Nitrous oxide controls the DCN to VTA dopamine circuit by enhancing AMPA receptor functions during rewarding behavior.
Molecular Psychiatry May 13, 2026 Fukang Zhang, Shuyuan Fan, Shiqi Li et al.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a frequently used recreational drug with significant addictive potential. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a key brain region associated with the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. However, how N2O influences VTA functions to mediate reward-related behavior remains poorly understood. We reported that exposure to 60% N2O, but not 30%, effectively induced conditioned...