Abstract
Rats learned to lever-press when reinforced with response-contingent microinfusions of the dopamine uptake inhibitor nomifensine (1.7 nmol per injection) into the ventro-medial (shell) region of nucleus accumbens septi (NAS). The drug was not effective when similar injections were given either in random relation to lever-pressing, into the more dorso-lateral (core) region of NAS, or into the frontal cortex. Cocaine was also effective in NAS, but considerably less so. These data suggest that response-contingent dopamine uptake blockade within the NAS is sufficient to establish and maintain instrumental response habits.
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Carlezon, W.A., Devine, D.P. & Wise, R.A. Habit-forming actions of nomifensine in nucleus accumbens. Psychopharmacology 122, 194–197 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02246095
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02246095