Minimal model of the VTA (ventral segmental area) representing two (GABA versus dopamine) neuron populations and two subtypes of nicotinic receptors (alpha4beta2 versus alpha7). The model is used to tell apart circuit from receptor mechanisms in the nicotinic control of dopamine release and its pharmacological manipulation.
Model Type: Neural mass; Channel/Receptor
Region(s) or Organism(s): Basal ganglia
Cell Type(s): Ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron
Receptors: Nicotinic
Transmitters: Acetylcholine; Dopamine; Gaba; Glutamate
Model Concept(s): Schizophrenia; Addiction; Volume transmission; Neuromodulation; Pathophysiology; Rate-coding model neurons; Simplified Models
Simulation Environment: XPPAUT
Implementer(s): Maex, Reinoud [reinoud at bbf.uia.ac.be]
References:
Maex R et al. (2014). Understanding the role a7 nicotinic receptors play in dopamine efflux in nucleus accumbens. ACS chemical neuroscience. 5 [PubMed]