Cav2.2-mediated signaling in the neural circuits underlying anxiety

Abstract

Neuronal voltage-gated Cav2.2 channels mediate the presynaptic machinery responsible for the release of neurotransmitters. In our previous studies, mice that received intracerebroventricular injections of ω-conotoxin GVIA, a Cav2.2 blocker, exhibited decreased baseline levels of dopamine and serotonin within the striatum and frontal cortex, deficits that resulted in depressive behaviors. However, the role of Cav2.2 in neural circuits underlying anxiety remains poorly understood. In the present study, intracerebroventricular injection of ω-conotoxin GVIA (5 pg/side) in mice resulted in behavioral deficits in the elevated plus maze, light-dark exploration, and marble burying tests. These results indicate that inhibition of Cav2.2-mediated signaling induces alterations in the neuronal network involved in anxiety-related behaviors.