témavezető: László Kristóf
helyszín (magyar oldal): PTE ÁOK Pécs, Szigeti u. 12. helyszín rövidítés: ÁOK
A kutatási téma leírása:
The role of neuropeptides (neurotensin, oxytocin, substance-P, RFRP-1 and RFRP-3) - microinjected into the limbic system- are investigated on reinforcement, learning and memory processes in male wistar rats. The possible rewarding-reinforcing effects of drugs are studied by means of conditioned place preference test. The relevance of neuropeptides on spatial learning is investigated in Morris water maze test. Elevated plus maze test is used to study the possible anxiogenic or anxiolytic effects of the microinjected drug. Memory processes are investigated by means of passive avoidance test. Open field test is used to examine the effects of neuropeptides on spontaneous motor activity. The role of these drugs on the limbic neural activity is studied by means of multibarelled microelectrophoretic technique. The relevance of dopamine – neuropeptide interactions is studied in different behavioral paradigms and by electrophysiological methods. In order to achieve this goal, combined intracerebral injection of dopamine D1 and –D2 agonists and antagonists, neuropeptides and their antagonist are studied. Results may give better understanding of neural processes of learning, memory and drug addiction.