Cited by 538Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeurotransmitter Receptor Influence on BehaviorNeural dynamics and brain function

Neuromodulation of thought: flexibilities and vulnerabilities in prefrontal cortical network synapses

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Arnsten, Amy F.T., Wang, Min J., Paspalas, Constantinos D.·2012·Neuron

Abstract

This review describes unique neuromodulatory influences on working memory prefrontal cortical (PFC) circuits that coordinate cognitive strength with arousal state. Working memory arises from recurrent excitation within layer III PFC pyramidal cell NMDA circuits, which are afflicted in aging and schizophrenia. Neuromodulators rapidly and flexibly alter the efficacy of these synaptic connections, while leaving the synaptic architecture unchanged, a process called dynamic network connectivity (DNC). Increases in calcium-cAMP signaling open ion channels in long, thin spines, gating network connections. Inhibition of calcium-cAMP signaling by stimulating α2A-adrenoceptors on spines strengthens synaptic efficacy and increases network firing, whereas optimal stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors sculpts network inputs to refine mental representation. Generalized increases in calcium-cAMP signaling during fatigue or stress disengage dlPFC recurrent circuits, reduce firing and impair top-down cognition. Impaired DNC regulation contributes to age-related cognitive decline, while genetic insults to DNC proteins are commonly linked to schizophrenia.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.neuron.2012.08.038

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  • In human and rhesus monkey dlPFC, DISC1 is located in layer III spines, where it anchors PDE4A next to the spine apparatus, positioned to regulate feedforward cAMP-Ca2+ stress signaling pathways.

    “Immunoelectron microscopy studies of human126 and rhesus monkey13,127 dlPFC show that DISC1 is located in layer III spines, where it anchors PDE4A next to the spine apparatus, critically positioned to regulate feedforward cAMP–Ca2+ stress signaling pathways13,127.”

    From Stress weakens prefrontal networks: molecular insults to higher cognition (2015) · cites this paper as [13]

    In “Mechanisms that strengthen synaptic efficacy” (page not supplied), the paper places DISC1 and PDE4A together near the spine apparatus in monkey layer III dlPFC spines and suggests they regulate cAMP–Ca2+ signaling. “Genetic insults in schizophrenia” (page not supplied) likewise describes immunoelectron microscopy findings in monkey dlPFC, but neither passage establishes the claimed localization in human dlPFC. The paper also calls DISC1’s anchoring of PDE4A likely, rather than demonstrated. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Exposure to stress disrupts prefrontal cortex function, markedly impairing working memory.

    “Exposure to stress, however, can disrupt PFC function, markedly impairing working memory (Arnsten, 2009; Arnsten et al., 2012).”
  • In dlPFC working memory circuits, cAMP-PKA signaling opens nearby K+ channels to rapidly weaken synaptic strength and reduce Delay cell firing.

    “In these circuits, cAMP-PKA signaling opens nearby potassium (K+) channels to rapidly weaken synaptic strength and reduce Delay cell firing (Fig. 3C; (Arnsten et al., 2012)).”
  • Layer III dlPFC microcircuits have unique molecular needs for neurotransmission and neuromodulation that allow them to sustain long periods of neuronal firing without bottom-up sensory stimulation.

    “Layer III dlPFC microcircuits that generate mental representations have unique molecular needs for both neurotransmission and neuromodulation that allow them to sustain long periods of neuronal firing without bottom-up sensory stimulation (Arnsten, 2015, Arnsten et al., 2012).”
  • These very rapid changes in synapse strength, called dynamic network connectivity, are mediated by feedforward, cAMP-Ca2+ signaling, which opens K+ channels (HCN, KCNQ) near the synapse to weaken the connection.

    “These very rapid changes in synapse strength, called dynamic network connectivity13, are mediated by feedforward, cAMP–Ca2+ signaling, which opens K+ channels (HCN, KCNQ) near the synapse to weaken the connection.”

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Authors
Arnsten, A. F. T., Wang, M. J., & Paspalas, C. D.
Affiliations
Yale University (US)
Corresponding author
Arnsten, Amy F.T.
Venue
Neuron
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2012-10
Volume
76
Issue
1
Pages
223-239
ISSN
0896-6273 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2087809804
Cited by
538
References
168
Citations by year
2026: 29 · 2025: 28 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 56 · 2022: 30 · 2021: 47 · 2020: 39 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 39 · 2017: 32 · 2016: 41 · 2015: 58 · 2014: 42 · 2013: 38 · 2012: 3
FWCI
4.77
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Neuron (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • Yale University
  • National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
  • Zorginstituut Nederland
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (RL1AA017536)
  • National Institute on Aging (P01AG030004)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (MH 09335401, R01MH093354)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
Keywords
neuromodulation, working memory, prefrontal cortex, NMDA receptor, dendritic spines, alpha2A-adrenoceptor, dopamine D1 receptor, recurrent excitation, aging, schizophrenia, fatigue, stress
MeSH terms
Animals, Humans, Nerve Net, Synaptic Transmission, Synapses, Thinking, Prefrontal Cortex, Neurotransmitter Agents

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