Effects of intra-VTA injection of neurotensin on local cerebral glucose utilization in freely moving rats

The [C-14]2-deoxyglucose method was applied to measure the effects of the i njection of neurotensin (7 mug) in the ventral tegmental area on local cere bral glucose utilization in the rat. Injection of neurotensin produced sign ificant increases of glucose utilization in the shell of the nucleus accumb ens and in the olfactory tubercle. These results indicate that stimulation of neurotensin receptors in the ventral tegmental area produces functional changes that are confined to the regions receiving mesolimbic projections w ithin the rostral extended amygdaloid complex. These findings extend our un derstanding on the effects of neurotensin in the limbic system, with partic ular regard to reward pathways. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Inc.