Investigating structure and function of the dopaminergic midbrain: with a special focus on the human VTA

Abstract

This dissertation explores the structure and function of the human dopaminergic midbrain, focusing on the ventral tegmental area (VTA) using advanced neuroimaging techniques, including high-field 7T MRI. Historically less studied than the substantia nigra (SN), the VTA is essential for cognitive functions like reward-based learning and motivation. However, its deep location and complex structure make it challenging to study with conventional methods. The dissertation introduces a new probabilistic atlas of the VTA based on high-resolution MRI scans, improving anatomical precision. It examines the structural and functional connectivity of the VTA and SN, revealing differences in white matter tract density. The work also investigates working memory and reward prediction error (RPE) processing, highlighting the VTA's involvement in working memory updating and challenging existing models of subcortical cognitive functions. Overall, the study enhances our understanding of the VTA and SN and provides new tools for more precise neuroimaging research.