Selective effects of the delta-opioid receptor agonist DPDPE on consummatory successive negative contrast.

Two experiments explored the role of the opioid system in a situation involving a surprising reduction in reward magnitude: consummatory successive negative contrast. Rats received access to 32% sucrose solution (preshift Trials 1-10) followed by 4% solution (postshift Trials 11-15). Independent groups received an injection of either the vehicle or the delta-receptor agonist [D-Ala2-,N-Me-Phe4,Gly-ol] enkephalin (DPDPE; 24 microg/kg). DPDPE attenuated the contrast effect when injected before Trial 11 but not when injected before Trial 12. An additional experiment showed that the attenuating effect of partial reinforcement on the recovery from contrast was reduced by DPDPE injections administered before nonreinforced preshift trials.