AUTHOR=Lou Hans C. , Rømer Thomsen Kristine , Changeux Jean-Pierre 

TITLE=The Molecular Organization of Self-awareness: Paralimbic Dopamine-GABA Interaction

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/systems-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2020.00003

DOI=10.3389/fnsys.2020.00003

ISSN=1662-5137

ABSTRACT=<p>The electrophysiology of the paralimbic network (“default mode”) for self-awareness has drawn much attention in the past couple of decades. In contrast, knowledge of the molecular organization of conscious experience has only lately come into focus. We here review newer data on dopaminergic control of awareness in humans, particularly in self-awareness. These results implicate mainly dopaminergic neurotransmission and the control of GABAergic function directly in the paralimbic network. The findings are important for understanding addiction, developmental disorders, and dysfunctional consciousness.</p>