Opiate-induced motor stimulation is regulated by gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptors found in the ventral tegmental area in mice.

Recent studies suggest that gamma-aminobutyric acid type B (GABA(B)) receptors located on dopaminergic cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) regulate mesolimbic dopaminergic (A10) activity. In the current study, we identified GABA(B) receptor subtypes in the area of the VTA and examined their role in modulating acute opiate actions. We studied the effects of intra-VTA infusions of the selective GABA(B) agonist baclofen on morphine-induced locomotor stimulation and A10 neuronal activation. Drug treatments were followed by ambulatory activity monitoring for 180 min. Intra-VTA baclofen treatment produced a 70% inhibition of morphine-stimulated locomotor activity. Furthermore, functional activation of A10 neurons was assessed by immunohistochemical staining of c-Fos in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), where A10 neurons terminate. We found that morphine treatment increased the levels of Fos-positive nuclei in the NAc, while intra-VTA baclofen treatment reversed morphine's effects. Finally, GABA(B) receptor subtypes and isoforms were identified in the ventromedial mesencephalon using immunoblotting. We demonstrated the presence of GABA(B)R1a (130 kDa), GABA(B)R1b (100 kDa), and GABA(B)R2 (120 kDa) receptor subtypes in this region. These results suggest that GABA(B) receptor isoforms are found in the VTA and their activation results in the blockade of behavioral effects of opiates via inhibition of dopaminergic neurotransmission.