Previous studies have identified important mesolimbic regions in supporting the reinforcing effects of ethanol. However, the involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), another key region within the mesocorticolimbic system, in ethanol reinforcement has been understudied. The objective of the current study was to examine the role of the prelimbic (PL) cortex sub-region of the mPFC in ethanol reinforcement and drinking. Intracranial self-administration was used to examine the reinforcing effects of ethanol within the PL cortex. Quantitative microdialysis was used to measure basal extracellular DA concentrations and clearance in the PL cortex following chronic ethanol drinking. In addition, the involvement of dopamine (DA) D receptors within the PL cortex on the reinforcing effects of ethanol and ethanol drinking was determined. Ethanol was dose-dependent self-administered into the PL cortex, with significantly more infusions elicited by 100-200 mg% ethanol than vehicle. Co-infusion of the D receptor antagonist sulpiride significantly reduced ethanol self-administration. Chronic ethanol drinking significantly elevated basal extracellular DA concentrations without altering DA clearance. Microinjection of sulpiride into the PL cortex selectively reduced ethanol, but not saccharine, drinking. These results indicate that the PL cortex supported the reinforcing effects of ethanol, and that ethanol drinking enhanced basal DA neurotransmission within the PL cortex. In addition, D receptor antagonism within the PL cortex reduced ethanol self-administration and drinking. Collectively, these findings revealed important DA mechanisms within the PL cortex in mediating ethanol reinforcement and drinking.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108165 | DOI Listing |
Sci Rep
December 2024
School of Civil Engineering and Architectures, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, People's Republic of China.
The impact of rock bolts on the mechanical behavior of nonpersistent joints, including the intricate interactions between the joints, rock bridges, and rock bolts, has received limited investigation despite their effectiveness in reinforcing rock mass discontinuities. In order to tackle this issue, a variety of normal stresses were applied during direct shear tests conducted on artificial rock-like specimens with nonpersistent joints, both bolted and unbolted. Meanwhile, to measure the deformation in the rock bridge and joint plane region, a set of strain gauges were implemented.
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December 2024
Nanyang Vocational College, Nanyang, 473000, China.
In the course of pipe jacking construction, the carrying-soil effect frequently arises, influenced by factors such as excavation unloading, ongoing disturbance from successive pipe sections, and the progressive accumulation of soil adhesion. The pipe jacking slurry serves as a critical agent for friction reduction and strata support, essential for the secure advancement of the construction process. This study introduces the Microbial-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) technology into the realm of pipe jacking slurry, aiming to enhance its friction-reduction capabilities and the stability of the soil enveloping the pipe.
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December 2024
National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China.
In-band full-duplex communication has the potential to double the wireless channel capacity. However, how to efficiently transform the full-duplex gain at the physical layer into network throughput improvement is still a challenge, especially in dynamic communication environments. This paper presents a reinforcement learning-based full-duplex (RLFD) medium access control (MAC) protocol for wireless local-area networks (WLANs) with full-duplex access points.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo investigate the influence of cations on the microstructural characteristics of electrochemical reinforcement in soft clay, a study was conducted using three different cationic salt solutions-NaCl, CaCl₂, and FeCl₃-for grouting treatment. Four sets of indoor experiments were performed to examine the reinforcement mechanism of the electrochemical method. The findings indicate that increasing the valence of injected cations significantly affects the electrochemical reinforcement effect and the soil's microstructural properties.
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December 2024
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
Psychoactive drugs such as alcohol and stimulants are typically used in social settings such as bars, parties or small groups. Yet, relatively little is known about how social contexts affect responses to drugs, or how the drugs alter social interactions. It is possible that positive social contexts enhance the rewarding properties of drugs, perhaps increasing their potential for repeated use and abuse.
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