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D1 dopamine receptors in prefrontal cortex: involvement in working memory.
T Sawaguchi1, P S Goldman-Rakic
1Section of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 22, 1991
Summary
Dopamine D1 receptors in the prefrontal cortex are crucial for working memory. Blocking these receptors in monkeys impaired memory-guided eye movements, showing their role in mnemonic functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Primate Behavior
Background:
- The prefrontal cortex is integral to working memory.
- Dopamine signaling is implicated in prefrontal cortex functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of D1 dopamine receptors in the prefrontal cortex.
- To determine the involvement of D1 receptors in working memory and predictive functions.
Main Methods:
- Selective D1 dopamine receptor antagonists (SCH23390 and SCH39166) were locally injected into the prefrontal cortex of rhesus monkeys.
- Performance on a memory-guided saccade oculomotor task was assessed.
- A control visually guided saccade task was used to evaluate sensory-motor functions.
Main Results:
- Injections of D1 antagonists induced dose-dependent errors and increased latency in memory-guided saccade performance.
- The observed deficits were sensitive to the delay period duration.
- Control tasks showed no impairment, indicating preserved sensory and motor abilities.
Conclusions:
- D1 dopamine receptors selectively support mnemonic and predictive functions within the primate prefrontal cortex.
- These findings highlight the specific role of D1 receptor signaling in higher-order cognitive processes.