Cholinergic and dopaminergic influence on the prefrontal cortex

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The chief structure involved in cognitive functions and behavior is the prefrontal cortex (PFC), located in the front of our brain. Neurons of this region are in charge of receiving all the information from the sensory brain areas and memory strutures and elaborate a response by sending neuronal influxes to executive zones of the brain. Neurons communicate together thanks to neurochemicals, like dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh) which play an active role in the modulation of PFC activity and cognitive function like attention and working memory. We have recently examined these neuronal system interconnectivity within the PFC. The present research program pursuits this analysis of the spatial interaction between these two neurotransmitters and the neurons from the PFC that communicate with other brain regions to organize a response to external stimulations. The number, type and location of the neurons activated by ACh or DA will be quantified by confocal microscopy. Using different drugs that suppress or excite dopamine or acetylcholine systems, we will estimate the specific contribution of these neurochemicals in the PFC neuronal activity. In a second step we will measure their concentration in the PFC during different activation conditions. These studies will allow to characterized neurons networks interaction and better understand the neurobiological mechanisms of cognition and behavior. This will help to develop pharmacological strategies to alleviate cognitive dysfunction which results in deficient thinking and withdrawal from social activity.