RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Braking Dopamine Systems: A New GABA Master Structure for Mesolimbic and Nigrostriatal Functions
JF The Journal of Neuroscience
JO J. Neurosci.
FD Society for Neuroscience
SP 14094
OP 14101
DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3370-12.2012
VO 32
IS 41
A1 Michel Barrot
A1 Susan R. Sesack
A1 François Georges
A1 Marco Pistis
A1 Simon Hong
A1 Thomas C. Jhou
YR 2012
UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/32/41/14094.abstract
AB A new mesopontine structure exerting a strong influence on dopamine systems has recently been defined: the tail of the ventral tegmental area/rostromedial tegmental nucleus (tVTA/RMTg). This review presents a neuroanatomical, physiological, and behavioral overview of some of the recent and ongoing research on this brain region and its relationship with dopamine systems. The tVTA/RMTg sends dense GABA projections to VTA and substantia nigra neurons. The inhibitory influence of tVTA/RMTg on dopamine neurons is supported by both neuroanatomical and electrophysiology data. The latter studies also reveal the tVTA/RMTg as a substrate for morphine and cannabinoid action on dopamine cells. In primates, the tVTA/RMTg has been implicated in reward prediction error signals, through a basal ganglia–lateral habenula–tVTA/RMTg–dopamine–basal ganglia circuit. In rodents, the tVTA/RMTg has been shown to play a critical role in aversive behaviors, particularly those involving behavioral inhibition, such as freezing and avoidance. These findings highlight the functional importance of the tVTA/RMTg as a major GABA brake for dopamine systems.