Prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex depends on the catechol<i>O</i>-methyltransferase Val158Met gene polymorphism

Abstract

These results suggest that PPI is regulated by DA neurotransmission in the PFC and its levels depend on the COMT Val158Met gene polymorphism. These findings enhance the value of the PPI paradigm in examining individual variability of early information processing in healthy subjects and psychiatric disorders associated with changes in PFC DA activity and attentional deficits such as schizophrenia.