Role of Dopamine D1 Receptors and Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase in the Motivational Properties of Acetaldehyde as Assessed by Place Preference

The role of dopamine D₁ receptors and Extracellular signal Regulated Kinase (ERK) in the motivational properties of drugs can be studied by place-conditioning. Recent advances have shown that the motivational properties of ethanol, determined by place-conditioning, are mediated by its metabolic conversion into acetaldehyde. To date, the role of D₁ receptors and ERK activation in acetaldehyde-elicited place preference has not been determined. The aim of this study was to assess the role of D₁ receptors blockade and MEK inhibition in the acquisition of acetaldehyde-elicited conditioned place preference.

These results confirm that acetaldehyde and ethanol elicit conditioned place preference and demonstrate that D₁ receptors are critically involved in these effects. Furthermore, the finding that PD98059 prevents the acquisition of acetaldehyde-elicited conditioned place preference highlights the importance of the D₁ receptor–ERK pathway in its motivational effects

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