Operant ethanol self-administration increases extracellular-signalregulated protein kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in reward-related brain regions:selective regulation of positive reinforcement in the prefrontal cortex ofC57BL/6J mice

摘要

RationaleExtracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) is activated by ethanol in reward-related brain regions. Accordingly, systemic inhibition of ERK1/2 potentiates ethanol reinforcement. However, the brain region(s) that mediate this effect are unknown.