The projection from the prelimbic cortex to the ventral tegmental area negatively regulates 5-HT-induced itch-scratching and positively regulates itch-related aversion in rats
Direct and indirect evidence suggests that the prelimbic cortex (PrL) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are the key brain regions involved in the regulation of itch sensation and itch-related emotions.The PrL projects widely to various cortical and subcortical brain regions, with the VTA being one of the main targets of PrL descending projection