Pharmacology of Reward

Question 1

Identify the major brain structures and systems that are thought to comprise the brain reward pathway.

Answer 1

hippocampus
amygdala
VTA
nucleus accumbens
prefrontal cortex

Question 2

Describe the central role of brain dopamine systems in learning physiologically relevant behaviors and possible contributions of other neurotransmitter systems.

Answer 2

rewards
reinforcing stimuli
food, water, sex

Question 3

Describe the interaction of drugs of abuse with brain reward pathways in the development of addictive behaviors.

Answer 3

drugs of abuse give a stronger dopamine surge than naturally

Question 4

Describe the contribution of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics (rapidity of onset-route of administration and half-life) and pharmacogenetics to the abuse liability of an individual drug.

Answer 4

kinetics = faster onset = more addictive
shorter half life = more abuse potential (have to keep using to stay high and prevent withdrawl symptoms)
genetics = increased protection against addiction (ex: Asian flush when drinking EtOH or some people react negatively to nicotine so they don’t smoke!)

Question 5

What is the major component of the ventral striatum?

Answer 5

the nucleus accumbens

Question 6

All these structures.... 
hippocampus
amygdala
VTA
nucleus accumbens
prefrontal cortex
... receive dopaminergic innervation from cell bodies in the \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 6

ventral tegmental area of the midbrain

Question 7

What does the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) do?

Answer 7

Functions in reward and reinforcement

Regulates motor behavior

Question 8

Functions in reward and reinforcement

Regulates motor behavior

Answer 8

Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens

Question 9

What does the nucleus accumbens do?

Answer 9

Functions in reward and reinforcement

Regulates motor behavior

Question 10

Stimulation of VTA neurons by natural reinforcers results in _____ release in the _____.

Answer 10

dopamine in the nucleus accumbens