Neurotransmitter Interactions and Cognitive Function, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1992

JAMES L. MCGAUGH Understanding of the nature and functions of neurotransmitter systems in the brain has increased enormously in recent decades. Lack of knowledge required us, not too long ago, to use the adjective "putative" when discussing transmitters. Such caution is no longer essential (at least for a number of transmitters). Impressive progress has been achieved in understanding the pharmacology, biochemistry and anatomy of transmitter systems. There has, however, been relatively less progress in understanding the functioning of brain transmitters in regulating and mediating behavior. A simple and certainly correct explanation for this is, of course, that understanding of neurotransmitter functions requires prior detailed knowledge of basic pharmacology, biochemistry and anatomy. Beyond that, it now seems likely that progress in understanding the functions of brain neurotransmitters will proceed only as we examine the interactions of neurotransmitter systems in regulating behavioral functions. This premise is, of course, suggested by the findings of studies of the chemical neuroanatomy of the brain: Neurotransmitter systems are influenced by other neurotransmitter systems and, in tum, influence the same as well as other systems. No system works alone. The chapters in this book explicitly examine the interactions of neurotransmitter systems involved in the regulation of cognitive processes. The facts and interpretations offered provide compelling support for the premise that cognitive processes are orchestrated by interactions among neurotransmitter systems. And, they offer promise that understanding of such interactions will be of critical importance in the develop­ ment of treatments for brain diseases affecting cognitive functioning.

1 Interactions among Neurotransmitters: Their Importance to the “Integrated Organism”.- 2 The Cholinergic Basal Forebrain and its Telencephalic Targets: Interrelations and Implications for Cognitive Function.- 3 Synaptic Organization of Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Projection Neurons.- 4 Functional Pharmacology of Basal Forebrain Dopamine.- 5 Cholinergic/Noradrenergic Interactions and Memory.- 6 The Role of the Noradrenergic System in Higher Cerebral Functions—Experimental Studies About the Effects of Noradrenergic Modulation on Electrophysiology and Behavior.- 7 Septal Noradrenergic and Glutamatergic Influences on Hippocampal Cholinergic Activity in Relation to Spatial Learning and Memory in Mice.- 8 Neurotransmitter Interactions and Responsivity to Cholinomimetic Agents.- 9 The Importance of D1 and D2 Interactions with Nicotinic and Muscarinic Systems for Working Memory Function.- 10 Neurotransmitter Systems in Hippocampus and Prelimbic Cortex, Dopamine-Acetylcholine Interactions in Hippocampus, and Memory in the Rat.- 11 Nicotinic-Muscarinic Interactions in Cognitive Function.- 12 The Influence of Neurotensin upon Cholinergic Function.- 13 Serotonin Influences on Cholinergic Function: Possible Interactions in Learning and Memory.- 14 The Contribution of the Serotonergic Innervation of the Hippocampus to the Effects of Combined Cholinergic/Serotonergic Deficits.- 15 Overlapping Neural Substrates Underlying Defense Reactions, Aversive Memory, and Convulsive Behavior.- 16 Potentiation of the Effects of Antimuscarinic Drugs on Behavior by Serotonin Depletion: Specificity and Relation to Learning and Memory.- 17 Interactions of Neurotransmitters and Neuroanatomy: It’s Not What You Do, It’s the Place that You Do It.- 18 Intraseptal GABAergic Infusions Disrupt Memory in the Rat: Method and Mechanisms.- 19 Working Memory and Cholinergic Autoregulation in the Medial Septal Area.- 20 Modulation of Memory by Benzodiazepine-Acetylcholine Interactions.- 21 Cognition Enhancement Based on GABA-Cholinergic Interactions.- 22 Transmitter Interactions and Cognitive Function: Appreciation of the Concert.