Functions of medial hypothalamic and mesolimbic dopamine circuitries in aggression

Publication date: December 2018 Source:Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, Volume 24 Author(s): Takashi Yamaguchi, Dayu Lin Aggression is a crucial survival behavior: it is employed to defend territory, compete for food and mating opportunities, protect kin, and resolve disputes. Two highly conserved circuitries emerge as critical substrates for generating and modulating aggression. One circuitry centers on the medial hypothalamus, a brain region essential for driving the expression of aggressive behaviors. The other circuit involves the mesolimbic dopamine cells. Animal studies support essential roles of mesolimbic dopaminergic signaling in assessing the reward value of aggression and reinforcing aggressive behaviors. In this review, we will provide an overview regarding the functions of medial hypothalamus and dopaminergic system in mediating aggressive behaviors and the potential interactions between these two circuitries.

Source: Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences - July 4, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research