Figure 4.
Relative relationship between DA release and uptake across regions is reversed by ethanol self-administration and is predictive of ethanol intake. A, DA release expressed as a DLC/NAc core ratio across regions. In control animals, evoked DA release is higher in the DLC than the NAc core. This relationship is reversed following ethanol self-administration. B, The maximal rate of uptake (Vmax) is greater in the DLC than the NAc core of control animals. This relationship is reversed in drinkers. C, Correlation analysis showing no relationship between DLC/NAc core ratio of DA release and ethanol intake. D, Correlation analysis showing a positive relationship between the DLC/NAc core ratio of DA uptake and ethanol intake. When uptake rates are higher in the NAc core compared to DLC, intake is low, and when uptake rates are equal across regions, intake is high. Error bars indicate ± SEM. *p < 0.05 versus control; ***p < 0.001 versus control.