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Amy F.T. Arnsten

 

Neuroscience

Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Neurobiology

Education

B.A. Brown University 1976
Ph.D. University of California San Diego 1981

Research Interests

The Arnsten Lab studies molecular influences on the higher cognitive functions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), with the overarching goal of developing rational treatments for cognitive disorders and mental illness. The lab uses a multi-disciplinary approach to understand mechanisms influencing working memory at the cellular and behavioral levels. Research has focused on how the catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine powerfully and dynamically modulate PFC cognitive function and physiology through intracellular signaling mechanisms. Our data explain how exposure to stress causes the rapid loss of PFC cognitive abilities, and how genetic mutations in molecules that regulate these pathways can lead to symptoms of mental illness. Dysregulation of these pathways also contributes to cognitive decline with normal aging. Understanding these mechanisms has led to successful new treatments for patients with PFC dysfunction, including medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and a potential treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Links

• Arnsten Lab Homepage
• Arnsten Homepage

Recent Publications

• Vijayraghavan, S., Wang, M., Birnbaum, S.G., Bruce, C.J., Williams, G.V., and Arnsten, A.F.T. (2007). Inverted-U dopamine D1 receptor actions on prefrontal neurons engaged in working memory. Nature Neurosci. 10:376-84.
• Wang, M., et al. (2007). Alpha-2A-Adrenoceptors strengthen working memory networks by inhibiting cAMP-HCN channel signaling in prefrontal cortex. Cell 129:397-410.

Contact

E-mail
amy.arnsten@yale.edu