Place preference induced by nucleus accumbens amphetamine is impaired by local blockade of Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in rats.
BACKGROUND
The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a critical role in amphetamine-produced conditioned place preference (CPP). In previous studies, NAc basal and amphetamine-produced DA transmission was altered by Group II mGluR agents. We tested whether NAc amphetamine CPP depends on Group II mGluR transmission.


RESULTS
NAc injections (0.5 microl/side) of the Group II mGluR antagonist (2 S)-a-ethylglutamic acid (EGLU: 0.01-0.8 microg but not 0.001 microg) impaired CPP. The drug did not block the acute locomotor effect of amphetamine.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that Group II mGluRs may be necessary for the establishment of NAc amphetamine-produced CPP. These receptors may also mediate other forms of reward-related learning dependent on this structure.
Gerdjikov
Todor V
TV
Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada. todor@psyc.queensu.ca
Beninger
Richard J
RJ
D000661:Amphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005971:Glutamates / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D009714:Nucleus Accumbens / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D018094:Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D013997:Time Factors
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D005971:Glutamates; D018094:Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate; C108822:metabotropic glutamate receptor 2; C017302:alpha-ethylglutamic acid; D000661:Amphetamine