ions typically flow. - **Steady State Label:** Indicates the normal functioning state without ethanol influence. - **Connections:** The figure shows connections from the VTA neuron to regions like the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (Pfc), emphasizing the implications of VTA activity on these regions. 5. **Conclusion and Explanation:** - **Impact of Ethanol:** With ethanol inhibiting K⁺ leak channels, the neuron's ability to maintain its resting potential may be compromised. This could lead to increased excitability and a higher spontaneous firing rate of the VTA neurons. The increased activity may result in elevated dopamine release in target regions, which can contribute to the behavioral and addictive properties associated with ethanol. This comprehensive understanding underscores the crucial role of ion channels in neuronal function and highlights the complex interactions between neuro
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