Dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and its different modulation by conventional and atypical antipsychotics.

摘要

While schizophrenia seems to be associated with dopaminergic hyperactivity which can be treated with antidopaminergic drugs like the antipsychotics, dopaminergic neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortical region is unique, as its activity in schizophrenia is rather reduced. In line with many evidences that prefrontal dopamine plays an important role for cognitive functions and attention, especially working memory, prefrontal hypodopaminergic activity in schizophrenia seems to be causatively involved in the negative symptoms of the disease. Even if antipsychotics are considered as antidopaminergic drugs, conventional but much more the new atypical anti-psychotics increase prefrontal dopaminergic tone and improve to some extent negative symptoms. The pharmacological basis for this therapeutic effect is given in the present chapter.