A chemically identified anatomical system comprising cell bodies of dopamine-containing neurons of the VENTRAL TEGMENTAL AREA (VTA), which send their axons in the medial forebrain bundle to terminate predominantly in the ventral STRIATUM. The dopaminergic neurons of this system belong to one of several populations of dopamine-containing neurons in the MESENCEPHALON (hence, ‘meso-’). The cells giving rise to the mesolimbic projection have been designated the A10 group.
The A10 cells project to the ventral striatum (the largest component of which is the NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS but which also includes anteromedial portions of the CAUDATE-PUTAMEN, OLFACTORY TUBERCLE, AMYGDALA and HIPPOCAMPUS, all of which are components of the LIMBIC SYSTEM hence, ‘-limbic’). The mesolimbic dopamine system is activated by PSYCHOMOTOR STIMULANTS and other addictive drugs. INTRACRANIAL SELF-STIMULATION (ICSS) in the medial forebrain bundle also releases dopamine in the ventral striatum. It is this activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system which may underlie the reinforcing properties of ICSS and drugs of abuse.
