PROJECT SUMMARY The motivation to consume ethanol is a fickle thing. It differs wildly between individuals, but even in one individual, this motivation is not always constant. However, the exact dynamics that translate motivation to consume to the literal act of consumption remain poorly understood. The central nucleus of the amygdala may be an essential piece in this process. Its anatomical connections hint at its potential role in ethanol and food reward consumption, given that it is densely innervated by canonical reward processing centers and itself innervates regions directing motor behaviors and attention. However, the exact mechanisms and firing patterns that drive the central nucleus of the amygdala’s involvement in driving reward consumption remain poorly understood. This proposal makes use of a foundational technique, in vivo electrophysiology, to uncover how the central nucleus of the amygdala electrical activity relates to alcohol seeking and taking. In looking at the activity of this region over the course of a whole instrumental task session, a clearer conclusion about the central nucleus of the amygdala’s role in synthesizing motivation to drive motor behaviors can be obtained. In aim 1, the neural activity pattern in the central nucleus of the amygdala will be monitored over the course of an ethanol self-administration task to understand how activity in this region changes across trials as an animal’s motivation to consume ethanol wanes. For aim 2, the proposed electrophysiology recordings will occur when water-deprived rats perform a choice task that promotes a switch in reward preference from water to ethanol. These planned recordings will elucidate central nucleus of the amygdala activity when there are competing motivations. In aim 3, the effect of dependence on both instrumental tasks will be assessed to understand how the firing in this region following dependence-inducing high concentrations of ethanol. In completing these aims and disseminating the data I find, I will also further my independence and confidence as an independent researcher while also improving my theoretical, technical, and professional skills. Overall, this project aims to understand the central nucleus of the amygdala’s role as a nexus point between reward seeking and reward consumption. This would not only deepen our understanding of this nucleus’s role as a whole, but could potentially contribute to novel therapeutic behavioral and medical interventions.

PROJECT NARRATIVE The desire to consume alcohol is driven by motivation; it is commonly believed that this motivation is altered in those with substance use disorders. The central nucleus of the amygdala is one potential neural substrate for modulating action selection, both seeking and drinking, based on changes in motivation. The proposed research seeks to explore the neural activity pattern in the central nucleus of the amygdala during instrumental tasks rewarded with ethanol to gain a clearer picture of this region’s role in motivated behaviors.