Role of the subthalamic nucleus in reward-related processes

old_uid12113
titleRole of the subthalamic nucleus in reward-related processes
start_date2013/02/18
schedule11h
onlineno
detailsInvitée par William Haynes (william.haynes@icm-institute.org)
summaryThe subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the current target for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, but its involvement in non-motor processes has been also demonstrated and lead to also target it for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorders. Here we will review data obtained in the rat and the monkey showing the involvement of the subthalamic nucleus in reward-related processes. Neurons of the STN are able to respond to reward expectation and delivery. Distinct populations of neurons encode various values of reward within the STN, which could provide the neurobiological basis for behavioural results showing that inactivation of the STN can induce opposite effects on motivation for natural reward or for various drugs of abuse such as cocaine and heroin. These latter results suggest that STN could represent an interesting target for the treatment of drug addiction.
responsiblesMiles