Increased dopamine release in the right anterior cingulate cortex during the performance of a sorting task: A [11C]FLB 457 PET study

Abstract

There is clear evidence that the prefrontal cortex is strongly involved in executive processes and that dopamine can influence performance on working memory tasks. Although, some studies have emphasized the role of striatal dopamine in executive functions, the role played by prefrontal dopamine during executive tasks is unknown. In order to investigate cortical dopamine transmission during executive function, we used D 2 -dopamine receptor ligand [ 11 C]FLB 457 PET in healthy subjects while performing the Montreal Card Sorting Task (MCST). During the retrieval with shift task of the MCST, the subjects had to match each test card to one of the reference cards based on a classification rule (color, shape or number) determined by comparing the previously viewed cue card and the current test card. A reduction in [ 11 C]FLB 457 binding potential in the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was observed when subjects performed the active task compared to the control task. These findings may suggest that right dorsal ACC dopamine neurotransmission increases significantly during the performance of certain executive processes, e.g., conflict monitoring, in keeping with previous evidence from fMRI studies showing ACC activation during similar tasks. These results may provide some insights on the origin of cognitive deficits underlying certain neurological disorders associated with dopamine dysfunction, such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

Cortical dopamine D2/D3 receptors and verbal memory in man

“…In contrast, our previous study suggests that variability in D2/D3 receptor availability in the cognitive subdivision of anterior cingulate explains variability in executive function (WCST) (Lumme et al, 2007; see also Ko et al, 2009). In a recent human PET study by Aalto et al (2005), dopamine-related activity in the inferior parietal, anterior cingulate and temporal cortices has been associated both with verbal working memory and attentional tasks.…”

Measuring Cigarette Smoking-Induced Cortical Dopamine Release: A [11C]FLB-457 PET Study

“…The role of cortical DA in cognitive function, particularly working memory and executive function, is relatively well characterized (eg, Aalto et al (2005), Castner andGoldmanRakic (2004), and Ko et al (2009)). It is hypothesized that nicotine-induced increases in cortical DA levels contribute to its pro-cognitive effects, and conversely low cortical DA underlies the cognitive dysfunction seen in withdrawal.…”

Dopaminergic control of cognitive flexibility in humans and animals

“…Reduced binding to D 2 receptors in the dorsal striatum (Monchi et al, 2006a) and anterior cingulate cortex (Ko et al, 2009) during set-shifting (see Monchi et al, 2006b) suggests that DA is indeed released during tasks requiring flexibility. Transient inactivation of dorsolateral PFC activity impaired striatal DA release as well as task performance, suggesting both are under top–down control by the dorsolateral PFC (Ko et al, 2008).…”