Abstract
Interactions between the pedunculopontine (PPN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) have been described as key brain circuitry that mediates psychostimulant-mediated reward. Intranuclear PPN/laterodorsal tegmental injections of cholinergic receptor agonists or antagonists have helped clarify the role of these nuclei on psychostimulant-induced locomotion. Also, nicotine has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the PPN, at least initially reducing arousal. PPN activation has been involved in the animal's voluntary search for psychostimulants. On the other hand, CNS depressants like ethanol might reduce arousal by a mechanism involving the direct inhibition of the PPN. In conclusion, neural activity in the PPN is key not only to maintaining arousal but also to affecting the level of psychostimulant and depressant administration.
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