The Mysterious Motivational Functions of Mesolimbic Dopamine John D. Salamone, Mercè Correa Neuron Volume 76, Issue 3, Pages 470-485 (November 2012) DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2012.10.021 Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions
Figure 1 The Dependence of Some Aspects of Appetitive and Aversive Instrumental (i.e., Seeking) Behavior on Nucleus Accumbens DA Transmission The dependence of some aspects of appetitive and aversive instrumental (i.e., seeking) behavior on nucleus accumbens DA transmission. Salamone et al. (1991) noted that highly active instrumental behaviors elicited and supported by conditioned stimuli are very sensitive to disruption of accumbens DA transmission. Koob et al. (1978) reported that neurotoxic depletions of accumbens DA decreased behavioral activation but actually tended to increase food consumption. Nicola (2010) emphasized the importance of accumbens DA for flexible approach to the reinforcing stimulus. Neuron 2012 76, 470-485DOI: (10.1016/j.neuron.2012.10.021) Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions
Figure 2 Impact of Dopaminergic Manipulations on Motivated Behavior This figure illustrates that there are multiple dimensions that are relevant for understanding the impact of DAergic manipulations on motivated behavior. Interference with accumbens DA transmission is very likely to disrupt vigorous or effortful instrumental behaviors that are instigated or supported by conditioned stimuli. In contrast, consummatory behaviors such as food intake, which involves direct interaction with a primary motivational stimulus, as well as aversive behaviors induced by a primary aversive stimulus (e.g., escape), tend to be less easily disrupted by DAergic manipulations (see references in text). Although these factors are depicted as distinct dimensions, they also interact. For example, instrumental behaviors are generally instigated by conditioned stimuli, and conditioned stimuli also have activating properties. Neuron 2012 76, 470-485DOI: (10.1016/j.neuron.2012.10.021) Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions