PROJECT SUMMARY
The motivation to consume ethanol is a fickle thing. It differs wildly between individuals, but even in one
individual, this motivation is not always constant. However, the exact dynamics that translate motivation to
consume to the literal act of consumption remain poorly understood. The central nucleus of the amygdala may
be an essential piece in this process. Its anatomical connections hint at its potential role in ethanol and food
reward consumption, given that it is densely innervated by canonical reward processing centers and itself
innervates regions directing motor behaviors and attention. However, the exact mechanisms and firing patterns
that drive the central nucleus of the amygdala’s involvement in driving reward consumption remain poorly
understood. This proposal makes use of a foundational technique, in vivo electrophysiology, to uncover how
the central nucleus of the amygdala electrical activity relates to alcohol seeking and taking. In looking at the
activity of this region over the course of a whole instrumental task session, a clearer conclusion about the
central nucleus of the amygdala’s role in synthesizing motivation to drive motor behaviors can be obtained. In
aim 1, the neural activity pattern in the central nucleus of the amygdala will be monitored over the course of an
ethanol self-administration task to understand how activity in this region changes across trials as an animal’s
motivation to consume ethanol wanes. For aim 2, the proposed electrophysiology recordings will occur when
water-deprived rats perform a choice task that promotes a switch in reward preference from water to ethanol.
These planned recordings will elucidate central nucleus of the amygdala activity when there are competing
motivations. In aim 3, the effect of dependence on both instrumental tasks will be assessed to understand how
the firing in this region following dependence-inducing high concentrations of ethanol. In completing these aims
and disseminating the data I find, I will also further my independence and confidence as an independent
researcher while also improving my theoretical, technical, and professional skills. Overall, this project aims to
understand the central nucleus of the amygdala’s role as a nexus point between reward seeking and reward
consumption. This would not only deepen our understanding of this nucleus’s role as a whole, but could
potentially contribute to novel therapeutic behavioral and medical interventions.