Involvement of Glutamate NMDA Receptors in the Acute Long-Term and Conditioned Effects of Amphetamine on Rat 50kHz Ultrasonic Vocalizations

摘要

Background:Rats emit 50kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in response to either natural or pharmacological pleasurable stimuli, and these USVs have emerged as a new behavioral measure for investigating the motivational properties of drugs. Earlier studies have indicated that activation of the dopaminergic system is critically involved in 50kHz USV emissions. However, evidence also exists that non-dopaminergic neurotransmitters participate in this behavioral response.