Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026
A Fully Automated and Highly Versatile System for Testing Multi-cognitive Functions and Recording Neuronal Activities in Rodents
Published on: May 3, 2012
Stimulation of protein kinase a activity in the rat amygdala enhances reward-related learning
J David Jentsch1, Peter Olausson, Eric J Nestler
1Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06508, USA.
Background:
Drug addiction in humans is associated with abnormal metabolic activity within the amygdala and heightened control of behavior by drugs and drug-related (conditioned) stimuli. Drug-induced neuroadaptations, including activation of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), within the amygdala may contribute to the synaptic plasticity and reward-related learning that underlies pathologic behavior in addicted individuals.
Methods:
In this study, we tested the hypothesis that stimulation of PKA activity within the rat amygdala would facilitate the acquisition of Pavlovian approach behavior, a measure of reward-related learning.
Results:
Intraamygdala infusions of Sp-cAMPS (which activates PKA) produced concentration-dependent enhancements of the acquisition of approach to a conditioned stimulus that predicted water availability; intraamygdala infusions of cholera toxin (which elevates cAMP levels) produced a similar effect. Conversely, intraamygdala infusions of Rp-cAMPS, an inhibitor of PKA, impaired acquisition of approach behavior.
Conclusions:
Together, these data demonstrate that stimulation of PKA activity in the amygdala can facilitate reward-related learning and suggest that neuroadaptative changes in the PKA pathway within this brain region may be a mechanism by which chronic drug abuse alters the control of behavior by drug-associated stimuli.
