“School of Cognitive Sciences”
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| Paper IPM / Cognitive Sciences / 12163 |
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The present study was done to determine whether cannabinoid CB1 receptors of the central amygdala (CeA) are implicated in morphine-induced place preference. Using a 3-day schedule of conditioning, it was found that subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine (2, 4 and 6 mg/kg) caused a significant dose-dependent conditioned place preference (CPP) in male Wistar rats. Intra-CeA microinjection of
the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist arachidonylcyclopropylamide (ACPA; 0.5, 2.5 and 5 ng/rat) dosedependently potentiated the morphine (2 mg/kg)-induced CPP. Furthermore, the administration of ACPA
(5 ng/rat, intra-CeA) alone induced a significant CPP. It should be considered that the higher dose of
ACPA (5 ng/rat, intra-CeA) in combination with morphine decreased locomotor activity on the testing phase. On the other hand, intra-CeA microinjection of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (120 ng/rat) alone induced a significant conditioned place aversion (CPA). Moreover, intra-CeA microinjection of AM251 (90 and 120 ng/rat) inhibited the morphine-induced place preference with a significant interaction. Intra-CeA microinjection of AM251 reversed the effect of ACPA on morphine response. Interestingly, microinjection of ACPA (2.5 and 5 ng/rat) or AM251 (60?120 ng/rat) into the CeA increased or
decreased the expression of morphine (6 mg/kg)-induced place preference respectively. These observations
provide evidence that cannabinoid CB1 receptors of the CeA are involved in mediating reward and these receptors are also implicated in the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced CPP.
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