The Translational Addiction Podcast #10: The Dynorphinergic Lateral Hypothalamus to Posterior Ventral Tegmental Area Pathway Posted: 2026-06-08 Source: UC Irvine School of Medicine News Type: Features & Briefs share In this episode of the Translational Addiction Podcast, hosts Ishva Patel and Arshiya Sen explore how a developing brain circuit between the lateral hypothalamus and posterior ventral tegmental area acts as an age-dependent “brake system” for reward and addiction. Based on the manuscript on Dynorphinergic Lateral Hypothalamus to Posterior Ventral Tegmental Area Pathway Matures After Adolescence in Male Rats by Alexandra Rogers, PhD, Emily M. Castro, Shahrdad Lotfipour, PhD, and Frances M. Leslie, PhD. Listen now on lotfipourlab.org Media Contacts Matt Miller Director mrmille2@uci.edu Michelle Heath Manager mstrombe@hs.uci.edu Shani Murray Senior Science Writer shanim@hs.uci.edu Communications & PR Office Associated Links Listen to The Translational Addiction Podcast Related Faculty/Staff Shahrdad Lotfipour, PhD Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine