The VTA is composed of different types of neurons, including dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons. The dopaminergic neurons are the most studied and are critical for the VTA's role in reward and motivation. These neurons contain the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which is essential for dopamine synthesis. GABAergic neurons, on the other hand, produce the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and modulate the activity of dopaminergic neurons. Glutamatergic neurons release glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, which also influences dopaminergic neuron activity.
