Nociceptin Receptor Antagonism Modulates Electrophysiological Markers of Reward Learning.

Using in vivo electrophysiology and a reward-learning task reverse-translated from humans, this study tested the hypothesis that a nociceptin (NOP) receptor antagonist (J-113397) would potentiate behavioral and electrophysiological markers of reward learning in rats. Relative to vehicle, the NOP antagonist modulated electrophysiological markers of reward processing but did not affect response bias toward a more frequently rewarded stimulus. This proof-of-concept study provides initial insights into the effects of NOP receptor antagonism on reward learning, which are consistent with previous findings suggesting that such mechanism is a promising antidepressant target.