Dopamine D 1 receptor binding in the anterior cingulate cortex of patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder

Abstract

Functional neuroimaging studies in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) suggest there is a hyperactivation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during provocation of symptoms and conflict–inhibition tasks. Since dopamine, acting through D 1 receptors is suggested to modulate ACC activity, we hypothesised that there would be an altered D 1 binding potential (BP) in the ACC of OCD patients. Using [ 11C]-SCH23390 and positron emission tomography, we report significantly reduced D 1 BP in seven drug-free OCD patients compared with matched healthy controls. These findings suggest mesocortical dopamine inputs via D 1 receptors may play a role in the aetiology of OCD.