A model describing the neural circuitries by which the infralimbic cortex may modulate DA neuron activity. Electrical stimulation of the ILCx activates excitatory afferents to the BNST. This in turn activates neurons in the BNST projecting to the VTA. As a result, there is a phasic activation of the midbrain DA neurons. In this model, we propose that the ILCx–BNST projection provides sufficient excitatory influence to activate the subpopulation of BNST neurons projecting to the VTA. Thus, inhibition of the excitatory drive within the BNST would lead to an inhibition of the excitatory responses of DA neurons evoked by ILCx stimulation.