Figure 1. .

Figure showing the modulatory role of estradiol on COMT to affect working memory performance. Increased estradiol levels lead to reductions in COMT enzyme protein expression that result in more dopamine in the pFC. The reduction in COMT enzyme activity moves people along the inverted-U curve, therefore enhancing performance for those with lower basal dopamine levels (Val/Val carriers), while hurting performance for those with higher basal levels (Met/Met carriers). Task difficulty further serves to lessen performance, pushing individuals further along the inverted U.