An investigation into aripiprazole's partial D₂ agonist effects within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during working memory in healthy volunteers.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Working memory impairments in schizophrenia have been attributed to dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) which in turn may be due to low DLPFC dopamine innervation. Conventional antipsychotic drugs block DLPFC D2 receptors, and this may lead to further dysfunction and working memory impairments. Aripiprazole is a D2 receptor partial agonist hypothesised to enhance PFC dopamine functioning, possibly improving working memory.

Objectives

We probed the implications of the partial D2 receptor agonist actions of aripiprazole within the DLPFC during working memory. Investigations were carried out in healthy volunteers to eliminate confounds of illness or medication status. Aripiprazole's prefrontal actions were compared with the D2/5-HT2A blocker risp

SUBMITTER: Murphy A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4819596 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature