DA hypothesis

1)The mesolimbic pathway (positive symptoms):

The mesolimbic system projects from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (NA) of the limbic system. This pathway is thought to be a key component in the “reward” system, whereby certain behaviors are reinforced through dopamine release by these neurons. Increased density of D2 receptors (dopamine receptors) increase hyperactivity of the mesolimbic pathway which contributes to the positive symptoms in schizophrenia. Overproduction of dopamine in the substantia niagra stimulates the nigrostriatal tracts, the mesolimbic…