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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

The Reinforcing Properties of Salsolinol in the Ventral Tegmental Area: Evidence for Regional Heterogeneity and the Involvement of Serotonin and Dopamine
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (OnlineEarly Articles) 21 Dec 2007

Salsolinol (SAL), the condensation product of acetaldehyde and dopamine, may be a factor contributing to alcohol abuse. Previous research indicated that both ethanol and acetaldehyde are self-administered into the posterior ventral tegmental area (VTA).

The current study examined SAL self-infusions into the VTA, and determined the involvement of dopamine neurons and 5-HT3 receptors in this process.

SAL produces reinforcing effects in the posterior VTA of Wistar rats, and these effects are mediated by activation of DA neurons and local 5-HT3 receptors.

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