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Thorstensen JR, Henderson TT, Kavanagh JJ. Serotonergic and noradrenergic contributions to motor cortical and spinal motoneuronal excitability in humans. Neuropharmacology 2024; 242:109761. [PMID: 37838337 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109761] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Animal models indicate that motor behaviour is shaped by monoamine neuromodulators released diffusely throughout the brain and spinal cord. As an alternative to conducting a single study to explore the effects of neuromodulators on the human motor system, we have identified and collated human experiments investigating motor effects of well-characterised drugs that act on serotonergic and noradrenergic networks. In doing so, we present strong neuropharmacology evidence that human motor pathways are affected by neuromodulators across both healthy and clinical populations, insight that cannot be determined from a single reductionist experiment. We have focused our review on the effects that monoaminergic drugs have on muscle responses to non-invasive stimulation of the motor cortex and peripheral nerves, and other closely related tests of motoneuron excitability, and discuss how these measurement techniques elucidate the effects of neuromodulators at motor cortical and spinal motoneuronal levels. Although there is some heterogeneity in study methods, we find drugs acting to enhance extracellular concentrations of serotonin tend to reduce the excitability of the human motor cortex, and enhanced extracellular concentrations of noradrenaline increases motor cortical excitability by enhancing intracortical facilitation and reducing inhibition. Both monoamines tend to enhance the excitability of spinal motoneurons. Overall, this review details the importance of neuromodulators for the output of human motor pathways and suggests that commonly prescribed monoaminergic drugs target the motor system in addition to their typical psychiatric/neurological indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R Thorstensen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Tyler T Henderson
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin J Kavanagh
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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Kuo HI, Qi FX, Paulus W, Kuo MF, Nitsche MA. Noradrenergic Enhancement of Motor Learning, Attention, and Working Memory in Humans. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:490-498. [PMID: 33617635 PMCID: PMC8278798 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noradrenaline has an important role as a neuromodulator of the central nervous system. Noradrenergic enhancement was recently shown to enhance glutamate-dependent cortical facilitation and long term potentiation-like plasticity. As cortical excitability and plasticity are closely linked to various cognitive processes, here we aimed to explore whether these alterations are associated with respective cognitive performance changes. Specifically, we assessed the impact of noradrenergic enhancement on motor learning (serial reaction time task), attentional processes (Stroop interference task), and working memory performance (n-back letter task). METHODS The study was conducted in a cross-over design. Twenty-five healthy humans performed the respective cognitive tasks after a single dose of the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor reboxetine or placebo administration. RESULTS The results show that motor learning, attentional processes, and working memory performance in healthy participants were improved by reboxetine application compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study thus suggest that noradrenergic enhancement can improve memory formation and executive functions in healthy humans. The respective changes are in line with related effects of noradrenaline on cortical excitability and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-I Kuo
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,Dept. Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Feng-Xue Qi
- Key Laboratory of Sport Training of General Admission of Sport of China, Beijing Sport University, Xinxin Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China,Department of Sport Training, Sport Coaching College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Walter Paulus
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Min-Fang Kuo
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany,Dept. Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany,Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany,Correspondence: M. A. Nitsche, MD, Department Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, Ardeystrasse 67, 44139 Dortmund, Germany ()
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Kuo HI, Paulus W, Batsikadze G, Jamil A, Kuo MF, Nitsche MA. Acute and Chronic Noradrenergic Effects on Cortical Excitability in Healthy Humans. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:634-643. [PMID: 28430976 PMCID: PMC5574667 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Noradrenaline is a major neuromodulator in the central nervous system, and it is involved in the pathophysiology of diverse neuropsychiatric diseases. Previous transcranial magnetic stimulation studies suggested that acute application of selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors enhances cortical excitability in the human brain. However, other, such like clinical effects, usually require prolonged noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor treatment, which might go along with different physiological effects. Methods The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute and chronic effects of the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor reboxetine on cortical excitability in healthy humans in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover study. Sixteen subjects were assessed with different transcranial magnetic stimulation measurements: motor thresholds, input-output curve, short-latency intracortical inhibition and intracortical facilitation, I-wave facilitation, and short-interval afferent inhibition before and after placebo or reboxetine (8 mg) single-dose administration. Afterwards, the same subjects took reboxetine (8 mg/d) consecutively for 21 days. During this period (subjects underwent 2 experimental sessions with identical transcranial magnetic stimulation measures under placebo or reboxetine), transcranial magnetic stimulation measurements were assessed before and after drug intake. Results Both single-dose and chronic administration of reboxetine increased cortical excitability; increased the slope of the input-output curve, intracortical facilitation, and I-wave facilitation; but decreased short-latency intracortical inhibition and short-interval afferent inhibition. Moreover, chronic reboxetine showed a larger enhancement of intracortical facilitation and I-wave facilitation compared with single-dose application. Conclusions The results show physiological mechanisms of noradrenergic enhancement possibly underlying the functional effects of reboxetine regarding acute and chronic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-I Kuo
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Paulus, Mr Jamil, and Nitsche); Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Mr Jamil, M.-F. Kuo, and Nitsche); Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany (Dr Nitsche); Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany (Dr Batsikadze)
| | - Walter Paulus
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Paulus, Mr Jamil, and Nitsche); Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Mr Jamil, M.-F. Kuo, and Nitsche); Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany (Dr Nitsche); Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany (Dr Batsikadze)
| | - Giorgi Batsikadze
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Paulus, Mr Jamil, and Nitsche); Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Mr Jamil, M.-F. Kuo, and Nitsche); Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany (Dr Nitsche); Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany (Dr Batsikadze)
| | - Asif Jamil
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Paulus, Mr Jamil, and Nitsche); Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Mr Jamil, M.-F. Kuo, and Nitsche); Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany (Dr Nitsche); Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany (Dr Batsikadze)
| | - Min-Fang Kuo
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Paulus, Mr Jamil, and Nitsche); Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Mr Jamil, M.-F. Kuo, and Nitsche); Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany (Dr Nitsche); Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany (Dr Batsikadze)
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Paulus, Mr Jamil, and Nitsche); Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany (Ms H.-I. Kuo, Mr Jamil, M.-F. Kuo, and Nitsche); Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany (Dr Nitsche); Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany (Dr Batsikadze)
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Santos L, Opris I, Hampson R, Godwin DW, Gerhardt G, Deadwyler S. Functional dynamics of primate cortico-striatal networks during volitional movements. Front Syst Neurosci 2014; 8:27. [PMID: 24653682 PMCID: PMC3947991 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The motor cortex and dorsal striatum (caudate nucleus and putamen) are key regions in motor processing but the interface between the cortex and striatum is not well understood. While dorsal striatum integrates information from multiple brain regions to shape motor learning and habit formation, the disruption of cortico-striatal circuits compromises the functionality of these circuits resulting in a multitude of neurologic disorders, including Parkinson's disease. To better understand the modulation of the cortico-striatal circuits we recorded simultaneously single neuron activity from four brain regions, primary motor, and sensory cortices, together with the rostral and caudal segments of the putamen in rhesus monkeys performing a visual motor task. Results show that spatial and temporal-task related firing relationships between these cortico-striatal circuit regions were modified by the independent administration of the two drugs (cocaine and baclofen). Spatial tuning and correlated firing of neurons from motor cortex and putamen were severely disrupted by cocaine and baclofen on correct trials, while the two drugs have dramatically decreased the functional connectivity of the motor cortical-striatal network. These findings provide insight into the modulation of cortical-striatal firing related to movement with implications for therapeutic approaches to Parkinson's disease and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Santos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Medical School Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ioan Opris
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Medical School Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Robert Hampson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Medical School Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Dwayne W Godwin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Medical School Winston-Salem, NC, USA ; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University Medical School Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Greg Gerhardt
- Department of Neurobiology and Neurology, University of Kentucky Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Samuel Deadwyler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Medical School Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Grefkes C, Wang LE, Eickhoff SB, Fink GR. Noradrenergic modulation of cortical networks engaged in visuomotor processing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 20:783-97. [PMID: 19687293 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhp144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Both animal and human data suggest that stimulation of the noradrenergic system may influence neuronal excitability in regions engaged in sensory processing and visuospatial attention. We tested the hypothesis that the neural mechanisms subserving motor performance in tasks relying on the visuomotor control of goal-directed hand movements might be modulated by noradrenergic influences. Healthy subjects were stimulated using the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor reboxetine (RBX) in a placebo-controlled crossover design. Functional magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic causal modeling (DCM) were used to assess drug-related changes in blood oxygen level-dependent activity and interregional connectivity while subjects performed a joystick task requiring goal-directed movements. Improved task performance under RBX was associated with increased activity in right visual, intraparietal and superior frontal cortex (premotor/frontal eye field). DCM revealed that the neuronal coupling among these regions was significantly enhanced when subjects were stimulated with RBX. Concurrently, right intraparietal cortex and right superior frontal cortex exerted a stronger driving influence on visuomotor areas of the left hemisphere, including SMA and M1. These effects were independent from task difficulty. The data suggest that stimulating noradrenergic mechanisms may rearrange the functional network architecture within and across the hemispheres, for example, by synaptic gating, thereby optimizing motor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Grefkes
- Neuromodulation & Neurorehabilitation, Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
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