Lesion of medial prefrontal cortex reduces morphine-induced extracellular dopamine level in the ventral tegmental area: A microdialysis study in rats

► Acute treatment with morphine increased the extracellular levels of dopamine into the VTA. ► The lesion of mPFC before morphine administration attenuated the effects of morphine on the level of dopamine into the VTA. ► The mPFC exert a modulator effect on mesocorticolimbic rewarding system.