On the preferential release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens by amphetamine: further evidence obtained by vertically implanted concentric dialysis probes.

Concentric dialysis probes were vertically implanted in rats in the nucleus accumbens (Acc) of one side and in the dorsal caudate-putamen (CPu) of the other side. On the day after the implant the output of dopamine was monitored and the changes elicited by d-amphetamine sulphate were compared in the two areas. Amphetamine preferentially stimulated dopamine release in the Acc in a wide range of doses (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg SC) when Acc probes were located in the medial aspect of the Acc. In contrast, no significant differences between the Acc and the dorsal CPu were obtained in response to amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg SC) when Acc probes were located about 0.7 mm lateral to the previous site. It is concluded that the preferential effect of amphetamine in the Acc is related to precise topographical boundaries. This in turn might be related to the existence of a sharp anatomical and functional heterogeneity within the Acc.