The reward system (the mesocorticolimbic circuit) is a group of neural structures responsible for incentive salience (i.e., "wanting"; desire or craving for a reward and motivation), associative learning (primarily positive reinforcement and classical conditioning), and positively-valenced emotions, particularly ones involving pleasure as a ...

The mesolimbic pathway, sometimes referred to as the reward pathway, is a dopaminergic pathway in the brain. [1] . The pathway connects the ventral tegmental area in the midbrain to the ventral striatum of the basal ganglia in the forebrain. The ventral striatum includes the nucleus accumbens and the olfactory tubercle. [2]

This study identifies a glutamate mesocorticolimbic pathway—a pathway arising in the A10 region and projecting to the PFC and nAcc—that parallels the established DAergic and GABAergic pathways from the same region of origin to the same two major target regions.

In this review, we provide an overview of preclinical findings regarding the adolescent development of mesocorticolimbic DA pathways, by both situating it within a historical context and by emphasizing novel advances in understanding its cellular and molecular underpinnings.

Sep 2, 2024 · Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the mesocorticolimbic and corticostriatal circuit mechanisms underlying social dominance behavior, with a particular focus on the latest advancements...

Mesocortical pathway—this pathway connects the VTA with the frontal cortex. Closely associated with the mesolimbic pathway, this pathway is believed to behave abnormally in individuals suffering from neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia.

It is one of the four major dopamine pathways in the brain. It is essential to the normal cognitive function of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (part of the frontal lobe), and is thought to be involved in cognitive control, motivation, and emotional response. [1][2] …

Jun 29, 2023 · Here we use pattern recognition techniques to develop a human functional magnetic resonance imaging signature of mesocorticolimbic activity unique to states of pleasure. In independent validation...

Oct 1, 2023 · In this review, we discuss neurosteroid synthesis and action within the mesocorticolimbic system and potential behavioral impacts. We provide an overview of the mesocorticolimbic system and its roles in executive functions.

Emerging evidence points to a critical role of the mesolimbic system in the perception and modulation of chronic pain symptoms (4 – 9), highlighting the importance of this pathway in pain therapeutics.