Involvement of dopamine D1 receptors of the central amygdala on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced place preference in rat

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of intra-central amygdala (CeA) injection of dopamine D1 receptor agonist and antagonist on morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) were investigated in male Wistar rats. Our data showed that subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of morphine sulphate (0.5–10 mg/kg) significantly increased the time spent in the drug-paired compartment in a dose-dependent manner. Intra-CeA administration of the dopamine D1 receptor agonist, SKF 38393 (2 and 4 μg/rat) with an ineffective dose of morphine (0.5 mg/kg), elicited a significant conditioned place preference. On the other hand, a single dose of SKF 38393 (2 μg/rat, intra-CeA) in combination with the lower doses (0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg), but not with the higher doses of morphine potentiated morphine-induced CPP. Furthermore, intra-CeA administration of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 (0.5–1 μg/rat) decreased the acquisition of conditioned place preference induced by morphine (7.5 mg/kg). The response of SKF 38393 was decreased by SCH 23390 (0.75 μg/rat). SKF 38393 or SCH 23390 by themselves did not elicit any effect on place conditioning. On the other hand, intra-CeA administration of SKF 38393 or SCH 23390 significantly decreased the expression of morphine (7.5 mg/kg)-induced place preference. SKF 38393 or SCH 23390 injections into the CeA had no effects on the locomotor activity on the test sessions. The results indicate that the dopamine D1 receptors in the CeA may be involved in the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced place preference.