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Neurotransmitter turnover in rat striatum is correlated with morphine self-administration

Nature volume 287, pages 152–154 (1980)Cite this article

Abstract

Drugs of abuse probably exert their reinforcing effects through ‘reward’ pathways in the central nervous system (CNS)1,2. Neuronal systems mediating opiate reinforcement have been investigated using pharmacological and electrolytic lesion procedures. Drugs that interfere with catecholaminergic3–6 and cholinergic7 neuronal activity decrease intravenous (i.v.) morphine self-administration in monkeys and rats. Electrolytic lesion procedures in rats have demonstrated that the medial forebrain bundle8 and caudate nucleus9 are important in maintaining i.v. morphine self-administration. We have now carried out a direct investigation of striatal (caudate nucleus, putamen and globus pallidus) neuronal systems. We show here that striatal catecholaminergic systems are important in mediating opiate reinforcement, and present direct evidence for the involvement of neurotransmitter systems in morphine reward.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychiatry Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71130

    James E. Smith, Conchita Co, Mark E. Freeman, Michael P. Sands & John D. Lane

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  1. James E. Smith
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  2. Conchita Co
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  3. Mark E. Freeman
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  4. Michael P. Sands
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  5. John D. Lane
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Smith, J., Co, C., Freeman, M. et al. Neurotransmitter turnover in rat striatum is correlated with morphine self-administration. Nature 287, 152–154 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/287152a0

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