Abstract
Changes in activity of basal ganglia neurons, especially those in the striatum, are thought to underlie the characteristic behavioral patterns produced by d-amphetamine (AMPH). To study the role of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), a major basal ganglia output nucleus, we recorded from SNr neurons before and after a behaviorally activating dose of AMPH (0.5 mg/kg) in rats trained to nosepoke for sucrose reinforcement. Before AMPH, task-related behaviors were associated primarily with increases or both increases and decreases in SNr firing. Although these same behavior-related patterns persisted after AMPH, their relative magnitude was significantly attenuated. Units unresponsive during task events were unaffected by AMPH. Thus, rather than change the overall level of SNr firing, a behaviorally active dose of AMPH exerts context-dependent effects on the activity of SNr neurons.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 165-168 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Neuroscience Letters |
Volume | 322 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 12 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Amphetamine
- Behaving rats
- Movement-related neurons
- Nosepoke
- Operant behavior
- Single-unit activity
- Substantia nigra pars reticulata
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)