Impulsive Choice Induced in Rats by Lesions of the Nucleus Accumbens Core

TLDR

Impulsive choice, the preference for immediate small rewards over larger delayed ones, underlies disorders such as addiction and ADHD, yet its neuroanatomical basis remains unclear. Lesions of the nucleus accumbens core in rats produce persistent impulsive choice, whereas damage to the anterior cingulate or medial prefrontal cortex does not, indicating the core’s critical role in impulsivity.

Abstract

Impulsive choice is exemplified by choosing a small or poor reward that is available immediately, in preference to a larger but delayed reward. Impulsive choice contributes to drug addiction, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mania, and personality disorders, but its neuroanatomical basis is unclear. Here, we show that selective lesions of the nucleus accumbens core induce persistent impulsive choice in rats. In contrast, damage to two of its afferents, the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, had no effect on this capacity. Thus, dysfunction of the nucleus accumbens core may be a key element in the neuropathology of impulsivity.