Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
8 p.
Publication Date
2-15-2012
Publisher
Elsevier
Source Publication
Biological Psychiatry
Source ISSN
0006-3223
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.10.017
Abstract
Background
Traditionally, norepinephrine has been associated with stress responses, whereas dopamine has been associated with reward. Both of these catecholamines are found within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a brain relay nucleus in the extended amygdala between cortical/limbic centers, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Despite this colocalization, little is known about subsecond catecholamine signaling in subregions of the BNST in response to salient stimuli.
Methods
Changes in extracellular catecholamine concentration in subregions of the BNST in response to salient stimuli were measured within the rat BNST with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fiber microelectrodes.
Results
A discrete subregional distribution of release events was observed for different catecholamines in this nucleus. In addition, rewarding and aversive tastants evoked inverse patterns of norepinephrine and dopamine release in the BNST. An aversive stimulus, quinine, activated noradrenergic signaling but inhibited dopaminergic signaling, whereas a palatable stimulus, sucrose, inhibited norepinephrine while causing dopamine release.
Conclusions
This reciprocal relationship, coupled with their different time courses, can provide integration of opposing hedonic states to influence response outputs appropriate for survival.
Recommended Citation
Wheeler, Robert A., "Catecholamines in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Reciprocally Respond to Reward and Aversion" (2012). Biomedical Sciences Faculty Research and Publications. 1.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/biomedsci_fac/1
Comments
Accepted version. Biological Psychiatry, Vol. 71, No. 4 (February 15, 2012): 327–334. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.10.017. © 2012 Elsevier. Used with permission.