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Interactions between prelimbic cortex and basolateral amygdala contribute to morphine-induced conditioned taste
Andrew Chih Wei Huang1, Ying Hao Yu1, Alan Bo Han He2
1Department of Psychology, Fo Guang University, Yilan County 26247, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National ILan University, Yilan County 26247, Taiwan.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|May 15, 2020
Summary
The prelimbic cortex (PrL) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) interact to regulate morphine-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA). PrL and BLA activity influences corticosterone levels and neural activation during CTA conditioning and extinction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- The roles of the prelimbic cortex (PrL) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) in morphine-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA) are not fully understood.
- Investigating these brain regions is crucial for understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of drug dependence and addiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the effects of modulating PrL and BLA activity on morphine-induced CTA during conditioning and extinction.
- To examine the impact on plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels and neural activation markers (c-Fos, p-ERK) in key brain areas.
Main Methods:
- NMDA-induced excitation or lesion of PrL and BLA glutamate neurons in rodents.
- Assessment of morphine-induced CTA acquisition and extinction.
- Measurement of plasma CORT levels.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of c-Fos and p-ERK expression in the medial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, lateral hypothalamus, and piriform cortex.
Main Results:
- PrL excitation disrupted CTA conditioning and decreased CORT, while BLA excitation facilitated CTA conditioning and increased CORT.
- PrL lesions impaired CTA extinction, whereas PrL excitation facilitated it; BLA activity showed complex associations with CORT during extinction.
- Differential c-Fos and p-ERK expression patterns were observed in the PrL, IL, Cg1, and BLA depending on the manipulation and phase (conditioning vs. extinction).
Conclusions:
- The PrL and BLA exhibit a reciprocal interaction, playing a critical balancing role in both the acquisition and extinction of morphine-induced CTA.
- PrL activity is negatively correlated with CORT during conditioning and extinction, while BLA activity shows a positive correlation during conditioning and a potential negative association during extinction.
- These findings offer insights into the neural mechanisms underlying morphine addiction and dependence, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Keywords:
Basolateral amygdalaCingulate cortexConditioned taste aversionInfralimbic cortexMorphinePrelimbic cortexMore Related Videos
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