Fig. 6: Simulated space complex environment affects depression-like behaviors by reducing mPFC^NAc neuronal activity.

a Schematic illustration of fiber photometry recording in vivo. b, c Representative images validate GCaMP6m expression in mPFC^NAc neurons and optical fiber tract above the mPFC (b). c. Enlarged image boxed in (b). d Schematic of fiber photometry recording in TST. e, f Representative image (e) and peri-event plots (f) of ΔF/F Ca²⁺ signal changes from mPFC^NAc neuron during immobility and struggling in TST. g Comparison of averaged ΔF/F of mPFC^NAc signals in response to TST during the immobility and struggling. h, i Heatmap (h) and peri-event plots (i) of Ca²⁺ transients of mPFC^NAc neuron during the struggling in SSCE (CON: n = 5 mice; SSCE: n = 5 mice). j-m The mean (j, k) and peak (l, m) Ca²⁺ signal change (ΔF/F) within 2 s during the struggling.