Microdosing of a kappa opioid receptor agonist within proximal nucleus accumbens shell microstructures revealing opposing behavioral outcomes.
Neuroscience December 17, 2024 Erin B Rousseau, Hannah D Jackson, Suman Guha et al.
Delivering molecularly targeted therapies to specific brain regions is difficult because neurons vary in type and function. A miniaturized, implantable drug delivery system that allows real-time adjustment of treatments is described. Using this method, a drug (U-50488) that activates kappa opioid receptors was infused into the dorsal medial nucleus accumbens shell of the brain. Infusions into the dorsal region caused a reward-like conditioned place preference, while infusions just 1 mm more ventral caused conditioned place aversion. This precision may aid other neurotherapeutic interventions.