Dopamine D₂ and acetylcholine α7 nicotinic receptors have subcellular distributions favoring mediation of convergent signaling in the mouse ventral tegmental area.

•The α7nACh and dopamine D2 receptors are co-expressed in VTA neurons.•D2Rs in VTA are located presynaptic to dendrites containing the α7nAChR.•The α7nAChR and D2R are also targeted to perisynaptic glia in the VTA.•Antipsychotic effects of nicotine and D2R blockers may reflect multiple VTA sites.