This study utilized high-throughput Affymetrix microarrays to identify gene expression changes in the post-mortem nucleus accumbens of chronic heroin abusers. These data were analyzed ...

Once consumed, the drug delivers a powerful stimulus to the nucleus accumbens, a cluster of nerve cells below the cerebral cortex, which responds quickly by releasing a flood of dopamine.

Naturally rewarding stimuli (i.e. food, sex, etc) increase the activity of dopamine cells in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system causing increased dopamine release in brain areas such as the nucleus ...