Sign‐trackers have elevated myo‐inositol in the nucleus accumbens and ventral hippocampus following Pavlovian conditioned approach
Abstract
Pavlovian conditioned approach (PCA) is a behavioral procedure that can be used to assess individual differences in the addiction vulnerability of drug‐naïve rats and identify addiction vulnerability factors. Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) ex vivo, we simultaneously analyzed concentrations of multiple neurochemicals throughout the mesocorticolimbic system 2 weeks after PCA training in order to identify potential vulnerability factors to addiction in drug‐naïve rats for future investigations. Levels of myo‐inositol (Ins), a 1H‐MRS‐detectable marker of glial activity/proliferation, were increased in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral hippocampus, but not dorsal hippocampus or medial prefrontal cortex, of sign‐trackers compared to goal‐trackers or intermediate responders. In addition, Ins levels positively correlated with PCA behavior in the NAc and ventral hippocampus. Because the sign‐tracker phenotype is associated with increased drug‐seeking behavior, these results observed in drug‐naïve rats suggest that alterations in glial activity/proliferation within these regions may represent an addiction vulnerability factor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 19, 2016
- Source ID
- 10.1111/jnc.13524
Entities
People
- Christopher J. Fitzpatrick
- Farhad Ghoddoussi
- Jonathan D. Morrow
- Matthew P. Galloway
- Shane A Perrine
Organizations
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- United States Department of Defense
- University of Michigan
- Wayne State University