Assoc.Prof. Thomas Hnasko
Department of Neurosciences
University of California
San Diego
Website Hnasko-Lab

Program

"Heterogeneous populations of VTA neurons reinforce behaviors through diverse mechanisms"

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is famous for dopamine neurons that are important for reward, motivation and addiction. However, non-dopamine GABA and glutamate neurons are also abundant, as are neurons that release multiple neurotransmitters. In this seminar, I will describe our new work on the cellular composition of VTA; and describe two distinct VTA circuits where co-released transmitters can drive opponent behavioral processes in a manner that may contribute to homeostatic control of reward-seeking.

Host: Thomas STEINKELLNER

Contact for questions: Helmut KUBISTA