Journal of Pharmacological Sciences (Jan 2010)

Roles of β- and α2-Adrenoceptors Within the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala in the Visceral Pain–Induced Aversion in Rats

  • Satoshi Deyama,
  • Azusa Takishita,
  • Sachi Tanimoto,
  • Soichiro Ide,
  • Takayuki Nakagawa,
  • Masamichi Satoh,
  • Masabumi Minami

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1254/jphs.10139sc
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 114, no. 1
pp. 123 – 126

Abstract

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We investigated the roles of β- and α2-adrenoceptors within the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in the negative affective and sensory components of visceral pain in rats. We observed a dose-dependent reduction of intraperitoneal acetic acid-induced conditioned place aversion by bilateral injections of timolol, a β-adrenoceptor antagonist, or clonidine, an α2-adrenoceptor agonist, without reducing writhing behaviors. These data suggest a pivotal role of intra-CeA adrenoceptors in the negative affective, but not sensory, component of visceral pain. Keywords:: amygdala, emotion, visceral pain