SYNAPTIC REGULATION OF MESOCORTICOLIMBIC DOPAMINE NEURONS

The mesocorticolimbic dopamine system is thought to be involved in psy chosis and drug addiction. Many intrinsic membrane properties and syna ptic regulators have been identified and characterized in the midbrain ventral tegmental dopamine neurons that give rise to this system. Oth er neuronal properties remain subject to considerable debate. The pres ent review brings together a large literature regarding neurophysiolog ical studies of the synaptic mechanisms thought to regulate the activi ty of ventral tegmental dopamine neurons. This work is placed within t he context of the behavioral responsiveness of midbrain dopamine neuro ns and the alterations produced in these neurons by repeated treatment with and withdrawal from antipsychotic drugs and drugs of abuse.