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Alterations of accumbens neuronal activity in freely moving rats following methamphetamine
H Fukuzako1, I Nagatomo, M Nomaguchi
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, Japan.
Abstract:
Multiple unit activity in the nucleus accumbens, locomotor activity, and stereotyped behavior were simultaneously recorded in freely moving rats. An intraperitoneal injection of 1.5 mg/kg methamphetamine produced an increase in the firing rate while a decrease in the discharge rate occurred following an administration of 4.5 mg/kg methamphetamine. In addition, the unit activity was positively correlated with the locomotor activity and negatively correlated with the stereotypy score. These results suggest that accumbens neuronal activation during locomotor hyperactivity may partly depend on the feedback from locomotion.
Insights
Methamphetamine affects nucleus accumbens neuronal activity in rats. Higher doses decreased firing rates, while activity correlated with locomotion, suggesting locomotion feedback influences accumbens activation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
Background:
- The nucleus accumbens is crucial for reward and motivation.
- Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant known to affect motor activity and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between nucleus accumbens neuronal activity, locomotor activity, and stereotyped behavior following methamphetamine administration in rats.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous recording of multiple unit activity in the nucleus accumbens, locomotor activity, and stereotyped behavior in freely moving rats.
- Administration of two different doses of methamphetamine (1.5 mg/kg and 4.5 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection.
Main Results:
- A low dose (1.5 mg/kg) of methamphetamine increased nucleus accumbens neuronal firing rate.
- A high dose (4.5 mg/kg) of methamphetamine decreased nucleus accumbens neuronal firing rate.
- Nucleus accumbens unit activity showed a positive correlation with locomotor activity and a negative correlation with stereotypy score.
Conclusions:
- Nucleus accumbens neuronal activation during methamphetamine-induced locomotor hyperactivity may be influenced by feedback from locomotion.
- These findings contribute to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stimulant-induced behaviors.
