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Functional interactions between glutamate and dopamine in the rat striatum
M Amalric1, A Ouagazzal, C Baunez
1Laboratoire de Neurobiologie Cellulaire et Fonctionnelle, CNRS, Marseille, France.
Neurochemistry International
|August 1, 1994
Summary
NMDA receptor antagonists like MK-801 and APV impact locomotion and reaction-time tasks in rats. These effects suggest a functional antagonism between NMDA and dopamine systems in the striatum.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
Background:
- NMDA receptors are crucial for synaptic plasticity and learning.
- Dopamine pathways in the striatum regulate motor control and reward-based behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of NMDA receptors in spontaneous (locomotion) and conditioned (reaction-time task) behaviors.
- To explore the interaction between NMDA and dopamine transmission in the striatum.
Main Methods:
- Systemic administration of NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 in rats.
- Direct microinjections of NMDA antagonist APV and dopamine into specific striatal regions (ventral and dorsal).
- Assessment of locomotor activity and performance in a reaction-time task.
Main Results:
- Systemic MK-801 increased locomotion and impaired reaction-time performance by increasing anticipatory errors.
- Striatal APV injections mimicked MK-801 effects, suggesting NMDA receptor blockade in the striatum mediates these behaviors.
- Dopamine administration into the striatum produced similar behavioral effects as APV.
- Conjoint administration of APV and dopamine did not show additive effects, indicating a functional interaction.
Conclusions:
- NMDA receptor blockade in the striatum influences both spontaneous and conditioned motor behaviors.
- A functional antagonism exists between glutamatergic (NMDA) and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the striatum.
- These systems likely interact at a common striatal target to regulate motor output.