Mechanical stimulation of cervical vertebrae modulates the discharge activity of ventral tegmental area neurons and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens

ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that MStim modulates neuron firing and DA release in the mesolimbic DA system through endogenous opioids and acetylcholine in the NAc. These findings demonstrate the need to explore more broadly the extra-somatosensory effects of peripheral mechanoreceptor activation and the specific role for mechanoreceptor-based therapies in the treatment of substance abuse.
Source: Brain Stimulation - Category: Neurology Source Type: research