Rapid strengthening of thalamo-amygdala synapses mediates cue–reward learning

Kay M. Tye, Garret D. Stuber, Bram de Ridder, Antonello Bonci and Patricia H. Janak ()
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Kay M. Tye: Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, California 94608, USA
Garret D. Stuber: Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, California 94608, USA
Bram de Ridder: Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, California 94608, USA
Antonello Bonci: Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, California 94608, USA
Patricia H. Janak: Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, California 94608, USA

Nature, 2008, vol. 453, issue 7199, 1253-1257

Abstract: Neuronal changes is reward-directed learning Some people earn rewards more successfully than others when performing goal-directed tasks, but the neuronal changes that could mediate this reward-directed learning are not well understood. Tye et al. trained rats to self-administer a sucrose reward, and show that reward learning depends on increased activity and synaptic strength in the amygdala, a brain region important for emotional learning. The level of learning attained by individual animals correlated well with the degree of synaptic strength enhancement. An enhanced understanding of brain changes during reward learning will aid the development of therapeutic interventions for deficits in natural reward learning or cases of aberrant reward learning, such as drug addiction, or eating disorders.

Date: 2008
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DOI: 10.1038/nature06963

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