Identification of novel neurocircuitry through which leptin targets multiple inputs to the dopamine system to reduce food reward seeking

Leptin reduces the motivation to obtain food by modulating activity of the mesolimbic dopamine system upon presentation of cues that predict a food reward. Although leptin directly reduces activity of ventral tegmental (VTA) dopamine neurons, the majority of leptin receptor (LepR)-expressing dopamine neurons do not project to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), the projection implicated in driving food reward seeking. Therefore, the precise locus of leptin action to modulate motivation for a food reward is unresolved.

Source: Biological Psychiatry - February 22, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Azar Omrani, Veronne A.J. de Vrind, Bart Lodder, Iris Stoltenborg, Karlijn Kooij, Inge G. Wolterink-Donselaar, Mieneke C.M. Luijendijk-Berg, Keith M. Garner, Lisanne J. van ’t Sant, Annemieke Rozeboom, Suzanne L. Dickson, Frank J. Meye, Roger A.H. Adan Tags: Archival Report Source Type: research