MedPC code for sucrose vs. cocaine choice sessions

This file is program code (in MedPC) for choice sessions where rats are able to earn either sucrose or cocaine in a single session via nosepoking in a MedPC operant chamber.

Dataset supporting: Warlow, S.M., Naffziger, E.E. & Berridge, K.C. The central amygdala recruits mesocorticolimbic circuitry for pursuit of reward or pain. Nat Commun 11, 2716 (2020). https:/doi.org/10.1038/241467-020-16407-1

Abstract: How do brain mechanisms create maladaptive attractions? Here intense maladaptive attractions were created in laboratory rats by pairing optogenetic channelrhodopsin (ChR2) stimulation of central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) in rats with encountering either sucrose, cocaine, or a painful shock-delivering object. Pairings made the respective rats pursue either sucrose exclusively, or cocaine exclusively, or repeatedly self-inflict shocks. CeA-induced maladaptive attractions, even to the painful shock-rod, recruited mesocorticolimbic incentive-related circuitry. Shock-associated cues also gained positive incentive value and were pursued. Yet the motivational effects of paired CeA stimulation could be reversed to negative valence in a Pavlovian fear learning situation, where CeA ChR2 pairing increased defensive reactions. Finally, CeA ChR2 valence could be switched to neutral by pairing with innocuous stimuli. These results reveal valence plasticity and multiple modes for motivation via mesocorticolimbic circuitry under the control of CeA activation.

Find other related resources in the collection here: https://doi.org/10.35092/yhjc.c.4939542