Central amygdala circuits modulate food consumption through a positive valence mechanism

Abstract

SummaryThe complex behaviors underlying the pursuit and consumption of rewards are integral to an organism’s survival. The hypothalamus and mesolimbic dopamine system are key mediators of these behaviors, yet regulation of appetitive and consummatory behaviors outside of these regions is not well understood. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is implicated in feeding and reward behavior, but the specific neural players and circuit mechanisms that positively regulate these behaviors remain unclear. Here, we define the neuronal mechanisms by which the CeA promotes consumption of food. We show, using in vivo activity manipulations and Ca2+ imaging, that CeA GABAergic neurons expressing the serotonin receptor 2a (Htr2a) modulate food consumption in multiple contexts, promote positive reinforcement and are active in vivo during eating. We demonstrate using electrophysiology, anatomical tracing methods and in vivo optogenetics that both intra-CeA and long-range circuit mechanisms underlie these functional effects. Finally, we show that CeAHtr2a neurons are poised to regulate food consumption through inputs from feeding-relevant brain regions. Our study highlights a mechanism by which defined CeA neural circuits positively regulate food consumption.