Reward sensitivity modulates connectivity among reward brain areas when processing anticipatory reward cues

Reward sensitivity relates to increased response in reward brain areas during the processing of reward cues. However, it is unknown how this trait modulates brain connectivity. We analyzed the relationship between effective connectivity and personality in response to anticipatory reward cues from the midbrain and nucleus accumbens to the orbitofrontal cortex and the amygdala, respectively. Forty-four males performed an adaptation of the Monetary Incentive Delay Task and completed the Sensitivity to Reward scale. Sensitivity to reward scores related to stronger activation in the nucleus accumbens and midbrain during the processing of reward cues. Psychophysiological interaction analyses revealed that midbrain-medial orbitofrontal cortex connectivity was negatively correlated with sensitivity to reward scores for high compared with low incentive cues. Also, nucleus accumbens-amygdala connectivity correlated negatively with sensitivity to reward scores during reward anticipation. Our results suggest that high reward sensitivity modulates brain connectivity.