Ch 7 - Dopamine and Reward

What are the two main dopaminergic pathways related to reward?

Mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways.

Where is dopamine synthesized?

In multiple brain regions, particularly in the ventral tegmental area (VTA).

What is the primary target of dopaminergic neurons in reward processing?

The nucleus accumbens.

What is the mesolimbic dopamine pathway?

The projection from the VTA to the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus.

What is the mesocortical dopamine pathway?

The projection from the VTA to the prefrontal cortex (PFC).

What happens when pleasurable stimuli are presented?

They activate dopamine release in tegmental neurons.

How do drugs like cocaine and alcohol affect dopamine?

They trigger dopamine release.

What is anhedonia, and how is it related to dopamine?

It is the inability to feel pleasure, often due to reduced dopamine levels from chronic stress or pain

What did Schultz's study on monkeys reveal about dopamine?

Dopamine codes for the discrepancy between expectation and actual reward.

What role does dopamine play in anticipation?

Dopamine release is strongest during anticipation of a reward rather than the reward itself.

How does dopamine affect goal-directed behavior?

It drives the pursuit of rewards rather than the actual experience of them.

How does context influence dopamine release in addiction?

Certain cues can trigger dopamine release and cravings (e.g., an alcoholic seeing a bar).

What is intermittent reinforcement, and why is it powerful?

The uncertainty of receiving a reward fuels dopamine release, making behaviors more addictive.

How does dopamine influence social interactions?

Cooperation increases dopamine release more than selfish behavior.

What is the connection between dopamine and schadenfreude?

Dopamine is involved in the pleasure derived from others' misfortune.

How does depression affect dopamine signaling?

Stress inhibits dopamine signaling, contributing to depressive symptoms.

What is the difference between immediate and delayed reward activation?

Immediate rewards activate the mesolimbic pathway, while delayed rewards activate the mesocortical pathway.

How does serotonin influence aggression?

Low serotonin levels are linked to increased impulsive aggression.

Where is serotonin primarily synthesized?

In the Raphe magnus.

How does serotonin affect impulse control?

Increasing serotonin reduces impulsivity.

What is Habituation?

When a response to any reward diminishes over time

What three areas of the brain contribute to anticipation learning?

Hippocampus, Amygdala, and Frontal Cortex.

What is a Cue Induced Reward?

The cue itself gains dopaminergic power through association. (The rat getting reward just from hearing the bell)

How does anxiety affect dopamine?

It inhibits dopamine signaling via amygdala projections.

Where are the four main serotonin projections?

Tegmentum, accumbens, PFC, and amygdala.

What is Serotonin’s role in dopamine’s goal-directed behavior?

Serotonin will enhance dopamine’s effects on goal-directed behaviors.