Key result
Nucleus accumbens processes reward and aversion via distinct neural pathways linked to addiction and depression.
Why the study?
Emerging evidence suggests the role of the nucleus accumbens in reward and aversion processing is multifaceted, with prolonged stress or drug use inducing maladaptive neuronal function.
This review highlights the complex, multifaceted role of the nucleus accumbens in processing both reward and aversion, providing insights into the neural circuitry underlying motivation and psychiatric disorders.
NAc insights may guide addiction and depression therapies; leaves open human translation from rodent models.
The nucleus accumbens (NAc), a central component of the brain's reward circuitry, has been implicated in a wide range of behaviors and emotional states. Emerging evidence, primarily drawing from recent rodent studies, suggests that the function of the NAc in reward and aversion processing is multifaceted. Prolonged stress or drug use induces maladaptive neuronal function in the NAc circuitry, which results in pathological conditions. This review aims to provide comprehensive and up-to-date insights on the role of the NAc in motivated behavior regulation and highlights areas that demand further in-depth analysis. It synthesizes the latest findings on how distinct NAc neuronal populations and pathways contribute to the processing of opposite valences. The review examines how a range of neuromodulators, especially monoamines, influence the NAc's control over various motivational states. Furthermore, it delves into the complex underlying mechanisms of psychiatric disorders such as addiction and depression and evaluates prospective interventions to restore NAc functionality.
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Xu et al. (2024) conducted a review in Addiction and depression. Nucleus accumbens pathways and neuromodulators was evaluated. The nucleus accumbens plays a multifaceted role in processing both reward and aversion through distinct neuronal populations, pathways, and neuromodulators, with implications for addiction and depression.
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