Figure 1.

Diagram of the key components and pathways of the classic reward circuit, its commonly associated structures, and its interactions with the endogenous oxytocin system. Rodent oxytocin receptors are found throughout this circuit and influence glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems. VTA = ventral tegmental area; NAc = nucleus accumbens; Amy = amygdala; PFC = prefrontal cortex; PVN = paraventricular nuclei; SON = supraoptic nuclei; HP = hypothalamus; LHb = lateral habenula; HC = hippocampus; GABA = γ-aminobutyric acid; DA = dopamine.