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Pimozide and amphetamine have opposing effects on the reward summation function
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Pimozide impairs reinforcing efficacy, while amphetamine enhances it, as shown by shifts in the reward summation function. Their opposing effects on dopaminergic synapses suggest a shared mechanism for drug actions on reward.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- The reward summation function assesses self-stimulation performance based on pulse number.
- Drug effects on this function can indicate performance impairment or altered reinforcing efficacy.
- Lateral shifts in the curve quantify changes in reinforcing efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pimozide and amphetamine on the reward summation function.
- To determine if these drugs alter reinforcing efficacy through shared neurochemical pathways.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the reward summation function in self-stimulation paradigms.
- Administered varying doses of pimozide and amphetamine.
- Analyzed lateral shifts in the reward summation curve to quantify drug effects.
Main Results:
- Pimozide caused a rightward shift, indicating impaired reinforcing efficacy.
- Amphetamine induced a leftward shift, signifying enhanced reinforcing efficacy.
- Combined administration of pimozide and amphetamine resulted in canceled effects.
Conclusions:
- Pimozide and amphetamine modulate reinforcing efficacy via dopaminergic synapses.
- The findings support a common dopaminergic mechanism for the actions of these drugs on reward.
- This study provides insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of drug-induced changes in motivation and reward processing.