Cellular Analogs of Operant Behavior.
Abstract
Using the hippocampal-slice preparation, we attempted to demonstrate for the first time the operant conditioning of pyramidal cell bursting activity using local micropressure applications of transmitters and drugs as reinforcement; the same injections administered independently of bursting provided a control for direct pharmacological stimulation or facilitation of neuronal firing. The results suggested that the spontaneous activity of individual CA1 pyramidal cells may be reinforced with burst-contingent injections of dopamine D1 and D2 and cannabinoid receptor agonists, whereas CA3 bursting may be reinforced with mu-opioid agonists. Many of these indications of cellular operant conditioning were confirmed at the behavioral level in parallel studies of hippocampal and intravenous self-administration. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that, in the brain slice experiments, drug injections facilitated hippocampal bursting by a cellular mechanism analogous to behavioral reinforcement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA254066
Entities
People
- Donald Mcafee
- James D. Belluzzi
- Larry Stein
Organizations
- University of California, Irvine