A new study aims to shed light on the roles sub-regions of the nucleus accumbens play in addiction.
Researchers have identified a new reward system in the brain. The study found long-range GABA neurons from the ventral tegmental area to the ventral nucleus accumbens shell are engaged in reward and reinforcement behaviors. This GABAergic projection inhibits cholinergic interneurons.
Opioid use disorder affects genes associated with proinflammatory immune molecule encoding and genes associated with remodeling the extracellular matrix, suggesting the connection between neurons may be altered as a result of opioid use. Additionally, those with OUD have higher levels of microglia in the brain.
Interaction between auditory areas of the brain and the reward system drive pleasure when we listen to music.
Early life stress induces epigenetic modifications in D2-type medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens, increasing the susceptibility to stress in adulthood.
Increased activity in the nucleus accumbens forecasted an increase in stock price within the next day, whereas increased activity in the anterior insular was predictive of whether a stock price would flip or change direction.
Enzyme activity outside of specific cell types contribute to synaptic plasticity associated with addiction behaviors.
Glutamatergic neural connections between the prelimbic prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens appear to be responsible for co-morbid anxiety and OCD behaviors.
A new study reveals specific brain regions that individually promote patience through the action of serotonin.
Cocaine and sucrose neuron ensembles in the nucleus accumbens are mostly non-overlapping.
Astrocytes respond to cocaine exposure in the brains of mice by promoting the formation of new synapses.
Neuroimaging reveals the higher density of cells in the nucleus accumbens is associated with a larger waist circumference in children.
