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Related Experiment Videos

Behavioral activation in rats requires endogenous ascorbate release in striatum.

G V Rebec1, Z Wang

  • 1Program in Neural Science, Department of Psychology, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA. rebec@indiana.edu

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
|February 13, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Extracellular ascorbate (vitamin C) in the striatum is crucial for behavioral activation. Its depletion rapidly inhibits behaviors, while dopamine function remains intact.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Neurochemistry

Background:

  • Ascorbate (vitamin C) is abundant in the striatum.
  • Its precise function in this brain region, particularly in behavioral activation, is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of extracellular ascorbate in the striatum on behavioral activation.
  • To determine if striatal ascorbate levels directly influence motivated behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Rats received intrastriatal infusions of ascorbate oxidase (AAO) to deplete extracellular ascorbate.
  • Slow-scan voltammetry monitored ascorbate and DOPAC levels.
  • Behavioral activation was assessed through locomotion, object approach, and social interaction tests.
  • Dopamine function was probed using d-amphetamine.

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Main Results:

  • Intrastriatal AAO rapidly reduced extracellular ascorbate by 50-70% and nearly abolished all recorded behaviors.
  • DOPAC levels remained stable, indicating dopamine transmission was unaffected.
  • d-amphetamine administration restored behavior and increased extracellular ascorbate.
  • AAO infusions into the hippocampus did not affect behavior, suggesting a striatum-specific role.

Conclusions:

  • Extracellular ascorbate in the striatum is essential for behavioral activation.
  • Striatal ascorbate levels play a critical role in mediating motivated behaviors.
  • This suggests a specific neurochemical mechanism for behavioral control within the striatum.