Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 437.10 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | What is the 'motivational' mechanism for the marijuana munchies? The effects of intra-accumbens anandamide on hedonic taste reactions to sucrose. |
| Authors: |
Mahler, S. V.*1
; Smith, K. S.1
; Berridge, K. C.1
1Psychology, Univ of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Motivation and Emotion |
| Session: |
437. Motivation and Emotion: Reward I Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Monday, October 25, 2004 9:00 AM-10:00 AM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # NN1 |
| Keywords: | cannabinoids, nucleus accumbens, eating, drug abuse |
Increased eating is a common effect of systemically-administered cannabinoid drugs in both humans and rats. Microinjections of these drugs into the nucleus accumbens shell (NAc) and other brain areas can also increase feeding in rats. The psychological mechanism of these effects is as yet unknown, however. In particular, it is unknown whether cannabinoids actually increase palatability of tastes (‘liking’), beyond elevating food intake. The taste reactivity test is a useful way to assess changes in hedonic impact of taste palatability in rats. In these experiments, we tested whether intra-nucleus accumbens microinjections of anandamide altered positive hedonic reactions (e.g. tongue protrusions, paw licking) elicited by oral infusions of sucrose solution. We then compared these hedonic effects to effects of the same microinjections on food intake. These results provide insight into the involvement of NAc cannabinoid receptors in food ‘liking’ vs. ‘wanting.’.
Supported by NIMH MH63649 and NSF IBN-0091661
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
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