Supra-normal stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors in the prelimbic cortex blocks behavioral expression of both aversive and rewarding associative memories through a cyclic-AMP-dependent signaling pathway – cover

Date: 2013-02-09

Reference number: OPUSeJ 201302091340SSD

Links: to published article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028390812005333

to pre-reviewed version: N/A

to Forum: http://www.opusej.org/library/supra-normal-stimulation-of-dopamine-d1-receptors-in-the-prelimbic-cortex-blocks-behavioral-expression-of-both-aversive-and-rewarding-associative-memories-through-a-cyclic-amp-dependent-signaling-path/

Title: Supra-normal stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors in the prelimbic cortex blocks behavioral expression of both aversive and rewarding associative memories through a cyclic-AMP-dependent signaling pathway

Authors:  Lauzon, Nicole Ma,b, Melanie Becharda,b, Tasha Ahmada,b & Steven R Laviolettea,b

Abstract: Dopamine (DA) receptor transmission through either D1 or D2-like subtypes is involved critically in the processing of emotional information within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However the functional role of specific DA D1-like receptor transmission in the expression of emotionally salient associative memories (either aversive or rewarding) is not currently understood. Here we demonstrate that specific activation of DA D1 receptors in the prelimbic (PLC) division of the mPFC causes a transient block in the behavioral expression of both aversive and rewarding associative memories. We report that intra-PLC microinfusions of a selective D1 receptor agonist block the spontaneous expression of an associative olfactory fear memory, without altering the stability of the original memory trace. Furthermore, using an unbiased place conditioning procedure (CPP), intra-PLC D1 receptor activation blocks the spontaneous expression of an associative morphine (5 mg/kg; i.p.) reward memory, while leaving morphine-primed memory expression intact. Interestingly, both intra-PLC D1-receptor mediated block of either fear-related or reward-related associative memories were dependent upon downstream cyclic-AMP (cAMP) signaling as both effects were rescued by co-administration of a cAMP signaling inhibitor. The blockade of both rewarding and aversive associative memories is mediated through a D1-specific signaling pathway, as neither forms of spontaneous memory expression were blocked by intra-PLC microinfusions of a D2-like receptor agonist. Our results demonstrate that the spontaneous expression of either rewarding or aversive emotionally salient memories shares a common, D1-receptor mediated substrate within the mPFC.

Author bio:  N/A

Sponsor editor:  N/A

 Affiliations/disclaimers/funding/acknowledgements:

a Dept. of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N5Y 5T8

b Dept. of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N5Y 5T8

Keywords:  N/A

Subject:  Science/ associative memories

Language: English

Bibliography: see Forum

Citation:  Lauzon, Nicole M et al, 2013 , “Supra-normal stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors in the prelimbic cortex blocks behavioral expression of both aversive and rewarding associative memories through a cyclic-AMP-dependent signaling pathway”, Neuropharmacology April 2013,104–114. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028390812005333

References: see Forum http://www.opusej.org/library/supra-normal-stimulation-of-dopamine-d1-receptors-in-the-prelimbic-cortex-blocks-behavioral-expression-of-both-aversive-and-rewarding-associative-memories-through-a-cyclic-amp-dependent-signaling-path/

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