20 Questions
What is the role of the amygdala in acquiring and retaining emotional memories?
Recalling memories from the frontal cortex
What is a demonstration of the role of the amygdala in seeking pleasure?
The association of a sound or light with pressing a lever and receiving cocaine
What happens when a rat without an amygdala is stimulated with the conditioned sound or light?
It will stop pressing the lever
What is the relationship between the amygdala and the mesolimbic DA system?
The amygdala enhances the activity of the mesolimbic DA system
What is the primary function of dopamine (DA) according to the text?
Activating energy for pursuing goals
What is a simple definition of an addiction, according to the text?
Continued pursuit of a substance or activity despite negative consequences.
What effect do opioids, alcohol, and phencyclidine (PCP) have on the mesolimbic pathway?
They suppress the inhibitory neurons that modulate the NAc and VTA.
What happens to rats deficient in dopamine when presented with palatable food?
They refuse to eat even in the presence of palatable food.
What is the main difference between accumulating money and enjoying it, as per the text?
Accumulating money feels good but enjoying it does not.
What is one common effect of drugs of abuse on the mesolimbic pathway, as mentioned in the text?
Overwhelming and fundamentally altering neurons with supraphysiologic neurotransmitter levels.
What is the effect of amphetamine and cocaine on the number of dendritic spines on pyramidal cells, as described in the text?
Increase the number of spines
What is the impact of morphine on the number of dendritic spines on pyramidal cells, as discussed in the text?
Decrease the number of spines
Based on the text, what lasting changes do drugs induce in the brain?
Alteration of synaptic connectivity
From the text, what is the role of dendritic spines on pyramidal cells?
They receive input from other neurons
What is the main finding from Robinson et al.'s experiments regarding the effects of drugs on pyramidal neurons?
Different drugs have different effects on the number of dendritic spines
What molecular changes contribute to the long-term plasticity of addiction in the Nucleus Accumbens?
Activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element–binding protein (CREB)
What is one of the reasons drug users may need to take more of their substance to get the same effect?
Activation of δ-FosB in the cells of the Nucleus Accumbens
What could explain the lasting effects of drug abuse even after drugs have been stopped?
Accumulation and stability of δ-FosB in the cells of the Nucleus Accumbens
What mediates the effects of stress on the mesolimbic DA system, in part through the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis?
Cortisol
Which factor is believed to be responsible for the depression and anhedonia felt by addicts when unable to get drugs?
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element–binding protein (CREB)
Test your knowledge about the role of the amygdala in processing emotional experiences and its influence on memory formation. Explore its involvement in evaluating pleasures, fear, and the mesolimbic DA system.
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