AMPA RECEPTOR GLUTAMATE TRANSMISSION IN THE NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS IS NECESSARY FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL SIGNS OF OPIOID WITHDRAWAL.

Glutamatergic activation of nucleus accumbens neurons is necessary for motivated behavior: both approach- and avoidance-related. We have shown that activation of AMPA glutamate receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell is necessary for opioid withdrawal-induced conditioned place aversions.