In male mice, consumption of palatable food induces dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex, which activates dopamine D1 receptor-expressing glutamatergic neurons projecting to the peri-paraventricular nucleus, resulting in inhibition of stress-induced hyperactivity in corticotropin-releasing factor neurons of the paraventricular nucleus through GABAergic CRFR1 interneurons.

When a male mouse eats tasty food, dopamine is released in a brain region called the prefrontal cortex. This dopamine turns on specific nerve cells that send signals to a nearby area surrounding the stress-control center. These signals activate a group of inhibitory nerve cells that release GABA, which directly shuts down the stress-signaling neurons in the center. This reduces the body's stress response.