Differential activation of accumbens shell and core dopamine by sucrose reinforcement with nose poking and with lever pressing

•Instrumental modus operandi and dopamine transmission in the accumbens shell and core.•FR1 lever pressing for sucrose increased dialysate dopamine in both shell and core.•FR1 and FR5 nose poking for sucrose increased dialysate dopamine only in the shell.•Passive sucrose presentation increased dopamine in the shell and core.•Activation of core dopamine is modulated in relation to its behavioural compatibility.