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Keehn B, Kadlaskar G, McNally Keehn R. Elevated and accelerated: Locus coeruleus activity and visual search abilities in autistic children. Cortex 2023; 169:118-129. [PMID: 37866060 PMCID: PMC10842606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic individuals excel at visual search, however, the neural mechanism(s) underlying this advantage remain unclear. The locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system, which plays a critical role in sensory perception and selective attention, has been shown to function in a persistently elevated state in individuals on the spectrum. However, the relationship between elevated tonic LC-NE activity and accelerated search in autism has not been explored. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between visual search abilities and resting pupil diameter (an indirect measure of tonic LC-NE activation) in autistic and neurotypical children. METHODS Participants were 24 school-aged autistic children and 24 age- and IQ-matched neurotypical children aged 8-15 years. Children completed two tasks: a resting eye-tracking task and a visual search paradigm. For the resting eye-tracking task, pupil diameter was monitored while participants fixated a central crosshair. For the visual search paradigm, participants were instructed to find the target (vertical line) embedded within an array of tilted (10°) distractor lines. The target was present on 50% of trials, and displayed within set sizes of 18, 24, and 36 items. RESULTS Consistent with previous studies, autistic children had significantly larger resting pupil size and searched faster and more efficiently compared to their neurotypical peers. Eye-tracking findings revealed that accelerated search was associated with fewer, not shorter, fixations in the autism group. Autistic children also showed reduced leftward search bias. Larger resting pupil size, indicative of increased tonic activation of the LC-NE system, was associated with greater search efficiency, longer fixation durations, and reduced leftward bias. Finally, within both groups reduced leftward bias was associated with increased autism symptomatology. DISCUSSION Together, these findings add to the existing body of research highlighting superior search in autism, suggest that elevated tonic LC-NE activity may contribute to more efficient search, and link non-social visual-spatial processing strengths to autism symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Keehn
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Girija Kadlaskar
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Rebecca McNally Keehn
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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2
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English MCW, Maybery MT, Visser TAW. A review of behavioral evidence for hemispheric asymmetry of visuospatial attention in autism. Autism Res 2023. [PMID: 37243312 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Most individuals show a small bias towards visual stimuli presented in their left visual field (LVF) that reflects right-hemispheric specialization of visuospatial functions. Moreover, this bias is altered by some neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting they may be linked to changes in hemispheric asymmetry. To examine whether autism potentially alters hemispheric asymmetry, we conducted a systematic search of scientific databases to review existing literature on the link between autism and alterations in visuospatial bias. This search identified 13 publications that had explored this issue using a wide range of experimental designs and stimuli. Evidence of reduced LVF bias associated with autism was most consistent for studies examining attentional bias or preference measured using tasks such as line bisection. Findings for studies examining attentional performance (e.g., reaction time) were more equivocal. Further investigation is called for, and we make several recommendations for how this avenue of research can be extended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C W English
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Murray T Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Troy A W Visser
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Griff JR, Langlie J, Bencie NB, Cromar ZJ, Mittal J, Memis I, Wallace S, Marcillo AE, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Recent advancements in noninvasive brain modulation for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1191-1195. [PMID: 36453393 PMCID: PMC9838164 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.360163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is classified as a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders with an unknown definitive etiology. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder show deficits in a variety of areas including cognition, memory, attention, emotion recognition, and social skills. With no definitive treatment or cure, the main interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder are based on behavioral modulations. Recently, noninvasive brain modulation techniques including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, intermittent theta burst stimulation, continuous theta burst stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation have been studied for their therapeutic properties of modifying neuroplasticity, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Preliminary evidence from small cohort studies, pilot studies, and clinical trials suggests that the various noninvasive brain stimulation techniques have therapeutic benefits for treating both behavioral and cognitive manifestations of autism spectrum disorder. However, little data is available for quantifying the clinical significance of these findings as well as the long-term outcomes of individuals with autism spectrum disorder who underwent transcranial stimulation. The objective of this review is to highlight the most recent advancements in the application of noninvasive brain modulation technology in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Griff
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jake Langlie
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nathalie B. Bencie
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zachary J. Cromar
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Idil Memis
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Steven Wallace
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexander E. Marcillo
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA,Correspondence to: Adrien A. Eshraghi, .
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Moretti J, Marinovic W, Harvey AR, Rodger J, Visser TAW. Offline Parietal Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation or Alpha Frequency Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Has No Effect on Visuospatial or Temporal Attention. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:903977. [PMID: 35774555 PMCID: PMC9237453 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.903977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation is a growing field with potentially wide-ranging clinical and basic science applications due to its ability to transiently and safely change brain excitability. In this study we include two types of stimulation: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). Single session stimulations with either technique have previously been reported to induce changes in attention. To better understand and compare the effectiveness of each technique and the basis of their effects on cognition we assessed changes to both temporal and visuospatial attention using an attentional blink task and a line bisection task following offline stimulation with an intermittent theta burst (iTBS) rTMS protocol or 10 Hz tACS. Additionally, we included a novel rTMS stimulation technique, low-intensity (LI-)rTMS, also using an iTBS protocol, which uses stimulation intensities an order of magnitude below conventional rTMS. Animal models show that low-intensity rTMS modulates cortical excitability despite sub-action potential threshold stimulation. Stimulation was delivered in healthy participants over the right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC) using a within-subjects design (n = 24). Analyses showed no evidence for an effect of any stimulation technique on spatial biases in the line bisection task or on magnitude of the attentional blink. Our results suggests that rTMS and LI-rTMS using iTBS protocol and 10 Hz tACS over rPPC do not modulate performance in tasks assessing visuospatial or temporal attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Moretti
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Welber Marinovic
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Alan R. Harvey
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jennifer Rodger
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Troy A. W. Visser
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Auvichayapat N, Patjanasoontorn N, Phuttharak W, Suphakunpinyo C, Keeratitanont K, Tunkamnerdthai O, Aneksan B, Klomjai W, Boonphongsathian W, Sinkueakunkit A, Punjaruk W, Tiamkao S, Auvichayapat P. Brain Metabolite Changes After Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:70. [PMID: 32581703 PMCID: PMC7287211 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Previous research has provided evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can reduce severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the exact mechanism of this effect is still unknown. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy has demonstrated low levels of brain metabolites in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala, and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in individuals with ASD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of anodal tDCS on social functioning of individuals with ASD, as measured by the social subscale of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), through correlations between pretreatment and posttreatment concentrations of brain metabolites in the areas of interest (DLPFC, ACC, amygdala, and locus coeruleus) and scores on the ATEC social subscale. Methods Ten participants with ASD were administered 1 mA anodal tDCS to the left DLPFC for 20 min over five consecutive days. Measures of the ATEC social subscale and the concentrations of brain metabolites were performed before and immediately after the treatment. Results The results showed a significant decrease between pretreatment and immediately posttreatment in the ATEC social subscale scores, significant increases in N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) and myoinositol (mI)/Cr concentrations, and a decrease in choline (Cho)/Cr concentrations in the left DLPFC and locus coeruleus after tDCS treatment. Significant associations between decreased ATEC social subscale scores and changed concentrations in NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr in the locus coeruleus were positive. Conclusion Findings suggest that beneficial effects of tDCS in ASD may be due to changes in neuronal and glia cell activity and synaptogenesis in the brain network of individuals with ASD. Further studies with larger sample sizes and control groups are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narong Auvichayapat
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Warinthorn Phuttharak
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chanyut Suphakunpinyo
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Orathai Tunkamnerdthai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Wanalee Klomjai
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
| | | | | | - Wiyada Punjaruk
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Somsak Tiamkao
- Integrated Epilepsy Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Paradee Auvichayapat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Rothärmel M, Moulier V, Vasse M, Isaac C, Faerber M, Bendib B, Mirea-Grivel I, Opolczynski G, Rosier A, Guillin O. A Prospective Open-Label Pilot Study of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in High-Functioning Autistic Patients with a Dysexecutive Syndrome. Neuropsychobiology 2020; 78:189-199. [PMID: 31266030 DOI: 10.1159/000501025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive functions (EF) are often impaired in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Such dysfunctions are associated with anxiety, depression, and a lack of autonomy. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to enhance EF in healthy adults and clinical populations and to improve working memory - a component of the EF - in adults with high-functioning ASD (HF-ASD). We hypothesized that tDCS could improve the EF of HF-ASD patients. Such enhancement could improve their adaptive behaviors. METHOD Eight patients with HF-ASD received 10 consecutive cathodal tDCS sessions (2 mA) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3) for 15 min each in an open trial. EF (with the Stroop test, Trail Making Test [TMT] A and B, Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test [mWCST], and Verbal Fluency Test) and behavioral dysexecutive syndrome (with the Behavioral Dysexecutive Syndrome Inventory and the Repetitive and Restricted Behaviour scale) were assessed before and 10 days after treatment. RESULTS This study showed significant improvement in initiation (TMT-A time: p = 0.018) and cognitive flexibility (TMT-B time: p = 0.009; letter Verbal Fluency Test: p = 0.017; mWCST total errors: p = 0.028) after tDCS. Regarding behavior, the hypoactivity of the patients improved, as well as their repetitive and restrictive behaviors. In addition, this noninvasive neurostimulation technique was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Flexibility and initiation are the most impaired EF in autism. These are promising results which justify a randomized and placebo-controlled study in a wider population. If these results were confirmed by a randomized controlled trial, tDCS could be an easy and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment aiming to improve the quality of life and the autonomy of ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Rothärmel
- University Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France,
| | - Virginie Moulier
- University Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France.,EPS Ville Evrard, Unité de Recherche Clinique, Neuilly-sur-Marne, France
| | - Marianne Vasse
- University Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
| | - Clémence Isaac
- EPS Ville Evrard, Unité de Recherche Clinique, Neuilly-sur-Marne, France
| | - Mathieu Faerber
- Centre Ressource Autisme Normandie Seine Eure, Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
| | - Bilal Bendib
- University Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
| | - Iris Mirea-Grivel
- University Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
| | - Gaëlle Opolczynski
- University Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
| | - Antoine Rosier
- Centre Ressource Autisme Normandie Seine Eure, Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
| | - Olivier Guillin
- University Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France.,Centre Ressource Autisme Normandie Seine Eure, Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France.,CHU de Rouen, Rouen, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Normandy University, Rouen, France
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Memory and Cognition-Related Neuroplasticity Enhancement by Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Rodents: A Systematic Review. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:4795267. [PMID: 32211039 PMCID: PMC7061127 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4795267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain stimulation techniques, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), were identified as promising therapeutic tools to modulate synaptic plasticity abnormalities and minimize memory and learning deficits in many neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we revised the effect of tDCS on the modulation of neuroplasticity and cognition in several animal disease models of brain diseases affecting plasticity and cognition. Studies included in this review were searched following the terms (“transcranial direct current stimulation”) AND (mice OR mouse OR animal) and according to the PRISMA statement requirements. Overall, the studies collected suggest that tDCS was able to modulate brain plasticity due to synaptic modifications within the stimulated area. Changes in plasticity-related mechanisms were achieved through induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) and upregulation of neuroplasticity-related proteins, such as c-fos, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Taken into account all revised studies, tDCS is a safe, easy, and noninvasive brain stimulation technique, therapeutically reliable, and with promising potential to promote cognitive enhancement and neuroplasticity. Since the use of tDCS has increased as a novel therapeutic approach in humans, animal studies are important to better understand its mechanisms as well as to help improve the stimulation protocols and their potential role in different neuropathologies.
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Girgis F, Lee DJ, Goodarzi A, Ditterich J. Toward a Neuroscience of Adult Cognitive Developmental Theory. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:4. [PMID: 29410608 PMCID: PMC5787085 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Piaget's genetic epistemology has provided the constructivist approach upon which child developmental theories were founded, in that infants are thought to progress through distinct cognitive stages until they reach maturity in their early 20's. However, it is now well established that cognition continues to develop after early adulthood, and several “neo-Piagetian” theories have emerged in an attempt to better characterize adult cognitive development. For example, Kegan's Constructive Developmental Theory (CDT) argues that the thought processes used by adults to construct their reality change over time, and reaching higher stages of cognitive development entails becoming objectively aware of emotions and beliefs that were previously in the realm of the subconscious. In recent years, neuroscience has shown a growing interest in the biological substrates and neural mechanisms encompassing adult cognitive development, because psychological and psychiatric disorders can arise from deficiencies therein. In this article, we will use Kegan's CDT as a framework to discuss adult cognitive development in relation to closely correlated existing constructs underlying social processing, such as the perception of self and others. We will review the functional imaging and electrophysiologic evidence behind two key concepts relating to these posited developmental changes. These include self-related processing, a field that distinguishes between having conscious experiences (“being a self”) and being aware of oneself having conscious experiences (“being aware of being a self”); and theory of mind, which is the objective awareness of possessing mental states such as beliefs and desires (i.e., having a “mind”) and the understanding that others possess mental states that can be different from one's own. We shall see that cortical midline structures, including the medial prefrontal cortex and cingulate gyrus, as well as the temporal lobe, are associated with psychological tasks that test these models. In addition, we will review computational modeling approaches to cognitive development, and show how mathematical modeling can provide insights into how sometimes continuous changes in the neural processing substrate can give rise to relatively discrete developmental stages. Because deficiencies in adult cognitive development can result in disorders such as autism and depression, bridging the gaps between developmental psychology, neuroscience, and modeling has potential implications for clinical practice. As neuromodulation techniques such as deep brain and transcranial stimulation continue to advance, interfacing with these systems may lead to the emergence of novel investigational methods and therapeutic strategies in adults suffering from developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fady Girgis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Darrin J Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amir Goodarzi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jochen Ditterich
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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