You are here
20121112-pathway.jpg
Media Folder
Title
Image of the VTA-NAc pathway
Caption
Fiber optic stimulation mimicking high firing rates (vertical apparatus) of a key reward circuit hub (VTA) instantly converted genetically modified mice resilient to severe social stress into vulnerable animals.
Credit
Ming-Hu Han, Ph.D., Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Description
Fiber optic stimulation mimicking high firing rates (vertical apparatus) of a key reward circuit hub (VTA) instantly converted genetically modified mice resilient to severe social stress into vulnerable animals. High firing rates in the circuit projection from VTA to NAc (and not from VTA to PFC) was found to be the main culprit in triggering depression related behaviors. Blocking the circuit in vulnerable mice instantly made them resilient.
Site_Section
Alt Text
Image of the VTA-NAc pathway