The Contribution of Alpha 2-noradrenergic Mechanisms of Prefrontal Cortical Cognitive Function. Potential Significance for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This article aims to review research in nonhuman primates demonstrating that norepinephrine can enhance the cognitive functioning of the prefrontal cortex through actions at alpha 2 A-adrenergic receptors postjunctional to noradrenergic terminals. As prefrontal cortex cognitive deficits are prominent in several psychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, these basic findings may have relevance for the development of novel pharmacotherapies.