Electrophysiology of the Rat Nucleus Accumbens: Local Circuitry, Neuromodulationand Synaptic Plasticity

摘要

The general aim of the thesis is to elucidate neurotransmitter and neuromodulatorfunctions in a limbic-innervated part of the basal ganglia--the nucleus accumbens. This basal forebrain nucleus is presumed to have a variety of functions, including regulation of reward-dependent behavior, modulation of neuroendocrine function and feedback to limbic cortico-thalamic circuits. All experiments were done in an in vitro slice preparation that comprised the nucleus accumbens and closely adjacent brain structures.