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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2015 Mar 16.
Published in final edited form as: J Addict Med. 2009 Mar;3(1):33–41. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0b013e31819aa621

FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 3

Simplified diagram showing opposing DA and ACh influences on dual GABA outputs that are theoretically associated with approach behavior and avoidance behavior. The left side of the diagram represents the nucleus accumbens. Note that the DA input on the right is depicted as acting at D1 receptors to stimulate (plus sign) medium spiny output neurons (containing GABA, dynorphin, and SP) for approach and appetitive behavior. DA also acts at D2 receptors, which inhibit (minus sign) the output path (GABA-enkphalin neurons) labeled for avoidance and aversion. Acetylcholine from interneurons shown at the far left, may act at muscarinic M2 receptors to inhibit the approach system, and also act via M1 receptors to stimulate avoidance and aversion.