Dopamine Prediction Errors in Reward Learning and Addiction: From Theory to Neural Circuitry.
Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are proposed to signal reward prediction error (RPE), a fundamental parameter in associative learning models. This RPE hypothesis provides a compelling theoretical framework for understanding DA function in reward learning and addiction. New studies support a causal role for DA-mediated RPE activity in promoting learning about natural reward; however, this question has not been explicitly tested in the context of drug addiction. In this review, we integrate theoretical models with experimental findings on the activity of DA systems, and on the causal role of specific neuronal projections and cell types, to provide a circuit-based framework for probing DA-RPE function in addiction. By examining error-encoding DA neurons in the neural network in which they are embedded, hypotheses regarding circuit-level adaptations that possibly contribute to pathological error signaling and addiction can be formulated and tested.
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
Ronald
R
Keiflin
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Electronic address: patricia.janak@jhu.edu.
Patricia H
PH
Janak
D000818:Animals; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000378:metabolism*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D059290:Dopaminergic Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000378:metabolism*; D012201:Reward
D004298:Dopamine