Feeding-associated alterations in striatal neurotransmitter release.
Published evidence suggests a role for dopaminergic (DA) brain pathways in feeding-associated behaviors.  Using the novel technique of brain microdialysis of striatal extracellular fluid (ECF) as an index of DA release, Church et al.  described increases in levels of DA when animals had limited access to pellets, but not with free access.  Dopamine release from the nucleus accumbens did increase with free access to pellets post starvation or after food reward.  We used permanently implanted microdialysis probes to measure ECF levels of DA, DOPAC, HVA, and large neutral amino acids (LNAA) for up to 72 hours after implantation among rats experiencing different dietary regimens.
Acworth
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Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, USA.
Ressler
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Wurtman
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D015102:3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000502:physiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005508:Food Deprivation / Q000502:physiology*; D006719:Homovanillic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats
D000596:Amino Acids; D015102:3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid; D004298:Dopamine; D006719:Homovanillic Acid