1
|
Bonetti L, Fernández-Rubio G, Carlomagno F, Dietz M, Pantazis D, Vuust P, Kringelbach ML. Spatiotemporal brain hierarchies of auditory memory recognition and predictive coding. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4313. [PMID: 38773109 PMCID: PMC11109219 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48302-4] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Our brain is constantly extracting, predicting, and recognising key spatiotemporal features of the physical world in order to survive. While neural processing of visuospatial patterns has been extensively studied, the hierarchical brain mechanisms underlying conscious recognition of auditory sequences and the associated prediction errors remain elusive. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we describe the brain functioning of 83 participants during recognition of previously memorised musical sequences and systematic variations. The results show feedforward connections originating from auditory cortices, and extending to the hippocampus, anterior cingulate gyrus, and medial cingulate gyrus. Simultaneously, we observe backward connections operating in the opposite direction. Throughout the sequences, the hippocampus and cingulate gyrus maintain the same hierarchical level, except for the final tone, where the cingulate gyrus assumes the top position within the hierarchy. The evoked responses of memorised sequences and variations engage the same hierarchical brain network but systematically differ in terms of temporal dynamics, strength, and polarity. Furthermore, induced-response analysis shows that alpha and beta power is stronger for the variations, while gamma power is enhanced for the memorised sequences. This study expands on the predictive coding theory by providing quantitative evidence of hierarchical brain mechanisms during conscious memory and predictive processing of auditory sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Bonetti
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus/Aalborg, Denmark.
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, Linacre College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - G Fernández-Rubio
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus/Aalborg, Denmark
| | - F Carlomagno
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus/Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - M Dietz
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - D Pantazis
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - P Vuust
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus/Aalborg, Denmark
| | - M L Kringelbach
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus/Aalborg, Denmark
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, Linacre College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yamada T, Watanabe T, Sasaki Y. Plasticity-stability dynamics during post-training processing of learning. Trends Cogn Sci 2024; 28:72-83. [PMID: 37858389 PMCID: PMC10842181 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Learning continues beyond the end of training. Post-training learning is supported by changes in plasticity and stability in the brain during both wakefulness and sleep. However, the lack of a unified measure for assessing plasticity and stability dynamics during training and post-training periods has limited our understanding of how these dynamics shape learning. Focusing primarily on procedural learning, we integrate work using behavioral paradigms and a recently developed measure, the excitatory-to-inhibitory (E/I) ratio, to explore the delicate balance between plasticity and stability and its relationship to post-training learning. This reveals plasticity-stability cycles during both wakefulness and sleep that enhance learning and protect it from new learning during post-training processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamada
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Takeo Watanabe
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yuka Sasaki
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Frank SM, Becker M, Malloni WM, Sasaki Y, Greenlee MW, Watanabe T. Protocol to conduct functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy in different age groups of human participants. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102493. [PMID: 37572324 PMCID: PMC10448431 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a protocol to conduct functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) in human participants before, during, and after training on a visual task. We describe steps for participant setup, volume-of-interest placement, fMRS measurement, and post-scan tests. We discuss the design, analysis, and interpretation of fMRS experiments. This protocol can be adapted to investigate the dynamics of chief excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters (glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA, respectively) while participants perform or learn perceptual, motor, or cognitive tasks. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Frank et al. (2022).1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian M Frank
- University of Regensburg, Institute for Experimental Psychology, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Becker
- University of Regensburg, Institute for Experimental Psychology, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wilhelm M Malloni
- University of Regensburg, Institute for Experimental Psychology, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Yuka Sasaki
- Brown University, Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, 190 Thayer St., Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Mark W Greenlee
- University of Regensburg, Institute for Experimental Psychology, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Takeo Watanabe
- Brown University, Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, 190 Thayer St., Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dornbierer DA, Zölch N, Baur DM, Hock A, Stucky B, Quednow BB, Kraemer T, Seifritz E, Bosch OG, Landolt HP. Nocturnal sodium oxybate increases the anterior cingulate cortex magnetic resonance glutamate signal upon awakening. J Sleep Res 2023:e13866. [PMID: 36869598 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Clinical guidelines recommend sodium oxybate (SXB; the sodium salt of γ-hydroxybutyrate) for the treatment of disturbed sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy, yet the underlying mode of action is elusive. In a randomised controlled trial in 20 healthy volunteers, we aimed at establishing neurochemical changes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) following SXB-enhanced sleep. The ACC is a core neural hub regulating vigilance in humans. At 2:30 a.m., we administered in a double-blind cross-over manner an oral dose of 50 mg/kg SXB or placebo, to enhance electroencephalography-defined sleep intensity in the second half of nocturnal sleep (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). Upon scheduled awakening, we assessed subjective sleepiness, tiredness and mood and measured two-dimensional, J-resolved, point-resolved magnetic resonance spectroscopy (PRESS) localisation at 3-Tesla field strength. Following brain scanning, we used validated tools to quantify psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) performance and executive functioning. We analysed the data with independent t tests, false discovery rate (FDR) corrected for multiple comparisons. The morning glutamate signal (at 8:30 a.m.) in the ACC was specifically increased after SXB-enhanced sleep in all participants in whom good-quality spectroscopy data were available (n = 16; pFDR < 0.002). Further, global vigilance (10th-90th inter-percentile range on the PVT) was improved (pFDR < 0.04) and median PVT response time was shorter (pFDR < 0.04) compared to placebo. The data indicate that elevated glutamate in the ACC could provide a neurochemical mechanism underlying SXB's pro-vigilant efficacy in disorders of hypersomnolence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario A Dornbierer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Zölch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Diego M Baur
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hock
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Stucky
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Sleep and Health Zurich, University Center of Competence, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Sleep and Health Zurich, University Center of Competence, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver G Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Landolt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Sleep and Health Zurich, University Center of Competence, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Uji M, Tamaki M. Sleep, learning, and memory in human research using noninvasive neuroimaging techniques. Neurosci Res 2022; 189:66-74. [PMID: 36572251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
An accumulating body of evidence indicates that sleep is beneficial for learning and memory. Task performance improves significantly after a period that includes sleep, whereas a lack of sleep nullifies or impairs such improvements. Our current knowledge about sleep's role in learning and memory has been obtained based on studies that were conducted in both animal models and human subjects. Nevertheless, how sleep promotes learning and memory in humans is not fully understood. In this review, we overview our current understating of how sleep may contribute to learning and memory, covering different roles of non-rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep. We then discuss cutting-edge advanced techniques that are currently available, including simultaneous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) and simultaneous functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) and EEG measurements, and evaluate how these may contribute to advance the understanding of the role of sleep in human cognition. We also highlight the current limitations and challenges using these methods and discuss ways that may allow us to overcome these limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Uji
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 3510198, Japan
| | - Masako Tamaki
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 3510198, Japan; RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Saitama 3510198, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Takemura H, Rosa MGP. Understanding structure-function relationships in the mammalian visual system: part two. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:1167-1170. [PMID: 35419751 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02495-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Takemura
- Division of Sensory and Cognitive Brain Mapping, Department of System Neuroscience, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan. .,Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Hayama, Japan. .,Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Suita, Japan.
| | - Marcello G P Rosa
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Neuroscience Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Australian Research Council, Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Monash University Node, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jia K, Frangou P, Karlaftis VM, Ziminski JJ, Giorgio J, Rideaux R, Zamboni E, Hodgson V, Emir U, Kourtzi Z. Neurochemical and functional interactions for improved perceptual decisions through training. J Neurophysiol 2022; 127:900-912. [PMID: 35235415 PMCID: PMC8977131 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00308.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning and experience are known to improve our ability to make perceptual decisions. Yet, our understanding of the brain mechanisms that support improved perceptual decisions through training remains limited. Here, we test the neurochemical and functional interactions that support learning for perceptual decisions in the context of an orientation identification task. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), we measure neurotransmitters (i.e., glutamate, GABA) that are known to be involved in visual processing and learning in sensory [early visual cortex (EV)] and decision-related [dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)] brain regions. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), we test for functional interactions between these regions that relate to decision processes. We demonstrate that training improves perceptual judgments (i.e., orientation identification), as indicated by faster rates of evidence accumulation after training. These learning-dependent changes in decision processes relate to lower EV glutamate levels and EV-DLPFC connectivity, suggesting that glutamatergic excitation and functional interactions between visual and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex facilitate perceptual decisions. Further, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in EV impairs learning, suggesting a direct link between visual cortex excitation and perceptual decisions. Our findings advance our understanding of the role of learning in perceptual decision making, suggesting that glutamatergic excitation for efficient sensory processing and functional interactions between sensory and decision-related regions support improved perceptual decisions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Combining multimodal brain imaging [magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), functional connectivity] with interventions [transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)], we demonstrate that glutamatergic excitation and functional interactions between sensory (visual) and decision-related (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) areas support our ability to optimize perceptual decisions through training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Jia
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Polytimi Frangou
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vasilis M Karlaftis
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph J Ziminski
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Giorgio
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Reuben Rideaux
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Zamboni
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Hodgson
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Uzay Emir
- Purdue University School of Health Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Zoe Kourtzi
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|