PsychologyNature Neuroscience

Cognitive representations of intracranial self-stimulation of midbrain dopamine neurons depend on stimulation frequency

S. J. Millard, I. B. Hoang, et al.

This exciting study by Samuel J. Millard and colleagues delves into the fascinating world of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) of midbrain dopamine neurons, revealing how different stimulation frequencies affect reward motivation! Discover how a physiological prediction error at 20 Hz contrasts sharply with the robust motivational effects of 50 Hz stimulation on behavior.... show more

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Abstract

Dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area support intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS), yet the cognitive representations underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. Here, 20-Hz stimulation of dopamine neurons, which approximates a physiologically relevant prediction error, was not sufficient to support ICSS beyond a continuously reinforced schedule and did not endow cues with a general or specific value. However, 50-Hz stimulation of dopamine neurons was sufficient to drive robust ICSS and was represented as a specific reward to motivate behavior. The frequency dependence of this effect is due to the rate (not the number) of action potentials produced by dopamine neurons, which differently modulates dopamine release downstream.

Publisher

Nature Neuroscience

Published On

Jul 01, 2024

Authors

Samuel J. Millard, Ivy B. Hoang, Savannah Sherwood, Masakazu Taira, Vanessa Reyes, Zara Greer, Shayna L. O'Connor, Kate M. Wassum, Morgan H. James, David J. Barker, Melissa J. Sharpe

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-024-01643-1

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