Distorted neurocomputation by a small number of extra-large spines in psychiatric disorders.

Human genetics strongly support the involvement of synaptopathy in psychiatric disorders. However, trans-scale causality linking synapse pathology to behavioral changes is lacking. To address this question, we examined the effects of synaptic inputs on dendrites, cells, and behaviors of mice with knockdown of SETD1A and DISC1, which are validated animal models of schizophrenia. Both models exhibited an overrepresentation of extra-large (XL) synapses, which evoked supralinear dendritic and somatic integration, resulting in increased neuronal firing. The probability of XL spines correlated negatively with working memory, and the optical prevention of XL spine generation restored working memory impairment. Furthermore, XL synapses were more abundant in the postmortem brains of patients with schizophrenia than in those of matched controls. Our findings suggest that working memory performance, a pivotal aspect of psychiatric symptoms, is shaped by distorted dendritic and somatic integration via XL spines.

Pain-related neuronal ensembles in the primary somatosensory cortex contribute to hyperalgesia and anxiety.

The mechanism by which acute pain or itch information at the periphery is processed in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) remains unclear. To elucidate this, we used a viral-mediated targeted-recombination-in-active population system to target S1 neuronal ensembles that are active during pain or itch sensations. We induced the expression of excitatory or inhibitory designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs in pain- or itch-related S1 neurons. We identified neuronal populations in mice that regulate the sensory components of pain and itch in the S1 hind paw region. Notably, the neuronal circuit between pain-related S1 neurons and the parafascicular nucleus contributed to hyperalgesia and anxiety-like behavior. We propose that S1 plays an essential role in sensory and affective responses to noxious stimuli, such as pain.

Reconstitution of functional tight junctions with individual claudin subtypes in epithelial cells.

The claudin family of membrane proteins is responsible for the backbone structure and function of tight junctions (TJs), which regulate the paracellular permeability of epithelia. It is thought that each claudin subtype has its own unique function and the combination of expressed subtypes determines the permeability property of each epithelium. However, many issues remain unsolved in regard to claudin functions, including the detailed functional differences between claudin subtypes and the effect of the combinations of specific claudin subtypes on the structure and function of TJs. To address these issues, it would be useful to have a way of reconstituting TJs containing only the claudin subtype(s) of interest in epithelial cells. In this study, we attempted to reconstitute TJs of individual claudin subtypes in TJ-deficient MDCK cells, designated as claudin quinKO cells, which were previously established from MDCK II cells by deleting the genes of claudin-1, -2, -3, -4, and -7. Exogenous expression of each of claudin-1, -2, -3, -4, and -7 in claudin quinKO cells resulted in the reconstitution of functional TJs. These TJs did not contain claudin-12 and -16, which are endogenously expressed in claudin quinKO cells. Furthermore, overexpression of neither claudin-12 nor claudin-16 resulted in the reconstitution of TJs, demonstrating the existence of claudin subtypes lacking TJ-forming activity in epithelial cells. Exogenous expression of the channel-forming claudin-2, -10a, -10b, and -15 reconstituted TJs with reported paracellular channel properties, demonstrating that these claudin subtypes form paracellular channels by themselves without interaction with other subtypes. Thus, the reconstitution of TJs in claudin quinKO cells is advantageous for further investigation of claudin functions.Key words: tight junction, claudin, paracellular permeability, epithelial barrier.

EpCAM proteolysis and release of complexed claudin-7 repair and maintain the tight junction barrier.

TJs maintain the epithelial barrier by regulating paracellular permeability. Since TJs are under dynamically fluctuating intercellular tension, cells must continuously survey and repair any damage. However, the underlying mechanisms allowing cells to sense TJ damage and repair the barrier are not yet fully understood. Here, we showed that proteinases play an important role in the maintenance of the epithelial barrier. At TJ break sites, EpCAM-claudin-7 complexes on the basolateral membrane become accessible to apical membrane-anchored serine proteinases (MASPs) and the MASPs cleave EpCAM. Biochemical data and imaging analysis suggest that claudin-7 released from EpCAM contributes to the rapid repair of damaged TJs. Knockout (KO) of MASPs drastically reduced barrier function and live-imaging of TJ permeability showed that MASPs-KO cells exhibited increased size, duration, and frequency of leaks. Together, our results reveal a novel mechanism of TJ maintenance through the localized proteolysis of EpCAM at TJ leaks, and provide a better understanding of the dynamic regulation of epithelial permeability.

Different modes of synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptor alteration in the hippocampus of P301S tau transgenic mice.

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are pivotal players in the synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. Accordingly, dysfunction of NMDARs has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD). Here, we used histoblot and sodium dodecylsulphate-digested freeze-fracture replica labelling (SDS-FRL) techniques to investigate the expression and subcellular localisation of GluN1, the obligatory subunit of NMDARs, in the hippocampus of P301S mice. Histoblots showed that GluN1 expression was significantly reduced in the hippocampus of P301S mice in a laminar-specific manner at 10 months of age but was unaltered at 3 months. Using the SDS-FRL technique, excitatory synapses and extrasynaptic sites on spines of pyramidal cells and interneuron dendrites were analysed throughout all dendritic layers in the CA1 field. Our ultrastructural approach revealed a high density of GluN1 in synaptic sites and a substantially lower density at extrasynaptic sites. Labelling density for GluN1 in excitatory synapses established on spines was significantly reduced in P301S mice, compared with age-matched wild-type mice, in the stratum oriens (so), stratum radiatum (sr) and stratum lacunosum-moleculare (slm). Density for synaptic GluN1 on interneuron dendrites was significantly reduced in P301S mice in the so and sr but unaltered in the slm. Labelling density for GluN1 at extrasynaptic sites showed no significant differences in pyramidal cells, and only increased density in the interneuron dendrites of the sr. This differential alteration of synaptic versus extrasynaptic NMDARs supports the notion that the progressive accumulation of phospho-tau is associated with changes in NMDARs, in the absence of amyloid-ß pathology, and may be involved in the mechanisms causing abnormal network activity of the hippocampal circuit.

Synaptic pruning through glial synapse engulfment upon motor learning.

Synaptic pruning is a fundamental process of neuronal circuit refinement in learning and memory. Accumulating evidence suggests that glia participates in sculpting the neuronal circuits through synapse engulfment. However, whether glial involvement in synaptic pruning has a role in memory formation remains elusive. Using newly developed phagocytosis reporter mice and three-dimensional ultrastructural characterization, we found that synaptic engulfment by cerebellar Bergmann glia (BG) frequently occurred upon cerebellum-dependent motor learning in mice. We observed increases in pre- and postsynaptic nibbling by BG along with a reduction in spine volume after learning. Pharmacological blockade of engulfment with Annexin V inhibited both the spine volume reduction and overnight improvement of motor adaptation. These results indicate that BG contribute to the refinement of the mature cerebellar cortical circuit through synaptic engulfment during motor learning.

Alteration in the Synaptic and Extrasynaptic Organization of AMPA Receptors in the Hippocampus of P301S Tau Transgenic Mice.

Tau pathology is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies, but how pathological tau accumulation alters the glutamate receptor dynamics driving synaptic dysfunction is unclear. Here, we determined the impact of tau pathology on AMPAR expression, density, and subcellular distribution in the hippocampus of P301S mice using immunoblot, histoblot, and quantitative SDS-digested freeze-fracture replica labeling (SDS-FRL). Histoblot and immunoblot showed differential regulation of GluA1 and GluA2 in the hippocampus of P301S mice. The GluA2 subunit was downregulated in the hippocampus at 3 months while both GluA1 and GluA2 subunits were downregulated at 10 months. However, the total amount of GluA1-4 was similar in P301S mice and in age-matched wild-type mice. Using quantitative SDS-FRL, we unraveled the molecular organization of GluA1-4 in various synaptic connections at a high spatial resolution on pyramidal cell spines and interneuron dendrites in the CA1 field of the hippocampus in 10-month-old P301S mice. The labeling density for GluA1-4 in the excitatory synapses established on spines was significantly reduced in P301S mice, compared to age-matched wild-type mice, in the strata radiatum and lacunosum-moleculare but unaltered in the stratum oriens. The density of synaptic GluA1-4 established on interneuron dendrites was significantly reduced in P301S mice in the three strata. The labeling density for GluA1-4 at extrasynaptic sites was significantly reduced in several postsynaptic compartments of CA1 pyramidal cells and interneurons in the three dendritic layers in P301S mice. Our data demonstrate that the progressive accumulation of phospho-tau is associated with alteration of AMPARs on the surface of different neuron types, including synaptic and extrasynaptic membranes, leading to a decline in the trafficking and synaptic transmission, thereby likely contributing to the pathological events taking place in AD.

Effects of TAMP family on the tight junction strand network and barrier function in epithelial cells.

Occludin, tricellulin, and marvelD3 belong to the tight junction (TJ)-associated MARVEL protein family. Occludin and tricellulin jointly contribute to TJ strand branching point formation and epithelial barrier maintenance. However, whether marvelD3 has the same function remains unclear. Furthermore, the roles of the carboxy-terminal cytoplasmic tail, which is conserved in occludin and tricellulin, on the regulation of TJ strand morphology have not yet been explored in epithelial cells. We established tricellulin/occludin/marveld3 triple-gene knockout (tKO) MDCK II cells and evaluated the roles of marvelD3 in the TJ strand structure and barrier function using MDCK II cells and a mathematical model. The complexity of TJ strand networks and paracellular barrier did not change in tKO cells compared to that in tricellulin/occludin double-gene knockout (dKO) cells. Exogenous marvelD3 expression in dKO cells did not increase the complexity of TJ strand networks and epithelial barrier tightness. The expression of the carboxy-terminal truncation mutant of tricellulin restored the barrier function in the dKO cells, whereas occludin lacking the carboxy-terminal cytoplasmic tail was not expressed on the plasma membrane. These data suggest that marvelD3 does not affect the morphology of TJ strands and barrier function in MDCK II cells and that the carboxy-terminal cytoplasmic tail of tricellulin is dispensable for barrier improvement.

Nanoscale alterations in GABAB receptors and GIRK channel organization on the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a reorganization of brain activity determining network hyperexcitability and loss of synaptic plasticity. Precisely, a dysfunction in metabotropic GABAB receptor signalling through G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK or Kir3) channels on the hippocampus has been postulated. Thus, we determined the impact of amyloid-ß (Aß) pathology in GIRK channel density, subcellular distribution, and its association with GABAB receptors in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from the APP/PS1 mouse model using quantitative SDS-digested freeze-fracture replica labelling (SDS-FRL) and proximity ligation in situ assay (P-LISA). In wild type mice, single SDS-FRL detection revealed a similar dendritic gradient for GIRK1 and GIRK2 in CA1 pyramidal cells, with higher densities in spines, and GIRK3 showed a lower and uniform distribution. Double SDS-FRL showed a co-clustering of GIRK2 and GIRK1 in post- and presynaptic compartments, but not for GIRK2 and GIRK3. Likewise, double GABAB1 and GIRK2 SDS-FRL detection displayed a high degree of co-clustering in nanodomains (40-50 nm) mostly in spines and axon terminals. In APP/PS1 mice, the density of GIRK2 and GIRK1, but not for GIRK3, was significantly reduced along the neuronal surface of CA1 pyramidal cells and in axon terminals contacting them. Importantly, GABAB1 and GIRK2 co-clustering was not present in APP/PS1 mice. Similarly, P-LISA experiments revealed a significant reduction in GABAB1 and GIRK2 interaction on the hippocampus of this animal model. Overall, our results provide compelling evidence showing a significant reduction on the cell surface density of pre- and postsynaptic GIRK1 and GIRK2, but not GIRK3, and a decline in GABAB receptors and GIRK2 channels co-clustering in hippocampal pyramidal neurons from APP/PS1 mice, thus suggesting that a disruption in the GABAB receptor-GIRK channel membrane assembly causes dysregulation in the GABAB signalling via GIRK channels in this AD animal model.

Cellular Profiles of Prodynorphin and Preproenkephalin mRNA-Expressing Neurons in the Anterior Olfactory Tubercle of Mice.

The olfactory tubercle (OT) is a striatal region that receives olfactory inputs. mRNAs of prodynorphin (Pdyn) and preproenkephalin (Penk), precursors of dynorphins and enkephalins, respectively, are strongly expressed in the striatum. Both produce opioid peptides with various physiological effects such as pain relief and euphoria. Recent studies have revealed that OT has anatomical and cytoarchitectonic domains that play different roles in odor-induced motivated behavior. Neuronal subtypes of the OT can be distinguished by their expression of the dopamine receptors D1 (Drd1) and D2 (Drd2). Here, we addressed whether and which type of opioid peptide precursors the D1- and D2-expressing neurons in the OT express. We used multiple fluorescence in situ hybridization for mRNAs of the opioid precursors and dopamine receptors to characterize mouse OT neurons. Pdyn was mainly expressed by Drd1-expressing cells in the dense cell layer (DCL) of the OT, whereas Penk was expressed primarily by Drd2-expressing cells in the DCL. We also confirmed the presence of a larger population of Pdyn-Penk-Drd1 co-expressing cells in the DCL of the anteromedial OT compared with the anterolateral OT. These observations will help understand whether and how dynorphins and enkephalins in the OT are involved in diverse odor-induced motivated behaviors.

Tight junction formation by a claudin mutant lacking the COOH-terminal PDZ domain-binding motif.

Claudin-based tight junctions (TJs) are formed at the most apical part of cell-cell contacts in epithelial cells. Previous studies suggest that scaffolding proteins ZO-1 and ZO-2 (ZO proteins) determine the location of TJs by interacting with claudins, but this idea is not conclusive. To address the role of the ZO proteins binding to claudins at TJs, a COOH-terminal PDZ domain binding motif-deleted claudin-3 mutant, which lacks the ZO protein binding, was stably expressed in claudin-deficient MDCK cells. The COOH-terminus-deleted claudin-3 was localized at the apicolateral region similar to full-length claudin-3. Consistently, freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed that the COOH-terminus-deleted claudin-3-expressing cells reconstituted belts of TJs at the most apical region of the lateral membrane and restored functional epithelial barriers. These results suggest that the interaction of claudins with ZO proteins is not a prerequisite for TJ formation at the most apical part of cell-cell contacts.

Transient astrocytic mGluR5 expression drives synaptic plasticity and subsequent chronic pain in mice.

Activation of astrocytes has a profound effect on brain plasticity and is critical for the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders including neuropathic pain. Here, we show that metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), which reemerges in astrocytes in a restricted time frame, is essential for these functions. Although mGluR5 is absent in healthy adult astrocytes, it transiently reemerges in astrocytes of the somatosensory cortex (S1). During a limited spatiotemporal time frame, astrocytic mGluR5 drives Ca2+ signals; upregulates multiple synaptogenic molecules such as Thrombospondin-1, Glypican-4, and Hevin; causes excess excitatory synaptogenesis; and produces persistent alteration of S1 neuronal activity, leading to mechanical allodynia. All of these events were abolished by the astrocyte-specific deletion of mGluR5. Astrocytes dynamically control synaptic plasticity by turning on and off a single molecule, mGluR5, which defines subsequent persistent brain functions, especially under pathological conditions.

Optogenetic stimulus-triggered acquisition of seizure resistance.

Unlike an electrical circuit, the hardware of the brain is susceptible to change. Repeated electrical brain stimulation mimics epileptogenesis. After such "kindling" process, a moderate stimulus would become sufficient in triggering a severe seizure. Here, we report that optogenetic neuronal stimulation can also convert the rat brain to a hyperexcitable state. However, continued stimulation once again converted the brain to a state that was strongly resistant to seizure induction. Histochemical examinations showed that moderate astrocyte activation was coincident with resilience acquisition. Administration of an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist instantly reverted the brain back to a hyperexcitable state, suggesting that hyperexcitability was suppressed by adenosine. Furthermore, an increase in basal adenosine was confirmed using in vivo microdialysis. Daily neuron-to-astrocyte signaling likely prompted a homeostatic increase in the endogenous actions of adenosine. Our data suggest that a certain stimulation paradigm could convert the brain circuit resilient to epilepsy without exogenous drug administration.

Autistic-Like Behavior and Impairment of Serotonin Transporter and AMPA Receptor Trafficking in N-Ethylmaleimide Sensitive Factor Gene-Deficient Mice.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), characterized by profound impairment in social interactions and communication skills, is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder. Many studies on the mechanisms underlying the development of ASD have focused on the serotonergic system; however, these studies have failed to completely elucidate the mechanisms. We previously identified N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) as a new serotonin transporter (SERT)-binding protein and described its importance in SERT membrane trafficking and uptake in vitro. In the present study, we generated Nsf +/- mice and investigated their behavioral, neurotransmitter, and neurophysiological phenotypes in vivo. Nsf +/- mice exhibited abnormalities in sociability, communication, repetitiveness, and anxiety. Additionally, Nsf loss led to a decrease in membrane SERT expression in the raphe and accumulation of glutamate alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors at the synaptic membrane surface in the hippocampal CA1 region. We found that postsynaptic density and long-term depression were impaired in the hippocampal CA1 region of Nsf +/- mice. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that NSF plays a role in synaptic plasticity and glutamatergic and serotonergic systems, suggesting a possible mechanism by which the gene is linked to the pathophysiology of autistic behaviors.

The endosomal Q-SNARE, Syntaxin 7, defines a rapidly replenishing synaptic vesicle recycling pool in hippocampal neurons.

Upon the arrival of repetitive stimulation at the presynaptic terminals of neurons, replenishment of readily releasable synaptic vesicles (SVs) with vesicles in the recycling pool is important for sustained neurotransmitter release. Kinetics of replenishment and the available pool size define synaptic performance. However, whether all SVs in the recycling pool are recruited for release with equal probability and speed is unknown. Here, based on comprehensive optical imaging of various presynaptic endosomal SNARE proteins in cultured hippocampal neurons, all of which are implicated in organellar membrane fusion in non-neuronal cells, we show that part of the recycling pool bearing the endosomal Q-SNARE, syntaxin 7 (Stx7), is preferentially mobilized for release during high-frequency repetitive stimulation. Recruitment of the SV pool marked with an Stx7-reporter requires actin polymerization, as well as activation of the Ca2+/calmodulin signaling pathway, reminiscent of rapidly replenishing SVs characterized previously in calyx of Held synapses. Furthermore, disruption of Stx7 function by overexpressing its N-terminal domain selectively abolished this pool. Thus, our data indicate that endosomal membrane fusion involving Stx7 forms rapidly replenishing vesicles essential for synaptic responses to high-frequency repetitive stimulation, and also highlight functional diversities of endosomal SNAREs in generating distinct exocytic vesicles in the presynaptic terminals.

The Density of Group I mGlu5 Receptors Is Reduced along the Neuronal Surface of Hippocampal Cells in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) is implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer´s disease (AD). However, its alteration at the subcellular level in neurons is still unexplored. Here, we provide a quantitative description on the expression and localisation patterns of mGlu5 in the APP/PS1 model of AD at 12 months of age, combining immunoblots, histoblots and high-resolution immunoelectron microscopic approaches. Immunoblots revealed that the total amount of mGlu5 protein in the hippocampus, in addition to downstream molecules, i.e., Gq/11 and PLCß1, was similar in both APP/PS1 mice and age-matched wild type mice. Histoblots revealed that mGlu5 expression in the brain and its laminar expression in the hippocampus was also unaltered. However, the ultrastructural techniques of SDS-FRL and pre-embedding immunogold demonstrated that the subcellular localisation of mGlu5 was significantly reduced along the neuronal surface of hippocampal principal cells, including CA1 pyramidal cells and DG granule cells, in APP/PS1 mice at 12 months of age. The decrease in the surface localisation of mGlu5 was accompanied by an increase in its frequency at intracellular sites in the two neuronal populations. Together, these data demonstrate, for the first time, a loss of mGlu5 at the plasma membrane and accumulation at intracellular sites in different principal cells of the hippocampus in APP/PS1 mice, suggesting an alteration of the excitability and synaptic transmission that could contribute to the cognitive dysfunctions in this AD animal model. Further studies are required to elucidate the specificity of mGlu5-associated molecules and downstream signalling pathways in the progression of the pathology.

CAPS1 is involved in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-associated learning.

Calcium-dependent activator protein for secretion 1 (CAPS1) is a key molecule in vesicular exocytosis, probably in the priming step. However, CAPS1's role in synaptic plasticity and brain function is elusive. Herein, we showed that synaptic plasticity and learning behavior were impaired in forebrain and/or hippocampus-specific Caps1 conditional knockout (cKO) mice by means of molecular, physiological, and behavioral analyses. Neonatal Caps1 cKO mice showed a decrease in the number of docked vesicles in the hippocampal CA3 region, with no detectable changes in the distribution of other major exocytosis-related molecules. Additionally, long-term potentiation (LTP) was partially and severely impaired in the CA1 and CA3 regions, respectively. CA1 LTP was reinforced by repeated high-frequency stimuli, whereas CA3 LTP was completely abolished. Accordingly, hippocampus-associated learning was severely impaired in adeno-associated virus (AAV) infection-mediated postnatal Caps1 cKO mice. Collectively, our findings suggest that CAPS1 is a key protein involved in the cellular mechanisms underlying hippocampal synaptic release and plasticity, which is crucial for hippocampus-associated learning.

Occludin and tricellulin facilitate formation of anastomosing tight-junction strand network to improve barrier function.

Tight junctions (TJs) are composed of a claudin-based anastomosing network of TJ strands at which plasma membranes of adjacent epithelial cells are closely attached to regulate the paracellular permeability. Although the TJ proteins occludin and tricellulin have been known to be incorporated in the TJ strand network, their molecular functions remain unknown. Here, we established tricellulin/occludin-double knockout (dKO) MDCK II cells using a genome editing technique and evaluated the structure and barrier function of these cells. In freeze-fracture replica electron microscopy, the TJ strands of tricellulin/occludin-dKO cells had fewer branches and were less anastomosed compared with the controls. The paracellular permeability of ions and small tracers was increased in the dKO cells. A single KO of tricellulin or occludin had limited effects on the morphology and permeability of TJs. Mathematical simulation using a simplified TJ strand network model predicted that reduced cross-links in TJ strands lead to increased permeability of ions and small macromolecules. Furthermore, overexpression of occludin increased the complexity of TJ strand network and strengthened barrier function. Taken together, our data suggest that tricellulin and occludin mediate the formation and/or stabilization of TJ-strand branching points and contribute to the maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity.

Pathway linking physical activity, sleep duration, and breakfast consumption with the physical/psychosocial health of schoolchildren.

The relationship between certain lifestyle habits and schoolchildren's health has previously been reported on, but the exact pathway of the effects lifestyle habits have on physical/psychosocial health (PPH) has not been investigated nor has the relative influence of different habits on schoolchildren's health. In this study, schoolchildren were recruited from a primary school in Toyama Prefecture, Japan (n = 576), and the relevant data were collected in June/July 2017. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships of lifestyle habits and physical fitness with PPH among schoolchildren in grades 1-4 and 5-6. Body weight and total fitness scores were found to be not related to the children's PPH. The pathway via which lifestyle habits influenced PPH was determined successfully. Among children in grades 1-4, sex (p < .05), age (p < .01), and breakfast intake (p < .05) were related to PPH. Among schoolchildren in grades 5-6, the duration of sleep (p < .05) was related to PPH. Thus, factors related to schoolchildren's PPH vary by school grade. The identification of the predictors of the PPH of schoolchildren should inform the design of tailored, grade-specific health promotion interventions in Japanese elementary schools.

Distribution of mRNA for GPR143, a receptor of 3,4-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine, and of immunoreactivities for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic regions.

Nicotine exerts its reinforcing actions by activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), but the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. Nicotine releases 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), a neurotransmitter candidate in the central nervous system. Here, we investigated the distribution of GPR143, a receptor of DOPA, and nAChR subunits in the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic regions. We found GPR143 mRNA-positive cells in the striatum and nucleus accumbens. Some of them were surrounded by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive fibers. There were some GPR143 mRNA-positive cells coexpressing TH, and nAChR subunit α4 or α7 in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. These findings suggest that DOPA-GPR143 signaling may be involved in the nicotine action in the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic systems.