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Related Experiment Videos

Arousal and reward: a dichotomy in orexin function.

Glenda C Harris1, Gary Aston-Jones

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Translational Research Labs/3403, 125 South 31st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

Trends in Neurosciences
|August 15, 2006
PubMed
Summary

The orexin/hypocretin system in the brain plays a dual role in reward and arousal. Lateral hypothalamus orexin neurons are key in processing rewards from food and drugs, impacting learning and memory.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neuroendocrinology

Background:

  • Orexins (hypocretins) are neuropeptides produced in hypothalamic neurons with widespread central nervous system projections.
  • The orexin system has been traditionally linked to feeding, arousal, and wakefulness maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent studies on the orexin/hypocretin neuronal system's role in reward processing and addiction.
  • To propose a functional dichotomy within the orexin system based on anatomical location.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies.
  • Analysis of evidence linking orexin system function to reward, arousal, and stress responses.

Main Results:

  • The orexin system is newly recognized for its significant role in reward processing and addiction.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Evidence suggests lateral hypothalamus orexin neurons regulate reward for food and drugs.
  • Perifornical and dorsomedial hypothalamus orexin neurons are implicated in arousal and stress responses.

    • Conclusions:

    • A functional dichotomy exists in orexin system activity: lateral hypothalamus for reward, other areas for arousal/stress.
    • Lateral hypothalamus orexin neurons and ventral tegmental orexin receptors are involved in reward-based learning and memory.