Amphetamine inhibits behavior-related neuronal responses in substantia nigra pars reticulata of rats working for sucrose reinforcement

Joshua M. Gulley, Ann E.K. Kosobud, George V. Rebec

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)165-168
Number of pages4
JournalNeuroscience Letters
Volume322
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 12 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Amphetamine
  • Behaving rats
  • Movement-related neurons
  • Nosepoke
  • Operant behavior
  • Single-unit activity
  • Substantia nigra pars reticulata

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience(all)

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