Deep brain stimulation in the central nucleus of the amygdala decreases 'wanting' and 'liking' of food rewards.

ABSTRACT: We investigated the potential of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in rats to modulate functional reward mechanisms. The CeA is the major output of the amygdala with direct connections to the hypothalamus and gustatory brainstem, and indirect connections with the nucleus accumbens. Further, the CeA has been shown to be involved in learning, emotional integration, reward processing, and regulation of feeding. We hypothesized that DBS, which is used to treat movement disorders and other brain dysfunctions, might block reward motivation. In rats performing a lever-pressing task to obtain sugar pellet rewards, we stimulated the CeA and control structures, and compared stimulation parameters. During CeA stimulation, animals stopped working for rewards and

SUBMITTER: Ross SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5141586 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature