Involvement of astrocytes in the oxytocin-mediated modulation of central amygdala circuits and functions – GOT

Oxytocin modulates neurophysiological functions as anxiety and pain, notably through its action on central amygdala (CeA). Oxytocin receptors (OTR) are expressed in the lateral CeA (CeL), where their activation leads to an increased firing of GABA interneurons. These neurons directly inhibit projection neurons of the medial CeA (CeM), thereby leading to clear behavioral changes. Besides, the CeA is recognized as a major player in the etiology of chronic pain, for which recent studies also suggest a critical involvement of astrocytes and oxytocin. However the possible involvement of astrocytes in the neuromodulatory effects of oxytocin has rarely been explored. Given that we found OTR in astrocytes within the CeL, we hypothesize that astrocytes play a key role in the oxytocin-mediated modulation of CeA microcircuits. Hence, combining ex and in vivo approaches, we will address how oxytocin drives the glia-neuron network activity in order to impact CeA microcircuits and related behaviors.