Question

4. The mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system in the brain determines our perception and response to rewarding stimuli. Explain the function of this reward system in food choice and consumption.

Answer 1

The mesocorticolimbic system, extends from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens & prefrontal cortex, which constitute a dopamine projection which is implicated in reinforcement learning

It is one of dopamine pathways in the brain,which is essential for normal cognitive function of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex , involved in

a.cognitive control

b.motivation

c.motional response.

Addictive substances in food can increase extracellular dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens .Changes in dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens can occur in response to appetitive behavior motivated by food

The corticolimbic pathways,which is responsible for reward-associated feeding behavior include-

*Ventral tegmental area

*Insular cortex

*Anterior cingulate cortex

*Orbitofrontal cortex

*substantia nigra

*amygdala

*prefrontal cortex,

*posterolateral ventral striatum -globus pallidus & putamen

*Anteromedial ventral striatum -nucleus accumbens &caudate nucleus.

These mesolimbic & mesocortical pathways which regulate the dopamine systems effects are associated with the rewarding effects of food .

Dopamine is associated with reward related to food intake & behaviors required in maintaining feeding for survival.

Dopamine neurons in ventral tegmental area send axonal projections to the amygdala, nucleus accumbens& prefrontal cortex. The projections from the amygdala and prefrontal cortex to the lateral hypothalamusare directly involved in food control .