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Pharmacopsychiatry 2007; 40: S17-S26
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-992768
Original Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Dopamine in the Prefrontal Cortex and its Different Modulation by Conventional and Atypical Antipsychotics

K. Leuner 1 , W. E. Müller 1
  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 December 2007 (online)

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Abstract

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.

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Correspondence

Prof. Dr. W.E. Müller

Department of Pharmacology

Biocenter

Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University

Max-von-Laue-Str. 9

60438 Frankfurt/M

Germany

Phone: +49/69/798 293 73

Fax: +49/69/798 293 74

Email: PharmacolNat@em.uni-frankfurt.de

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