Description
TitleAccumbens processing of a food associated cue in a rat model of binge eating
Date Created2019
Other Date2019-01 (degree)
Extent1 online resource (103 pages : illustrations)
DescriptionBinge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by repeated episodes of loss of control over eating, negative self-image, and feelings of diminished self-worth (APA, 2013). BED is the most common of all eating disorders and effects between 0.6 and 7 percent of the general population (Marzilli, Cerniglia, & Cimino, 2018; Kim et al , 2018; Dahlgren, Wisting, & Ro, 2017). It has been shown that binging eating (BE) behavior, a key component of BED, can lead to acute elevations in synaptic dopamine levels in Nucleus Acumbens (Nac) similar to what may observed as a result of drugs of abuse such as cocaine or amphetamine (Rada, Avena, Hoebel, 2005; Unberg, Shader, Hsu, & Greenblatt, 2012; Wang et al, 2011). It is possible that the act of binging may lead to addition like effects in a similar way to what is observed in drug abusers. It has long been believed that reward cues play an important role in addiction. In this study we examine the effects of a history of BE on cue processing. Female Sprague Dawlay rats were subjected to a six week BE pretreatment. Following which these rats were tested in a 10 day pavlovian experiment where a tone cue signaled availability of a sucrose reward. Single unit recordings were taken in both Nac Core and Shell during the experiment. Additionally, we recorded ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) during the experiment in order to gain a measure of the subjects affect. BE rats exhibited significant decreases in number of cued head entries when compared to a control group. Additionally, analysis of neural firing during the pavlovian task indicated decreased Nac Core processing of the reward associated cue in BE animals. Analysis of firing during consumption indicated increased processing during consumption when compared to a motor matched control behavior. This result held for both BE and control rats and in both Nac Core and Shell. Finally, Linear trend analysis of USVs indicated a decrease in positive affect in the BE group. Taken together these results indicate that BE treatment results in decreased tone processing in Nac Core, and possible decreases in positive affect. Finally, our results indicate that Nac processing increases during consumption when compared to a control behavior and that this result was unaffected by BE treatment.
NotePh.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Noteby Joshua Stamos
Genretheses, ETD doctoral
Languageeng
CollectionSchool of Graduate Studies Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.