A Cre Driver Line for Genetic Targeting of Kappa Opioid Receptor Expressing Cells.

Here we describe the generation and characterization of a knock-in mouse line that harbors a Cre insertion in the 3'UTR of the κ opioid receptor gene () locus and provides genetic access to populations of κ opioid receptor (KOR)-expressing neurons throughout the brain. Using a combination of techniques including RNA hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we report that Cre is expressed with high fidelity in KOR-expressing cells throughout the brain in this mouse line. We also provide evidence that Cre insertion does not alter basal KOR function. Baseline anxiety-like behaviors and nociceptive thresholds are unaltered in mice. Chemogenetic activation of KOR-expressing cells in the basolateral amygdala (BLA cells) resulted in several sex-specific effects on anxiety-like and aversive behaviors. Activation led to decreased anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze and increased sociability in female but not in male mice. Activation of BLA cells also attenuated KOR agonist-induced conditioned place aversion (CPA) in male mice. Overall, these results suggest a potential role for BLA cells in regulating anxiety-like behaviors and KOR-agonist mediated CPA. In summary, these results provide evidence for the utility of the newly generated mice in assessing localization, anatomy, and function of KOR circuits throughout the brain.