1 research outputs found
Estradiol modulates effort-based decision making in female rats
Disorders of the dopamine system, such as schizophrenia or stimulant addiction, are
associated with impairments in different forms of cost/benefit decision-making. The neural
circuitry (i.e. amygdala, prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens) underlying these functions all
receive dopamine input, which is thought to play a central role in mediating cost/benefit
decisions. Estradiol modulates dopamine activity, and estrogen receptors (ERs) are found within
this neurocircuitry, suggesting that decision-making may be influenced by estradiol. The present
study examined the contribution of estradiol and selective ERα and β agonists on cost/benefit
decision-making in adult female Long-Evans rats. An effort-discounting task was utilized, where
rats could either emit a single response on a low-reward lever to receive two pellets, or make 2,
5, 10, or 20 responses on a high-reward lever to obtain four pellets. Ovariectomy increased
choice on the high-reward lever, while replacement with high (10 μg), but not low (0.3 μg),
levels of estradiol benzoate reduced choice on the high-reward lever. Interestingly, both an ERα
agonist (PPT) and an ERβ agonist (DPN) increased choice on the high-reward lever when
administered independently, but when these two agonists were combined, a decrease in choice
for the high-reward lever was observed. The effects of estradiol, PPT, and DPN were more
pronounced 24 hr post-administration, suggesting that these effects may be genomic in nature.
Together, these results demonstrate that estradiol modulates cost/benefit decision making in
females, whereby concomitant activation of ERα and β receptors shifts decision criteria and
reduces preference for larger, yet more costly rewards.Arts, Faculty ofPsychology, Department ofNon UBCUnreviewedFacultyResearche