A Nucleus Accumbens Tac1 Neural Circuit Regulates Avoidance Responses to Aversive Stimuli

Abstract

Neural circuits that control aversion are essential for motivational regulation and survival in animals. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays an important role in predicting aversive events and translating motivations into actions. However, the NAc circuits that mediate aversive behaviors remain elusive. Here, we report that tachykinin precursor 1 (Tac1) neurons in the NAc medial shell regulate avoidance responses to aversive stimuli. We show that NAcTac1 neurons project to the lateral hypothalamic area (LH) and that the NAcTac1→LH pathway contributes to avoidance responses. Moreover, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) sends excitatory inputs to the NAc, and this circuit is involved in the regulation of avoidance responses to aversive stimuli. Overall, our study reveals a discrete NAc Tac1 circuit that senses aversive stimuli and drives avoidance behaviors.