Figure 1.

A, Experimental paradigm used in Orsini et al. (2017). The RDT was divided in three phases: deliberation, outcome, and intertrial interval. Optogenetic inhibition of the BLA occurred during one of the three phases and lasted ≤5 s. B, Reward (green) and punishment (red) are processed by distinct subpopulations within the BLA. Only major afferent and efferent BLA connections discussed in the text are shown. C, Concurrent delivery of a large reward alongside punishment results in conflicting information, of positive and negative valence, respectively, reaching the BLA. Hypothesis: in absence of no-Go inputs from BLA to CeA, NAc shell, and PFC, predominance of Go inputs to the NAc (notably from VTA) may bias the animal’s perceived experience toward rewarding stimuli, thus increasing risky choice. R, rostral; C, caudal; M, medial; L, lateral.