Activation of mu-opioid receptors in the ventral pallidum decreases the negative hedonic evaluation of a conditioned aversive taste in rats

•Mu-opioid receptors in the ventral pallidum were activated by DAMGO microinjection.•Mu-opioid receptor activation attenuates conditioned aversion to saccharin.•Mu-opioid receptor activation increases intake of conditioned aversive saccharin.•DAMGO injection has stronger effects in posterior ventral pallidum than anterior.