Behavioural and neurophysiological effects of dopamine antagonists in the caudate nucleus and prefrontal cortex. (360G-Wellcome-082535_Z_07_Z)

We intend to further our understanding of the function of dorsal-lateral prefrontal cortex, and the basal ganglia structure to which it has direct projections, the caudate nucleus. It has been suggested that prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia have complementary roles in behaviour, with prefrontal cortex playing the dominant role in behaviours requiring cognitive control, and the basal ganglia playing the dominant role in behaviours that proceed automatically, via habit. While evidence has been gathered in support of this hypothesis, conflicting evidence also exists. We will, therefore, utilize a task which differentially taps either controlled or automatic behaviour, and carry out both simultaneous neurophysiology recordings in both areas, and manipulation of the dopamine system, which plays an important role in the physiology of both frontal cortex and the basal ganglia, and has also been linked to both of these behaviours. By examining physiological responses in each area, t he behavioural effects of manipulations of the dopamine system in each area, and the effect of the dopamine manipulations on the physiological responses, we can gain a deeper knowledge of the important function of these frontal brain areas.