The registration deadline for the 2007 MNN meeting has been extended.
What is the MNN? The motivational neuronal network is a group of neuroscientists
interested in the function and regulation of the ventral striatum
(including the nucleus accumbens) and related structures. The nucleus
accumbens is a key component of the subcortical limbic system and
is involved in reward mechanisms. Neural coding of reward is one of
the critical elements for acquiring new, learned behaviors and in
behavioral adaptation. This function is fundamental for mediating
goal directed behaviors. In a seminal paper, Heimer showed that the
nucleus accumbens should be incorporated into the wider striatal system
and, along with the surrounding ventromedial parts of the striatum
are referred to as the ventral striatum. As such, this limbic forebrain
region became part of the basal ganglia. The ventral striatum along
with the structures associated with it, the orbital and medial prefrontal
cortex, the amygdala, ventral pallidum, and the midbrain dopamine
cells, form a network critical for emotion, motivation, reinforcement,
and learning. The intimate relationship between the limbic and motor
systems within the basal ganglia has focused attention on the ability
of the ventral striatal system to influence motor outcome. However,
motor outcome that results from goal-stimulated motivation requires
an animal to sequence a series of responses involving complex associative
learning. This learning results in the development of behaviors leading
to a specific goal, or goal directed behaviors. There is currently
much interest in the underlying anatomical, neuronal, and molecular
substrates involved in this function. However, this area of research
is not targeted by any specialized society or professional organization
and it has recently become clear that there is a need to provide a
mechanism for continued discussions about the functional regulation
of this forebrain region. As a result we have developed an informal
group, the Motivational Neuronal Network. We have had three meetings
(MNN Conference 2000, MNN
Conference 2002, and MNN Conference 2005. Our upcoming meeting is May
26-29, 2007, "Reward, Compulsions and Habit Formation".
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Department of Pharmacology and Physiology
University of Rochester
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Rochester, NY 14642
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Please send your comments or suggestions about this
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