Synaptic regulation of mesocorticolimbic dopamine neurons.

The mesocorticolimbic dopamine system is thought to be involved in psychosis and drug addiction. Many intrinsic membrane properties and synaptic regulators have been identified and characterized in the midbrain ventral tegmental dopamine neurons that give rise to this system. Other neuronal properties remain subject to considerable debate. The present review brings together a large literature regarding neurophysiological studies of the synaptic mechanisms thought to regulate the activity of ventral tegmental dopamine neurons. This work is placed within the context of the behavioral responsiveness of midbrain dopamine neurons and the alterations produced in these neurons by repeated treatment with and withdrawal from antipsychotic drugs and drugs of abuse.