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Repeated microinjections into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) impair extinction of conditioned place preference
Peter A Groblewski1, Christopher L Cunningham
1Dept. of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States.
Abstract:
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is important for extinction of many behaviors including conditioned place preference (CPP). We examined the effects of intra-mPFC inactivation (with bupivacaine) on extinction of ethanol-induced CPP in mice. Injections of both bupivacaine and vehicle impaired extinction whereas no-surgery control mice extinguished normally. Consistent with recently reported effects of mPFC lesions, these data suggest that extinction was impaired by excessive mPFC damage induced by repeated intracranial infusions.
Insights
Inactivating the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) impaired the extinction of ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice. This suggests that excessive mPFC damage hinders the extinction of learned behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
Background:
- The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a crucial role in behavioral extinction.
- Conditioned place preference (CPP) is a valuable model for studying learned behaviors and their extinction.
- Ethanol consumption can lead to the development of CPP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the extinction of ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP).
- To determine the effects of inactivating the mPFC on the extinction of ethanol-associated memories.
Main Methods:
- Mice were trained to develop ethanol-induced CPP.
- The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was inactivated using bupivacaine infusions.
- Behavioral extinction of CPP was assessed following mPFC inactivation.
Main Results:
- Intra-mPFC inactivation with bupivacaine significantly impaired the extinction of ethanol-induced CPP.
- Vehicle injections into the mPFC also impaired extinction, suggesting non-specific effects of repeated infusions.
- Control mice that did not undergo surgery extinguished the CPP normally.
Conclusions:
- The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is essential for the successful extinction of ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP).
- Excessive damage to the mPFC, potentially from repeated intracranial procedures, can hinder behavioral extinction.
- These findings highlight the importance of targeted mPFC function in overcoming learned associations.
