title: Dopamine modulation of learning and memory in the prefrontal cortex: insights from studies in primates, rodents, and birds.
abstract: In this review, we provide a brief overview over the current knowledge about the role of dopamine transmission in the prefrontal cortex during learning and memory. We discuss work in humans, monkeys, rats, and birds in order to provide a basis for comparison across species that might help identify crucial features and constraints of the dopaminergic system in executive function. Computational models of dopamine function are introduced to provide a framework for such a comparison. We also provide a brief evolutionary perspective showing that the dopaminergic system is highly preserved across mammals. Even birds, following a largely independent evolution of higher cognitive abilities, have evolved a comparable dopaminergic system. Finally, we discuss the unique advantages and challenges of using different animal models for advancing our understanding of dopamine function in the healthy and diseased brain.
authors.affiliation: The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA, USA.
authors.forename: M Victoria
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Puig
authors.affiliation: The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA, USA ; Animal Physiology, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.affiliation: BrainLinks-BrainTools, Department of Biology, Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Nadja
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Freund
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D004298:Dopamine
keywords: dopamine receptors; evolution; executive function; learning and memory; neuromodulation; prefrontal cortex; working memory