EN
In humans subanesthetic doses of noncompetitive NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonists can produce symptoms similar to those observed in schizophrenia. In rodents, systemic application of NMDAR antagonists produce hyperactivity, stereotypies and abnormal social interactions used to model certain features of schizophrenia. It was also shown that NMDAR antagonists induce the high frequency oscillations (HFO, 140–180 Hz) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Several neurophysiological models of schizophrenia emphasize the role of interactions between frontal cortical areas especially medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and NAc. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of local infusion of MK-801 (a selective NMDAR antagonist) in the mPFC on oscillatory activity recorded in the NAc. Experiments were performed on freely moving rats, bilaterally implanted with guides in the mPFC and an electrode in the right NAc. Bilateral administration of MK-801 to the mPFC produced a substantial increase in the power of HFO, which was associated with NMDAR antagonist-induced changes in locomotor activity and behavior. In another group of animals we examined the effects of local infusion of MK-801 into mPFC on c-Fos expression in NAc. Prominent c-Fos response was observed in the NAc in relation to saline and control groups. These results suggest that local administration of MK-801 to the mPFC modifi es oscillatory activity and c-Fos expression in the NAc.