PSY-B - Psychology PSY-B 311 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Mesolimbic Pathway, Microdialysis, Anhedonia
22 Feb 2017
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Electrical stimulation is used as a tool to study brain function. Electrical stimulation of certain brain areas functions as a powerful positive reinforcer. Rats will lever press to obtain short bursts of electrical stimulation. Studies with rats and humans; idea of pleasure centers , seem to be neural basis of motivation. Interpretation of bsr is controversial; behaviorists are cautious not to infer rats have experienced pleasure (no way to ask them) Much research on bsr over the last 6 decades: Studies mapped brain areas that would support bsr. Studied the effects of drugs on bsr, including drugs of abuse (which generally lower current thresholds -less is needed to maintain responding) Two interrelated mesolimbic da systems critical for reward: Mesoaccumbens from ventral tegmental area (vta) through the lateral hypothalamus and septum to the nucleus accumbens (nac) Mesocortical projects from the vta to the prefrontal cortex and olfactory bulbs. Dopamine da theory of reward; (roy wise 1978)
