Feeding induced by GABA(A) receptor stimulation within the nucleus accumbens shell: Regional mapping and characterization of macronutrient and taste preference

This study investigated the areas of the nucleus accumbens shell involved i n the modulation of feeding behavior by GABAergic stimulation and character ized this response using macronutrient diets as well as saline, sucrose, an d saccharin solutions. The GABA agonist muscimol induced a pronounced feedi ng response when infused in the medial nucleus accumbens shell but not in t he ventral or lateral accumbens shell. In the macronutrient preference stud y, muscimol increased the intake of both high fat and high carbohydrate die ts when presented separately. When both diets were available simultaneously , muscimol stimulated feeding of both diets to the same degree. Muscimol el icited a robust increase in the consumption of sucrose solution. However, n o effect of muscimol was demonstrated for water, saline, or saccharin intak e. These findings provide evidence for a selective role for GABA-sensitive neurons in the medial accumbens shell in the regulation of ingestive behavi or and further suggest that GABA(A) receptors in this region do not modulat e palatability, macronutrient selection, or rewarding properties of food.