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Conditioned taste aversion: modulation by 5-HT receptor activity and corticosterone
Boris Gorzalka1, Laura Hanson, Jennifer Harrington
1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z4. bgorzalka@psych.ubc.ca
European Journal of Pharmacology
|June 24, 2003
Summary
Nefazodone blocked conditioned taste aversion, while corticosterone potentiated it. These findings highlight the roles of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in taste aversion learning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is a crucial survival mechanism.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system are implicated in stress and learning.
- Their specific roles in CTA acquisition remain to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of the 5-HT system in CTA acquisition.
- To examine the influence of the HPA axis on CTA acquisition and extinction.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Rats received daily nefazodone (a 5-HT modulator) or vehicle for 4 weeks before CTA induction with lithium chloride.
- Experiment 2: Rats received chronic corticosterone (HPA axis activator) or vehicle for 14 days before CTA induction.
Main Results:
- Nefazodone administration completely blocked the acquisition of lithium chloride-induced CTA.
- Chronic corticosterone treatment potentiated CTA acquisition and increased extinction trials.
- These results indicate differential modulation of CTA by 5-HT and HPA axis activity.
Conclusions:
- The 5-HT system, modulated by nefazodone, plays a critical role in preventing CTA acquisition.
- The HPA axis, activated by corticosterone, enhances CTA acquisition and persistence.
- Both systems are key regulators of taste aversion learning and memory formation.