Similar results are found for reversal learning. Genetic or pharmacological interference with dopamine D2-like, but not D1-like, receptors impairs inhibition during reversal learning31, 149–151 [but see152], and individual differences in D2-like receptor expression/availability within the striatum positively correlate with reversal learning performance competency in mice and monkeys.79, 153 Finally, variation in the DRD2 gene is linked with reversal learning abilities in humans.154 Overall, these data strongly support the notion that dopaminergic transmission at D2 receptors promotes action inhibition in a confluence of laboratory tests. Given that reductions in striatal D2-like receptor availability have been repeatedly found in individuals with substance use disorders,155 these findings are of particular clinical interest.
