We examined the effects of long-term methamphetamine (MAP) administration to rats on locomotor traces and reward-seeking behavior that was evaluated through ventral tegmental intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS). Furthermore, using the directed coherence (DCOH) EEG analysis method, correlation of prefrontal cortical and ventral tegmental EEGs was investigated in terms of the direction of information transmission. The results showed a transition from 'mixed type' behavior to 'fixed type' behavior during long-term MAP treatment, accompanied by a gradually diminished rate of ICSS and increased reward threshold. Correlating to these changes, a dominant information flow from ventral tegmental area (VTA) to prefrontal cortex (PFC) was observed after long-term MAP administration. Together with our previously reported finding of reciprocal information flow between PFC and VTA in MAP-induced hyperactive and stereotyped behavior, the present results indicate that information flow and its direction may be useful in explaining the neuronal substrates mediating development of behavioral sensitization. The predominant information flow from the VTA to PFC that occurs with sensitization supports recent speculations concerning impulsivity in drug addiction.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0167-8760(02)00010-7 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Synaptic Density Reductions in MSA: A Potential Biomarker Identified Through [F]SynVesT-1 PET Imaging.
Ann Neurol
January 2025
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
Objective: The objective of this study was to delineate synaptic density alterations in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and explore its potential role as a biomarker for MSA diagnosis and disease severity monitoring using [F]SynVesT-1 positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET CT).
Methods: In this prospective study, 60 patients with MSA (30 patients with MSA-parkinsonian [MSA-P] subtype and 30 patients with MSA-cerebellar [MSA-C] subtype), 30 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and 30 age-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent [F]SynVesT-1 PET/CT for synaptic density assessment. Visual, voxel, and volumetric region of interest (VOI) analyses were used to elucidate synaptic density patterns in the MSA brain and establish diagnostic criteria.
Neurobehavioral plasticity in the rodent gustatory system induced by regular consumption of a low-calorie sweetener during adolescence.
Sci Rep
January 2025
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0372, USA.
Habitual consumption of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) during juvenile-adolescence can lead to greater sugar intake later in life. Here, we investigated if exposure to the LCS Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) during this critical period of development reprograms the taste system in a way that would alter hedonic responding for common dietary compounds. Results revealed that early-life LCS intake not only enhanced the avidity for a caloric sugar (fructose) when rats were in a state of caloric need, it increased acceptance of a bitterant (quinine) in Ace-K-exposed rats tested when middle-aged.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSuperior colliculus controls the activity of the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area in an asymmetrical manner.
J Neurosci
January 2025
Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, 9 Gronostajowa street, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) play a crucial role in controlling animals' orienting and approach behaviors toward relevant environmental stimuli. The ventral midbrain receives sensory input from the superior colliculus (SC), a tectal region processing information from contralateral receptive fields of various modalities. Given the significant influence of dopamine release imbalance in the left and right striatum on animals' movement direction, our study aimed to investigate the lateralization of the connection between the lateral SC and the midbrain DA system in male rats.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHDAC4/5 Inhibitor, LMK-235 Improves Animal Voluntary Movement in MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease Model.
Pharmacol Res Perspect
February 2025
New Drug Development Center, Daegu, Korea.
Oxidation of dopamine can cause various side effects, which ultimately leads to cell death and contributes to Parkinson's disease (PD). To counteract dopamine oxidation, newly synthesized dopamine is quickly transported into vesicles via vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) for storage. VMAT2 expression is reduced in patients with PD, and studies have shown increased accumulation of dopamine oxidation byproducts and α-synuclein in animals with low VMAT2 expression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPrefrontal dopamine activity is critical for rapid threat avoidance learning.
bioRxiv
January 2025
Department of Physiology; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is required for learning associations that determine whether animals approach or avoid potential threats in the environment. Dopaminergic (DA) projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the mPFC carry information, particularly about aversive outcomes, that may inform prefrontal computations. But the role of prefrontal DA in learning based on aversive outcomes remains poorly understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!