Nanocolimbic Reward Circuit Analysis

The underlying neurobiological systems involved in addiction are quite complex, and are considered to be multifactorial process (22, 23). Although there is a constellation of underlying neural pathways and processes involved in the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse (24). The mesocorticolimbic reward circuit is a common pathway of all addictive drugs (figure 2) (12). Key nodes in this circuit include the prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala (AMG), hippocampus (HPC), ventral tegmentum area (VTA), and striatum (including NAcshell and core, caudate and putamen) (25). Dopaminergic and glutamatergic connections between these key structures have been implicated in the transition from recreational to escalated drug use (26).
Drug taking hyperactivates