Elsevier

Physiology & Behavior

Volume 30, Issue 2, February 1983, Pages 253-258
Physiology & Behavior

The role of adrenocorticotropin and norepinephrine in appetitive learning in the rat

https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9384(83)90015-XGet rights and content

Abstract

This study examines the involvement of ACTH/4–10 and norepinephrine during training and testing of a complex maze task. Hormones were administered post-trial to eliminate effects on processes other than learning and memory during training and testing sessions. ACTH/4–10, but not NE, facilitates acquisition of an appetitive maze task, but neither affect test performance. Facilitation of acquisition by ACTH/4–10 is discussed within two frameworks. ACTH/4–10 may enhance memory, presumably via a direct action on certain brain cells, resulting in stimulated protein synthesis and modified synaptic transmission. An interaction with serotonin synthesis and metabolism may be involved. Alternatively, during training and testing of a complex maze task, an ACTH-opiate receptor interaction may modify reinforcing properties, thus facilitating acquisition.

References (48)

  • A.J. Kastin et al.

    Enkephalin and a potent analog facilitate maze performance after intraperitoneal administration in rats

    Pharmacol Biochem Behav

    (1976)
  • S. Levine et al.

    Adrenocortical activity and avoidance learning as a function of time after avoidance training

    Physiol Behav

    (1967)
  • S.T. Mason et al.

    Central and peripheral noradrenaline and resistance to extinction

    Physiol Behav

    (1978)
  • S.T. Mason et al.

    Interaction of brain noradrenaline and the pituitary-adrenal axis in learning and extinction

    Pharmacol Biochem Behav

    (1979)
  • R.E. Miller et al.

    Effect of adrenocorticotrophic hormone on appetitive discrimination learning in the rat

    Physiol Behav

    (1973)
  • H.M. O'Reilly et al.

    Endogenous corticosterone alterations and appetitive learning in the rat

    Physiol Behav

    (1981)
  • F. Ramaekers et al.

    Parallel changes in behavior and hippocampal monoamine metabolism in rats after administration of ACTH-analogues

    Pharmacol Biochem Behav

    (1978)
  • H. Rigter et al.

    Time-dependent anti-amnesic effect of ACTH/4–10 and desglycinamide-lysine vasopressin

    Prog Brain Res

    (1975)
  • G. van Eys et al.

    The relationship between time-dependent changes in carbon-dioxide induced amnesia and hippocampal monoamine metabolism in rats

    Pharmacol Biochem Behav

    (1975)
  • P.A. Beatty et al.

    Failure of exogenous ACTH to influence acquisition or reversal of a spatial discrimination in rats

    Psychon Sci

    (1969)
  • B. Bohus

    Pituitary-adrenal influences on avoidance and approach behavior in the rat

    Prog Brain Res

    (1973)
  • A. Brodish

    Hormonal and behavioral influences on the circadian rhythmicity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal system

  • D. de Wied

    Inhibitory effect of ACTH and related peptides on extinction of conditioned avoidance behavior in rats

  • D. de Wied

    Pituitary-adrenal system hormones and behavior

  • Cited by (4)

    View full text