Mesolimbic tract

Mesolimbic tract

The mesolimbic tract has its source nuclei in the ventral tegmentum and these project into the limbic region in the area of the nucleus accumbens. In this graphic, the overabundance of dopamine (1) causes overstimulation of the D2 receptors in the mesolimbic region.

Blockade of this overabundance with D2 receptor antagonists has been shown to decrease psychosis. These drugs are called antipsychotics (2).

1

Increasing dopamine transmission in the mesolimbic tract is associated with the presence of hallucinations. 

2

5-HT2A receptors do NOT play an important role in the modulation of pre-synaptic dopamine release in the mesolimbic tract.