Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
07:25
Identification of Dopamine D1-Alpha Receptor Within Rodent Nucleus Accumbens by an Innovative RNA In Situ Detection Technology
Published on: March 27, 2018
7.8K
Dopamine D1 sensitivity in the prefrontal cortex predicts general cognitive abilities and is modulated by working
Christopher Wass1, Alessandro Pizzo, Bruno Sauce
1Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA.
Learning & Memory (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.)
|October 17, 2013
Summary
General cognitive ability (GCA) in mice is linked to dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) neuron activation in the prelimbic cortex. Working memory training enhanced GCA and D1R neuron activation, suggesting D1R sensitivity is key.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- General cognitive ability (GCA) is influenced by working memory and selective attention.
- Dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) signaling in the prefrontal cortex modulates attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between GCA and D1R neuron activation in mice.
- To determine if working memory training impacts GCA and D1R signaling.
Main Methods:
- Assessed GCA in CD-1 mice using five diverse learning tests.
- Administered a D1 agonist (SKF82958) and measured c-Fos activation in D1R neurons.
- Analyzed D1R density via Western blot and evaluated effects of working memory training.
Main Results:
- High GCA mice showed increased D1R neuron activation in the prelimbic cortex post-agonist.
- No difference in D1R density was found between high and low GCA groups.
- Working memory training increased GCA and enhanced D1R-mediated activation in the prelimbic cortex.
Conclusions:
- D1R sensitivity, not density, in the prelimbic cortex may regulate GCA.
- Working memory training enhances GCA potentially by modulating D1R sensitivity.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
1.5K
The cerebellum, while traditionally associated with motor control, also plays a crucial role in memory, particularly in procedural memory, which involves learning motor tasks that become automatic through repetition. For example, studies have shown that when the cerebellum is damaged, individuals or animals lose the ability to learn conditioned motor responses, such as the conditioned eye-blink response in classical conditioning experiments with rabbits. This study demonstrates the...
1.5K
01:24Working Memory
1.3K
Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this...
1.3K
01:30Information Processing Approach
891
The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is...
891
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
1.4K
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.4K
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
933
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
933