Dopamine Pharmacology of VTA GABA Neurons

Authors

Brian C. Bingham, Brigham Young University
Dr. Scott Steffensen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

dopamine pharmacology, VTA, ventral tegmental area, GABA neuron

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Alcohol addiction has destroyed lives and communities for centuries. By understanding the mechanism of how our brain becomes addicted to alcohol we can better solve the problems this addiction creates. The current theory states that dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain help produce feelings of reward associated with alcohol use. These dopamine neurons are modulated by GABA neurons that form a feedback loop that can be stimulated via a brain structure called the internal capsule. The purpose of this project was to clarify the effect of dopamine (DA) on GABA neuron firing rate and electrical coupling.

Recommended Citation

Bingham, Brian C. and Steffensen, Dr. Scott (2013) "Dopamine Pharmacology of VTA GABA Neurons," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 477.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/477