Identification of the subventricular tegmental nucleus as brainstem reward center

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Zicho, Krisztian; Balog, Boldizsar Zsolt; Sebesteny, Reka Z.; Brunner, Janos; Takacs, Virag; Barth, Albert M.; Seng, Charlotte; Orosz, Aron; Aliczki, Mano; Sebok, Hunor; Mikics, Eva; Foeldy, Csaba; Szabadics, Janos; Nyiri, Gabor
• 署名单位: HUN-REN; HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine; Semmelweis University; Pazmany Peter Catholic University; HUN-REN; HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine; University of Zurich; HUN-REN; HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine
• 刊物名称: SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0036-13031
• DOI: 10.1126/science.adr2191
• 发表日期: 2025-01-24
• 页码: 379-+
• 关键词: lateral habenula; basal ganglia; dopamine; neurons; input; architecture; glutamate; symptoms; aversion; signals

摘要

Rewards are essential for motivation, decision-making, memory, and mental health. We identified the subventricular tegmental nucleus (SVTg) as a brainstem reward center. In mice, reward and its prediction activate the SVTg, and SVTg stimulation leads to place preference, reduced anxiety, and accumbal dopamine release. Mice self-stimulate the SVTg, which can also be activated directly by the neocortex, resulting in effective inhibition of the lateral habenula, a region associated with depression. This mechanism may also explain why SVTg suppression induces aversion and increases fear. The translational relevance of these findings is supported by evidence in the rat, monkey, and human brainstem, establishing SVTg as a key hub for reward processing, emotional valence, and motivation.