Blockade of opioid receptors in anterior cingulate cortex disrupts ethanol-seeking behavior in mice

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and opioid receptors have been suggested to play a role in attributing incentive motivational properties to drug-related cues. We examined whether blockade of ACC opioid receptors would reduce cue-induced ethanol-seeking behavior in mice. We show that intra-ACC opioid receptor blockade disrupted expression of an ethanol-induced conditioned place preference, suggesting that endogenous opioid modulation in the ACC may be critical for maintaining the cue's conditioned rewarding effects.