Colocalization of immediate early genes in catecholamine cells after song exposure in female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).

The physiological state of animals in many taxonomic groups can be modified via social interactions including simply receiving communication signals from conspecifics. Here, we explore whether the catecholaminergic system of female songbirds responds during social interactions that are limited to song reception. We measured the protein product of an immediate early gene (ZENK) within three catecholaminergic brain regions in song-exposed (n = 11) and silence-exposed (n = 6) female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).

Does oral antipsychotic pre-treatment influence outcome of a switch to long-acting injectable risperidone in patients with schizophrenia?

Introduction: The objective of this open-label study was to evaluate treatment benefits of risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) in patients with schizophrenia following direct transition from oral risperidone (RIS) compared with transition from other oral second generation antipsychotics.

Methods: Stable in- or outpatients (n=206) receiving RIS or OQAZ (olanzapine, quetiapine, amisulpride, ziprasidone) were transitioned to RLAI for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the between-group treatment difference in change in PANSS total score from baseline to endpoint.

Stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors in the avian fronto-striatal system adjusts daily cognitive fluctuations.

Several studies have shown that the level of dopaminergic transmission and D1 receptor signaling is crucial for working memory (WM) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mammals. Thus, hyper- or hypostimulation of prefrontal D1 receptors are pathophysiological findings often involved in cognitive and WM impairments. These observations can be mimicked by supranormal stimulation or inhibition with D1 receptor agonists or D1 antagonists, respectively.

Catecholaminergic cell groups and vocal communication in male songbirds.

Birdsong is a species-typical vocal signal that facilitates reproduction and deters competitors. Song production is regulated by a clearly defined and specialized neural circuitry in which high concentrations of catecholamines are present. The nuclei within the song control circuit receive projections from catecholaminergic cell populations involved in attention, arousal and motivation, including periaqueductal gray (PAG), ventral tegmental area (VTA), locus coeruleus (LoC) and sub coeruleus (SC).