Chapter 5. Dopamine neuron connectomes: Inputs and outputs

In this chapter, we discuss anatomical and functional inputs and outputs of dopamine neurons. Classical tracing studies show that the midbrain areas where dopamine neurons are located receive projections from various brain areas, and dopamine neurons, in turn, project widely across the brain. More recent studies using modified rabies virus allowed for systematic mapping of monosynaptic inputs to dopamine neurons with specific projection targets. These studies revealed anatomical diversity of dopamine neurons. Further, neural manipulation and recording of presynaptic neurons have provided clues about what information each specific input sends to dopamine neurons.