Behavioral Effects of Local Activation and Blockade of Serotonin and Dopamine Receptors in the Frontal Cortex of Cats in a "Right to Choose" Food Reinforcement Model

Abstract

Experiments using a "right to choose" food reinforcement model showed that animals were capable of "impulsive" behavior resulting in receipt of low-quality reinforcement and "self-controlled" behavior leading to receipt of food of better quality. Local bilateral administration of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/C receptor agonists (8-OH-DPAT, DOI), a 5-HT2A/C receptor antagonist (ketanserin), and D1 and D2 receptor antagonists (SCH 23390, raclopride) into the orbitofrontal area of the cortex of five cats led to weakening of "impulsive" behavior. Administration of 8-OH-DPAT and DOI also produced increases in missed operant reactions, i.e., impairment of performance of the conditioned reflex. Combined local administration of D1 and D2 receptor blockers and a 5-HT2A/C receptor agonist or antagonist did not produce any statistically significant changes in the behavior of the animals as compared with control experiments. The results obtained here showed that both dopaminergic and serotoninergic regulation of neuron activity in the frontal areas of the cortex is required to obtain the optimum ratio of "impulsive" and "self-controlled" reactions in ambivalent animals.