Highlights • Descending pathways play a critical role in the central modulation of pain. • A
particular descending PAG–RVM pathway mediates the phenomenon of stress-induced …

Circuit-specific signaling of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons drives different
aspects of motivated behavior, but the neuromodulatory control of these circuits is unclear. …

The endocannabinoid system has emerged as a key player in the control of eating.
Endocannabinoids, including 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA), modulate …

Calcium (Ca 2+ )-permeable AMPA receptors may, in certain circumstances, contribute to
normal synaptic plasticity or to neurodegeneration. AMPA receptors are Ca 2+ -permeable if …

The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) plays a central role in pain modulation via
descending pathways. Opioids and cannabinoids are thought to activate these descending …

Substance P is thought to play an essential role in several forms of supraspinally mediated
analgesia. The actions of substance P on synaptic transmission within descending analgesic …

Background and Purpose Menthol, a naturally occurring compound in the essential oil of mint
leaves, is used for its medicinal, sensory and fragrant properties. Menthol acts via transient …

Overconsumption of highly palatable, energy-dense food is considered a key driver of the
obesity pandemic. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is critical for reward valuation of gustatory …

Background and Purpose The midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG) plays a central role in
modulating pain through a descending pathway that projects indirectly to the spinal cord via …

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a critical role in evaluating outcomes in a changing
environment. Administering opioids to the OFC can alter the hedonic reaction to food rewards …