Cannabinoid in the nucleus accumbens enhances the intake of palatable solution

It has been suggested that the activation of cannabinoid receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell facilitates feeding behavior. However, it remains unclear whether cannabinoid ligands enhance the palatability of food to facilitate feeding. In this study, we examined whether microinjecting an endogenous cannabinoid agonist, anandamide into the nucleus accumbens shell would affect the intake of water, sweet or bitter solutions. Microinjections of anandamide into the nucleus accumbens shell selectively increased the intake of saccharin (sweet) solution, but had no effect on the intake of water nor quinine (bitter) solution. These results suggest that activation of the cannabinoid receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell selectively facilitates the intake of palatable foods and solutions.