Effect of striatal and extrastriatal D2-receptor BP on memory and symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder

Abstract

The integrity of particular dopaminergic projections via the striato-thalamiccortical feedback loop potentially influences specialized aspects of cognition and psychopathology. Research has identified a role for striatal D2 receptors in the cognitive impairments and psychopathological symptoms associated with disorders of the schizophrenia spectrum. Recent developments in PET neuroimaging methods currently permit visualization of D2/D3 receptors in extrastriatal regions. This study evaluated potential correlations between the regional D2/D3 receptor BP in striatal and extrastriatal areas and psychopathological symptoms and memory performance. Significant correlations were observed between particular regions of D2/D3 receptor BP and both verbal and visual memory sub-scales of the Wechsler Memory Scale-III.