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Naloxone and shuttlebox self-stimulation in the rat
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Naloxone, a narcotic antagonist, did not affect self-timed brain stimulation in rats, regardless of electrode placement in the lateral hypothalamic area or periaqueductal gray. This finding contrasts with some previous studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- Electrical brain stimulation is a tool to study reward pathways.
- The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) and periaqueductal gray (PAG) are implicated in reward and motivation.
- Naloxone, a narcotic antagonist, is used to study opioid system involvement in behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of naloxone on self-timed brain stimulation in rats.
- To determine if naloxone alters self-stimulation behavior mediated by LHA or PAG electrodes.
Main Methods:
- Rats were trained to self-administer electrical brain stimulation in a shuttlebox.
- Electrodes were implanted in either the LHA or PAG.
- Rats received intraperitoneal injections of naloxone (1.0, 5.0, 10.0, or 50.0 mg/kg) before self-stimulation testing.
Main Results:
- Naloxone administration did not significantly alter shuttlebox self-stimulation behavior in rats.
- This lack of effect was observed for both LHA and PAG electrode placements.
Conclusions:
- Naloxone does not appear to modulate self-timed brain stimulation behavior in the shuttlebox paradigm.
- The results are inconsistent with some prior studies, suggesting potential differences in methodology or brain regions studied.