Stimulation of mu-opioid, orexin, and GABA-A receptors in the anteromedial olfactory tubercle of rats enhances hedonic responses to sucrose, indicating convergence of these neurotransmitter systems on a shared functional subdomain for pleasure modulation.

In a specific brain region, activating three different chemical signals reduces the activity of inhibitory neurons, which lets other brain areas become more active. These active areas then make the taste of sugar feel more pleasurable by increasing physical reactions like tongue movements.