Elsevier

Brain Research

Volume 463, Issue 2, 1 November 1988, Pages 268-274
Brain Research

Heterogenous responses of neostriatal neurons to amphetamine in freely moving rats

https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(88)90399-XGet rights and content

Abstract

Single-unit activity was recorded from the neostriatum of unrestrained, behaving rats. Neuronal discharges were found to vary with specific motor responses, general changes in motor activity, or the presentation of orienting stimuli. In each case, however, 1.0 mg/kgD-amphetamine produced approximately equal numbers of excitations. A subsequent injectioni of higher dose (5.0 mg/kg) either produced a greater change in firing rate in the same direction or reversed the direction of the low-dose response. Amphetamine, therefore, does not produce uniformly excitatory effects in the neostriatum of ambulant animals. In fact, the neuronal response to amphetamine appears to reflect a complex interaction of several factors, including ongoing behavior and drug dose.

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Present address: Center for the Health Sciences, University of Tennessee, 875 Monroe Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, U.S.A.

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