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Intracranial self-stimulation in rats as a function of various stimulus parameters

IV. Influence of amphetamine on medial forebrain bundle stimulation with monopolar electrodes

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Abstract

The effects of various subcutaneous doses (0.16, 0.31, 0.63, 1.25 and 2.50 mg/kg) of amphetamine on self-stimulation in rats, with monopolar nichrome electrodes, implanted in the medial forebrain bundle at the level of the lateral hypothalamus, were studied. Six different stimulus parameter combinations (SPC), inducing different predictable response rates, were used. Response stimulation as well as response inhibition were measured at the same dose levels in the same rats and during the same experimental session.

At each dose level of amphetamine response stimulation was more pronounced than response depression. The response depression was dose-related and the response stimulation reached a peak at 0.63 mg/kg. The response depression was directly related and the response stimulation inversely related to the control response rate, obtained with the different SPC's.

It is assumed that amphetamine enhanced self-stimulation by lowering the threshold at the synaptic level and by increasing catecholamine release at neurons mediating motivational properties and reinforcement. Inhibition of the response rate at high doses of amphetamine can be attributed to non-specific motor stimulation interfering with performance efficiency.

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  1. Department of Pharmacology, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Research Laboratory, 2340, Beerse, Belgium

    A. Wauquier & C. J. E. Niemegeers

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  1. A. Wauquier
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  2. C. J. E. Niemegeers
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Wauquier, A., Niemegeers, C.J.E. Intracranial self-stimulation in rats as a function of various stimulus parameters. Psychopharmacologia 34, 265–274 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00421967

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