Testing D1 dopamine receptors and glutamate combined effects on brain stimulation reward in the extended amygdala

Abstract

Purpose: To further understand the neural mechanisms underlying evaluation of rewarding stimuli in the mammalian brain. More specifically, to examine the effects of dopamine and glutamate manipulations in the central aspect of the sublenticular extended amygdala (SLEAc) on reward evaluation.

Dopamine (DA) and glutamate (GLU) interact and are involved in reward evaluation. Our lab found a decrease in reward value when dopamine receptor 2 (D2) agonist/glutamate blocker combination solution was microinjected into the SLEAc but not the nucleus accumbens shell.

Similar research suggests this effect may be more pronounced if dopamine receptor 1 (D1) drugs rather than D2 drugs are microinjected with GLU drugs.