Major
Neuroscience
Anticipated Graduation Year
2024
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
Past studies have shown optogenetic excitation of Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus (LDTg) inputs to the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) is reinforcing in rats and in mice. Here we tested whether excitation of afferent inputs to the LDTg arising from the Prelimbic Cortex (PrL), the Infralimbic Cortex (IL), or the Lateral Hypothalamus (LH) is reinforcing in rats. Results will allow us to better define the brain's reward circuitry.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Stephan Steidl Ph.D., Associate professor, Department of Psychology
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Investigating the Reinforcing Effects of Stimulating PrL, IL, and LH Inputs to the LDTg in Rats
Past studies have shown optogenetic excitation of Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus (LDTg) inputs to the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) is reinforcing in rats and in mice. Here we tested whether excitation of afferent inputs to the LDTg arising from the Prelimbic Cortex (PrL), the Infralimbic Cortex (IL), or the Lateral Hypothalamus (LH) is reinforcing in rats. Results will allow us to better define the brain's reward circuitry.