Selected Landmark Studies in the Role of the Mesolimbic System

Abstract

The mesolimbic pathway is a dopaminergic pathway that includes a projection from the ventral tegmental area to the ventral striatum, which consists of the nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle [1]. The mesolimbic reward circuitry is involved in pain sensation and perception. Furthermore, mesolimbic system dysfunction has been linked to a variety of disorders including mood-related disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and substance abuse [2]. Given that pain is a subjective experience, investigating the role of this pathway can provide insight into the pain experience and potentially improve pain treatment. In this review, we discuss a few notable discoveries along with an in-depth analysis of the logic behind some landmark studies in understanding the mesolimbic pathway in the context of pain.