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Feeding can enhance dopamine turnover in the prefrontal cortex
1Laboratorio de Fisiologia de la Conducta, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Merida, Venezuela.
Brain Research Bulletin
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Feeding significantly increases dopamine levels in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC). This study monitored dopamine and its metabolites during feeding, revealing elevated dopamine turnover in the mesocortical system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- Dopamine (DA) plays a crucial role in reward and motivation.
- The mesocortical dopamine system is implicated in regulating feeding behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dopamine fluctuations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during feeding.
- To understand the role of the PFC in modulating food intake.
Main Methods:
- In vivo microdialysis was used to measure dopamine (DA), DOPAC, and HVA in the rat PFC.
- High-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection quantified neurochemicals.
- Rats were trained to press a bar for food pellets when a light and feeder were activated.
Main Results:
- Dopamine levels in the PFC increased by approximately 55% during a 20-minute feeding bout.
- Elevated dopamine persisted for 20 minutes post-feeding before returning to baseline.
- DOPAC and HVA levels showed delayed increases after the feeding bout, indicating altered dopamine turnover.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine turnover in the mesocortical system is enhanced during feeding.
- The prefrontal cortex plays a significant role in modulating food intake behavior.