Intra-amygdala inhibition of ERK1/2 potentiates the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol

摘要: Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) has been implicated in modulating drug seeking behavior and is a target of alcohol other drugs abuse. Given that the discriminative stimulus (subjective/interoceptive) effects are determinants abuse liability can influence behavior, we examined role ERK1/2 alcohol. Using discrimination procedures, rats were trained to discriminate moderate intragastric (IG) dose (1 g/kg) versus water (IG). Following an session phosphorylated (pERK1/2) immunoreactivity (IR) was significantly elevated amygdala, but not nucleus accumbens. Therefore, hypothesized intra-amygdala inhibition would disrupt expression However, or accumbens administration MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 3 μg) had no effect on training g/kg). Contrary our hypothesis, infusion (3 potentiated low (0.5 following infusion. Importantly, site-specific pERK1/2 each brain region confirmed. increase IR amygdala systemic may be reflective widespread (activation/inhibition circuits), whereas site specific microinjection studies confirmed functional involvement ERK1/2. These findings show activity ERK signaling pathway