The nucleus accumbens (NAc) contains multiple subpopulations of medium spiny neurons
(MSNs). One subpopulation expresses D1-type dopamine receptors, another expresses D2 …

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a central role in reinforcement and motivation. Around
95% of the NAc neurons are medium spiny neurons (MSNs), divided into those expressing …

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a key region in motivated behaviors. NAc medium spiny
neurons (MSNs) are divided into those expressing dopamine receptor D1 or D2. Classically …

The neural basis of positive reinforcement is often studied in the laboratory using intracranial
self-stimulation (ICSS), a simple behavioral model in which subjects perform an action in …

Recent optogenetic studies demonstrated that phasic dopamine release in the nucleus
accumbens may play a causal role in multiple aspects of natural and drug reward-related …

Dopamine (DA) transmission from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is critical for controlling
both rewarding and aversive behaviors. The transient silencing of DA neurons is one of the …

Dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are predicted to play important
roles in reward. In pharmacological studies, the rewarding effects of methamphetamine are …

Striatal dopamine receptor D1-expressing neurons have been classically associated with
positive reinforcement and reward, whereas D2 neurons are associated with negative …

We examined the contribution of the nigrostriatal DA system to instrumental learning and
behavior using optogenetics in awake, behaving mice. Using Cre-inducible …

Dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are implicated in affective functions.
However, it is unclear to what extent dopamine neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta …