Behavioral study after local injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the nucleus accumbens in the rat

Anatomically, the nucleus accumbens (n.Acc.) has been considered as an interface between limbic and striatal sensorimotor structures. In the light of this hypothesis we have investigated the behavioral effects of destruction of the dopaminergic innervation of the n.Acc. after local injection of 6-hydroxydopamine. The following behavioral deficits were observed: hypoexploration in a 4-hole box and 2-compartment field, failure to inhibit response strategies either with positive reinforcement in a straight alley test or negative reinforcement in a passive avoidance test. These disturbances comprise a syndrome of perseveration, reduced distraction by irrelevant information, decreased behavioral switching and flexibility, and a paradoxical locomotor disinhibition in an emotional context. Very similar behavioral changes are found following lesions of limbic structures. In addition, these lesioned animals exhibit an enhanced latency to initiate motor responses. This deficit of behavioral initiation is classically observed in motor striatal disease. It is suggested that the n.Acc. is a key structure for the integration of limbic and striatal sensorimotor functions.