Effects of Raclopride in the Nucleus Accumbens on Ethanol Seeking and Consumption

Abstract

The procedural separation of the seeking and intake responses used in this experiment allowed us to assess the effects of dopamine receptor antagonism in the nucleus accumbens on these two different behaviors. Overall, appetitive responding that preceded the delivery of an ethanol solution was more sensitive to raclopride treatment than was consummatory responding. These findings are consistent with a stimulus-processing function of the mesolimbic dopamine system.