mesolimbic system

Introduction

Dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area of the tegmentum mesencephali send fibers to the limbic cortex:

• entorhinal cortex
• olfactory tubercle
• cingulate gyrus
• frontal cortex.

Schizophrenia may be due to an overstimulation of dopamine D2 receptors in the mesolimbic & mesocortical systems.

Cocaine & amphetamines produce arousal associated with diminished appetite & need for sleep by stimulating the mesolimbic & mesocortical systems.

More general terms

• dopaminergic system/tract

Additional terms

• dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2)
• schizophrenia