Neurochemical correlates of brain-stimulation reward measured by ex vivo and in vivo analyses.
Evidence from ex vivo analyses of dopaminergic function following self-stimulation behavior is reviewed and compared to in vivo analyses of extracellular dopamine measured by chronoamperometry during self-stimulation. Both data bases provide strong support for a dopaminergic substrate for brain-stimulation reward obtained by electrical stimulation of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Data obtained from in vivo measures of dopamine release are particularly compelling as a positive correlation was observed between the rate/intensity function for self-stimulation and increments in the oxidation current for dopamine. An examination of the effects of the dopamine uptake blockers, cocaine and GBR 12909 on self-stimulation and stimulated release of dopamine revealed a facilitation of both measures. In contrast, the noradrenaline uptake blocker desipramine had no effect on either self-stimulation or extracellular dopamine. These pharmacological experiments also are consistent with a dopaminergic substrate of brain-stimulation reward at electrode sites in the VTA.
Phillips
A G
AG
Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Blaha
C D
CD
Fibiger
H C
HC
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D014179:Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D012653:Self Stimulation / Q000502:physiology*; D013681:Tegmentum Mesencephali / Q000502:physiology
D014179:Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors; D004298:Dopamine