1
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Huang Z, Wang F, Xue L, Zhu H, Zou X. Relationships between Sensory Processing and Executive Functions in Children with Combined ASD and ADHD Compared to Typically Developing and Single Disorder Groups. Brain Sci 2024; 14:566. [PMID: 38928566 PMCID: PMC11201769 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060566] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing, with a tendency for co-occurrence. Some studies indicate a connection between atypical sensory processing and executive function. This study aims to explore the distinctive etiology of executive function deficits in children with ASD+ADHD by investigating the relationship between sensory processing and executive function, comparing children with ASD, ASD+ADHD, ADHD, and typically developing children (TD). METHOD Sensory Profile 2 (SP-2) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2 (BRIEF-2) were measured in 120 school-aged children. The results of the above scales were compared across these four groups, and correlation and regression analyses between BRIEF2 and SP2 were conducted. RESULTS Our research revealed varying levels of atypical sensory processing and executive function anomalies across the three neurodevelopmental disorder groups compared to the TD group. The ASD+ADHD group showed particularly significant differences. The heightened emotional problems observed in ASD+ADHD children may be associated with more prominent atypical sensory processing. Variance analysis of inhibitory function revealed differences between ASD+ADHD and ADHD children, suggesting distinct etiological mechanisms for attention issues between ASD+ADHD and ADHD. CONCLUSIONS ASD+ADHD represents a phenotype distinct from both ASD and ADHD. Special consideration should be given to interventions for children with ASD+ADHD. The results of this study may offer a new perspective on understanding the occurrence of ASD+ADHD and potential individualized intervention methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaobing Zou
- Child Developmental-Behavioral Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Rd., Guangzhou 510630, China
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2
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Bishop M, SheikhBahei S. Brainstem astrocytes regulate breathing and may affect arousal state in rats. Physiol Behav 2024; 275:114457. [PMID: 38184289 PMCID: PMC10853942 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114457] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Variations in arousal levels can impact respiratory patterns. The mechanisms by which breathing behaviors can influence arousal state is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of astrocytes in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) in modulating arousal states via breathing in adult conscious rats. Using viral vector tools, we selectively interfered with astrocytic signaling in the preBötC. Rats with inhibited astrocytic signaling exhibited slower breathing rates and behaviors indicative of a calmer state, whereas enhanced purinergic signaling in preBötC astrocytes led to faster breathing and heightened arousal. Our findings reveal a key role for an astrocyte-mediated mechanism in the preBötC that influences both respiratory behaviors and higher-order brain functions like arousal, suggesting a bidirectional link between breathing behaviors and mental states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Bishop
- Neuron-Glia Signaling and Circuits Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, 20892 MD, USA
| | - Shahriar SheikhBahei
- Neuron-Glia Signaling and Circuits Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, 20892 MD, USA.
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3
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Tseng CT, Welch HF, Gi AL, Kang EM, Mamidi T, Pydimarri S, Ramesh K, Sandoval A, Ploski JE, Thorn CA. Frequency Specific Optogenetic Stimulation of the Locus Coeruleus Induces Task-Relevant Plasticity in the Motor Cortex. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1528232023. [PMID: 38124020 PMCID: PMC10869157 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1528-23.2023] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The locus ceruleus (LC) is the primary source of neocortical noradrenaline, which is known to be involved in diverse brain functions including sensory perception, attention, and learning. Previous studies have shown that LC stimulation paired with sensory experience can induce task-dependent plasticity in the sensory neocortex and in the hippocampus. However, it remains unknown whether LC activation similarly impacts neural representations in the agranular motor cortical regions that are responsible for movement planning and production. In this study, we test whether optogenetic stimulation of the LC paired with motor performance is sufficient to induce task-relevant plasticity in the somatotopic cortical motor map. Male and female TH-Cre + rats were trained on a skilled reaching lever-pressing task emphasizing the use of the proximal forelimb musculature, and a viral approach was used to selectively express ChR2 in noradrenergic LC neurons. Once animals reached criterial behavioral performance, they received five training sessions in which correct task performance was paired with optogenetic stimulation of the LC delivered at 3, 10, or 30 Hz. After the last stimulation session, motor cortical mapping was performed using intracortical microstimulation. Our results show that lever pressing paired with LC stimulation at 10 Hz, but not at 3 or 30 Hz, drove the expansion of the motor map representation of the task-relevant proximal FL musculature. These findings demonstrate that phasic, training-paired activation of the LC is sufficient to induce experience-dependent plasticity in the agranular motor cortex and that this LC-driven plasticity is highly dependent on the temporal dynamics of LC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Tzu Tseng
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75080, Texas
| | - Hailey F Welch
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75080, Texas
| | - Ashley L Gi
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75080, Texas
| | - Erica Mina Kang
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75080, Texas
| | - Tanushree Mamidi
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75080, Texas
| | - Sahiti Pydimarri
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75080, Texas
| | - Kritika Ramesh
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75080, Texas
| | - Alfredo Sandoval
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, Texas
| | - Jonathan E Ploski
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey 17033-0850, Pennsylvania
| | - Catherine A Thorn
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75080, Texas,
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4
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Lasaponara S, Scozia G, Lozito S, Pinto M, Conversi D, Costanzi M, Vriens T, Silvetti M, Doricchi F. Temperament and probabilistic predictive coding in visual-spatial attention. Cortex 2024; 171:60-74. [PMID: 37979232 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.10.004] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Cholinergic (Ach), Noradrenergic (NE), and Dopaminergic (DA) pathways play an important role in the regulation of spatial attention. The same neurotransmitters are also responsible for inter-individual differences in temperamental traits. Here we explored whether biologically defined temperamental traits determine differences in the ability to orient spatial attention as a function of the probabilistic association between cues and targets. To this aim, we administered the Structure of Temperament Questionnaire (STQ-77) to a sample of 151 participants who also performed a Posner task with central endogenous predictive (80 % valid/20 % invalid) or non-predictive cues (50 % valid/50 % invalid). We found that only participants with high scores in Plasticity and Intellectual Endurance showed a selective abatement of attentional costs with non-predictive cues. In addition, stepwise regression showed that costs in the non-predictive condition were negatively predicted by scores in Plasticity and positively predicted by scores in Probabilistic Thinking. These results show that stable temperamental characteristics play an important role in defining the inter-individual differences in attentional behaviour, especially in the presence of different probabilistic organisations of the sensory environment. These findings emphasize the importance of considering temperamental and personality traits in social and professional environments where the ability to control one's attention is a crucial functional skill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Lasaponara
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Scozia
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; PhD Programme in Behavioural Neuroscience, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Silvana Lozito
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; PhD Programme in Behavioural Neuroscience, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Pinto
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - David Conversi
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Costanzi
- Department of Human Science, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
| | - Tim Vriens
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (CTNLab), Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Silvetti
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (CTNLab), Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Doricchi
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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5
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Zsidó AN. The effect of emotional arousal on visual attentional performance: a systematic review. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1-24. [PMID: 37417982 PMCID: PMC10805986 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01852-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Although the arousal elicited by emotional stimuli, similarly to valence, is an integrative part of emotion theories, previous studies and reviews mostly focused on the valence of a stimulus and rarely investigated the role of arousal. Here, I systematically searched for articles that used visual attentional paradigms, manipulated emotional arousal by auditory or visual, task-relevant or task-irrelevant stimuli, measured behavioral responses, ocular behavior, or neural correlates. I found that task-relevant arousing stimuli draw and hold attention regardless of the modality. In contrast, task-irrelevant arousing stimuli impaired task performance. However, when the emotional content precedes the task or it is presented for a longer duration, arousal increased performance. Future directions on how research could address the remaining questions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras N Zsidó
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, 6 Ifjusag Str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
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6
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Pelegrino A, Guimaraes AL, Sena W, Emele N, Scoriels L, Panizzutti R. Dysregulated noradrenergic response is associated with symptom severity in individuals with schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1190329. [PMID: 38025452 PMCID: PMC10661901 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1190329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The locus coeruleus-noradrenaline (LC-NA) system is involved in a wide range of cognitive functions and may be altered in schizophrenia. A non-invasive method to indirectly measure LC activity is task-evoked pupillary response. Individuals with schizophrenia present reduced pupil dilation compared to healthy subjects, particularly when task demand increases. However, the extent to which alteration in LC activity contributes to schizophrenia symptomatology remains largely unexplored. We aimed to investigate the association between symptomatology, cognition, and noradrenergic response in individuals with schizophrenia. Methods We assessed task-evoked pupil dilation during a pro- and antisaccade task in 23 individuals with schizophrenia and 28 healthy subjects. Results Both groups showed similar preparatory pupil dilation during prosaccade trials, but individuals with schizophrenia showed significantly lower pupil dilation compared to healthy subjects in antisaccade trials. Importantly, reduced preparatory pupil dilation for antisaccade trials was associated with worse general symptomatology in individuals with schizophrenia. Discussion Our findings suggest that changes in LC-NA activity - measured by task-evoked pupil dilation - when task demand increases is associated with schizophrenia symptoms. Interventions targeting the modulation of noradrenergic responses may be suitable candidates to reduce schizophrenia symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pelegrino
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anna Luiza Guimaraes
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Walter Sena
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nwabunwanne Emele
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Linda Scoriels
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Rogerio Panizzutti
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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7
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Bishop M, SheikhBahei S. Brainstem astrocytes regulate breathing and may affect arousal state in rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.28.559604. [PMID: 37841850 PMCID: PMC10576258 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.559604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Variations in arousal levels can impact respiratory patterns. However, whether changes in breathing behaviors can influence arousal state is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of astrocytes in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) in modulating arousal states via breathing in adult conscious rats. Using viral vector tools, we selectively interfered with astrocytic signaling in the preBötC. Rats with inhibited astrocytic signaling exhibited slower breathing rates and behaviors indicative of a calmer state, whereas enhanced purinergic signaling in preBötC astrocytes led to faster breathing and heightened arousal. Our findings reveal a key role for astrocyte-mediated mechanism in the preBötC that influences both respiratory behaviors and higher-order brain functions like arousal, suggesting a bidirectional link between breathing behaviors and mental states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Bishop
- Neuron-Glia Signaling and Circuits Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, 20892 MD, USA
| | - Shahriar SheikhBahei
- Neuron-Glia Signaling and Circuits Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, 20892 MD, USA
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8
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Bellato A, Arora I, Kochhar P, Ropar D, Hollis C, Groom MJ. Relationship between autonomic arousal and attention orienting in children and adolescents with ADHD, autism and co-occurring ADHD and autism. Cortex 2023; 166:306-321. [PMID: 37459680 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.06.002] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be characterized by different profiles of visual attention orienting. However, there are also many inconsistent findings emerging from the literature, probably due to the fact that the potential effect of autonomic arousal (which has been proposed to be dysregulated in these conditions) on oculomotor performance has not been investigated before. Moreover, it is not known how visual attention orienting is affected by the co-occurrence of ADHD and autism in people with a double diagnosis. METHODS 99 children/adolescents with or without ADHD and/or autism (age 10.79 ± 2.05 years, 65% boys) completed an adapted version of the gap-overlap task (with baseline and overlap trials only). The social salience and modality of stimuli were manipulated between trials. Eye movements and pupil size were recorded. We compared saccadic reaction times (SRTs) between diagnostic groups and investigated if a trial-by-trial association existed between pre-saccadic pupil size and SRTs. RESULTS Faster orienting (shorter SRT) was found for baseline compared to overlap trials, faces compared to non-face stimuli and-more evidently in children without ADHD and/or autism-for multi-modal compared to uni-modal stimuli. We also found a linear negative association between pre-saccadic pupil size and SRTs, in autistic participants (without ADHD), and a quadratic association in children with ADHD (without autism), for which SRTs were slower when intra-individual pre-saccadic pupil size was smallest or largest. CONCLUSION Our findings are in line with previous literature and indicate a possible effect of dysregulated autonomic arousal on oculomotor mechanisms in autism and ADHD, which should be further investigated in future research studies with larger samples, to reliably investigate possible differences between children with single and dual diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Bellato
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Malaysia; Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK.
| | - Iti Arora
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK
| | - Puja Kochhar
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK; Neurodevelopmental Specialist Service (NeSS), Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Highbury Hospital, Highbury Road, Nottingham, NG6 9DR, UK
| | - Danielle Ropar
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Chris Hollis
- Mental Health & Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; NIHR MindTech Medtech Co-operative, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK NIHR; Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK
| | - Madeleine J Groom
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK; Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK
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9
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Warren CV, Kroll CF, Kopp B. Dopaminergic and norepinephrinergic modulation of endogenous event-related potentials: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 151:105221. [PMID: 37150485 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Event-related potentials (ERPs) represent the cortical processing of sensory, motor or cognitive functions invoked by particular events or stimuli. A current theory posits that the catecholaminergic neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) modulate a number of endogenous ERPs during various cognitive processes. This manuscript aims to evaluate a leading neurotransmitter hypothesis with a systematic overview and meta-analysis of pharmacologic DA and NE manipulation of specific ERPs in healthy subjects during executive function. Specifically, the frontally-distributed P3a, N2, and Ne/ERN (or error-related negativity) are supposedly modulated primarily by DA, whereas the parietally-distributed P3b is thought to be modulated by NE. Based on preceding research, we refer to this distinction between frontally-distributed DA-sensitive and parietally-distributed NE-sensitive ERP components as the Extended Neurobiological Polich (ENP) hypothesis. Our systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that this distinction is too simplistic and many factors interact with DA and NE to influence these specific ERPs. These may include genetic factors, the specific cognitive processes engaged, or elements of study design, i.e. session or sequence effects or data-analysis strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire V Warren
- Charlotte Fresenius Hochschule, Alte Rabenstraße 32, 20148 Hamburg, Germany; Professorship for Clinical Psychology, Helmut-Schmidt University/ Bundeswehr University Hamburg, Holstenhofweg 85, 22043 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Charlotte F Kroll
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6. P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, MD, 6200, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno Kopp
- Clinic für Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Drescher LH, Boehler CN, Wiersema JR. A pupillometric investigation of state regulation in adults scoring high versus low on ADHD symptomatology. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 235:103877. [PMID: 36924703 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103877] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the state regulation deficit (SRD) account, ADHD is associated with difficulties regulating tonic arousal levels, which may be due to inefficient effort allocation. We aimed to test the SRD account by using a target detection task with three different event rates (ER; 700 ms, 1800 ms, 6000 ms), in order to manipulate the tonic arousal state and its effects on performance and pupil indices in adults with high (n = 40) versus low (n = 36) ADHD symptom levels. In an additional condition, a fast ER (700 ms) was accompanied by auditory white noise (WN), to further increase tonic arousal level. The ER manipulation had a clear effect on RT and variability of RT. These effects were more pronounced for the high-ADHD group, especially for variability of RT with decreasing ER, suggestive of deficient upregulation of a tonic arousal state in that group, in line with their self-reported SRDs in daily life. Adding WN to the fast condition led to more errors, however similarly for both groups. Contrary to our predictions, the ER manipulation had no effect on tonic pupil size (as a measure of tonic arousal). Phasic pupil amplitude (as a measure of cognitive effort) linearly increased with decreasing ER, suggesting more effort allocation during slower ERs. WN decreased phasic pupil amplitude, but had no impact on tonic pupil size. Importantly, however, no ADHD-related differences were present for the pupil indices. In conclusion, adults with elevated levels of ADHD symptoms reported more SRDs in daily life and showed a performance pattern that suggests difficulties in upregulating but not downregulating the tonic arousal state. Surprisingly, these findings were not accompanied by group differences in pupillometric indices. This casts some doubts on the relationship between these measures of autonomic nervous system activity and state regulation, in particular in the context of ADHD symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonhard H Drescher
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - C Nico Boehler
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jan R Wiersema
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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11
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Idrees I, Bellato A, Cortese S, Groom MJ. The effects of stimulant and non-stimulant medications on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning in people with ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 144:104968. [PMID: 36427764 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of stimulant and non-stimulant medications on autonomic functioning in people with ADHD (PROSPERO: CRD42020212439). We searched (9th August 2021) PsycInfo, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library, for randomised and non-randomised studies reporting indices of autonomic activity, (electrodermal, pupillometry and cardiac), pre- and post-medication exposure in people meeting DSM/ICD criteria for ADHD. In the narrative syntheses, we included 5 electrodermal studies, 1 pupillometry study and 57 studies investigating heart rate and blood pressure. In the meta-analyses, 29 studies were included on blood pressure and 32 on heart rate. Administration of stimulants, and to a lesser degree, non-stimulants increased heart rate and blood pressure in people with ADHD. Similarly, an upregulation of arousal, reflected in increased electrodermal activity and pupil diameter was observed following stimulant use. Yet, the methodological diversity of studies presented in this review reinforces the need for more standardised and rigorous research to fully understand the relationship between arousal, medication, and behaviour in ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Idrees
- Academic Unit of Mental Health & Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Alessio Bellato
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Academic Unit of Mental Health & Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK; Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Madeleine J Groom
- Academic Unit of Mental Health & Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Locus Coeruleus Neurons' Firing Pattern Is Regulated by ERG Voltage-Gated K + Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315334. [PMID: 36499661 PMCID: PMC9738708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Locus coeruleus (LC) neurons, with their extensive innervations throughout the brain, control a broad range of physiological processes. Several ion channels have been characterized in LC neurons that control intrinsic membrane properties and excitability. However, ERG (ether-à-go-go-related gene) K+ channels that are particularly important in setting neuronal firing rhythms and automaticity have not as yet been discovered in the LC. Moreover, the neurophysiological and pathophysiological roles of ERG channels in the brain remain unclear despite their expression in several structures. By performing immunohistochemical investigations, we found that ERG-1A, ERG-1B, ERG-2 and ERG-3 are highly expressed in the LC neurons of mice. To examine the functional role of ERG channels, current-clamp recordings were performed on mouse LC neurons in brain slices under visual control. ERG channel blockade by WAY-123,398, a class III anti-arrhythmic agent, increased the spontaneous firing activity and discharge irregularity of LC neurons. Here, we have shown the presence of distinct ERG channel subunits in the LC which play an imperative role in modulating neuronal discharge patterns. Thus, we propose that ERG channels are important players behind the changes in, and/or maintenance of, LC firing patterns that are implicated in the generation of different behaviors and in several disorders.
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Chebolu S, Dayan P, Lloyd K. Vigilance, arousal, and acetylcholine: Optimal control of attention in a simple detection task. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010642. [PMID: 36315594 PMCID: PMC9648841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Paying attention to particular aspects of the world or being more vigilant in general can be interpreted as forms of ‘internal’ action. Such arousal-related choices come with the benefit of increasing the quality and situational appropriateness of information acquisition and processing, but incur potentially expensive energetic and opportunity costs. One implementational route for these choices is widespread ascending neuromodulation, including by acetylcholine (ACh). The key computational question that elective attention poses for sensory processing is when it is worthwhile paying these costs, and this includes consideration of whether sufficient information has yet been collected to justify the higher signal-to-noise ratio afforded by greater attention and, particularly if a change in attentional state is more expensive than its maintenance, when states of heightened attention ought to persist. We offer a partially observable Markov decision-process treatment of optional attention in a detection task, and use it to provide a qualitative model of the results of studies using modern techniques to measure and manipulate ACh in rodents performing a similar task. Paying attention to a stimulus is costly, both in terms of energy and the lost opportunity to pay attention to something else. It is also beneficial, providing more information about its target. Thus, whether and when we pay more or less attention may best be considered as a choice of internal action that responds to this trade-off. Furthermore, measurements and manipulation of the neuromodulator acetylcholine have suggested that it is one of the instruments of attention, providing us with a window onto this choice. Here, we build an abstract model of a task in which an animal must look out for a brief visual stimulus that may or may not occur on each trial. We show that optimal attentional choices in the model depend on many factors, including how likely a signal is to occur across time, the balance between the improvement in information possible by paying greater attention and its increased cost, and whether there are also costs associated with switching between different attentional states. We also show that our model can qualitatively match results from experiments involving acetylcholine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahiti Chebolu
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, International Max Planck Research School, Tübingen, Germany
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune, India
| | - Peter Dayan
- Department for Computational Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kevin Lloyd
- Department for Computational Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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14
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Gut Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: Closing Research Gaps through Female Inclusion in Study Design. WOMEN 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/women2030023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract harbors a densely populated community of microbes that exhibits sexual dimorphism. Dysbiosis of this community has been associated with chronic human disease states ranging from metabolic diseases to neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs). The gut microbiota–gut–brain axis (GMGBA) is a bi-directional pathway that facilitates the interaction of the gut microflora with host physiological functions. Recently, research surrounding the potential roles of the GMGBA in the development of NPDs (e.g., depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)) has increased. However, the role of the GMGBA in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an NPD that affects an estimated 8.4% of children (5.1% of female and 11.5% of male children) and 4% of adults (with a male–female odds ratio of 1.6) in the United States, remains understudied. Herein, we synthesize the current literature regarding the GMGBA, ADHD, and the potentially relevant intersections between the GMGBA and ADHD. Recommendations are presented for pathways of future research into the role(s) of the GMGBA in ADHD etiology and symptomatology. Particular focus is given to the potential for the variable of host sex to act as an outcome modifier of the relationship between the GMGBA and ADHD.
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15
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Vargas-Caballero M, Warming H, Walker R, Holmes C, Cruickshank G, Patel B. Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Potential Therapy in Early Alzheimer's Disease: A Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:866434. [PMID: 35572001 PMCID: PMC9098960 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.866434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by disturbances in neuronal circuits of the brain underpinned by synapse loss, neuronal dysfunction and neuronal death. Amyloid beta and tau protein cause these pathological changes and enhance neuroinflammation, which in turn modifies disease progression and severity. Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), via activation of the locus coeruleus (LC), results in the release of catecholamines in the hippocampus and neocortex, which can enhance synaptic plasticity and reduce inflammatory signalling. Vagal nerve stimulation has shown promise to enhance cognitive ability in animal models. Research in rodents has shown that VNS can have positive effects on basal synaptic function and synaptic plasticity, tune inflammatory signalling, and limit the accumulation of amyloid plaques. Research in humans with invasive and non-invasive VNS devices has shown promise for the modulation of cognition. However, the direct stimulation of the vagus nerve afforded with the invasive procedure carries surgical risks. In contrast, non-invasive VNS has the potential to be a broadly available therapy to manage cognitive symptoms in early AD, however, the magnitude and specificity of its effects remains to be elucidated, and the non-inferiority of the effects of non-invasive VNS as compared with invasive VNS still needs to be established. Ongoing clinical trials with healthy individuals and patients with early AD will provide valuable information to clarify the potential benefits of non-invasive VNS in cognition and AD. Whether invasive or non-invasive VNS can produce a significant improvement on memory function and whether its effects can modify the progression of AD will require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah Warming
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Walker
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Clive Holmes
- Memory Assessment and Research Centre, Southern Health Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Garth Cruickshank
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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16
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David M, Malhotra PA. New approaches for the quantification and targeting of noradrenergic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:582-596. [PMID: 35293158 PMCID: PMC8994981 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is clear, early noradrenergic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. This is likely secondary to pathological tau deposition in the locus coeruleus, the pontine nucleus that produces and releases noradrenaline, prior to involvement of cortical brain regions. Disruption of noradrenergic pathways affects cognition, especially attention, impacting memory and broader functioning. Additionally, it leads to autonomic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Despite the strong evidence of noradrenergic involvement in Alzheimer's, there are no clear trial data supporting the clinical use of any noradrenergic treatments. Several approaches have been tried, including proof-of-principle studies and (mostly small scale) randomised controlled trials. Treatments have included pharmacotherapies as well as stimulation. The lack of clear positive findings is likely secondary to limitations in gauging locus coeruleus integrity and dysfunction at an individual level. However, the recent development of several novel biomarkers holds potential and should allow quantification of dysfunction. This may then inform inclusion criteria and stratification for future trials. Imaging approaches have improved greatly following the development of neuromelanin-sensitive sequences, enabling the use of structural MRI to estimate locus coeruleus integrity. Additionally, functional MRI scanning has the potential to quantify network dysfunction. As well as neuroimaging, EEG, fluid biomarkers and pupillometry techniques may prove useful in assessing noradrenergic tone. Here, we review the development of these biomarkers and how they might augment clinical studies, particularly randomised trials, through identification of patients most likely to benefit from treatment. We outline the biomarkers with most potential, and how they may transform symptomatic therapy for people living with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael David
- Imperial College London and the University of SurreyUK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology CentreSir Michael Uren Hub, 86 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
- Imperial College London, Brain SciencesSouth KensingtonLondonSW7 2AZUK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Clinical NeurosciencesCharing Cross HospitalLondonW2 1NYUK
| | - Paresh A. Malhotra
- Imperial College London and the University of SurreyUK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology CentreSir Michael Uren Hub, 86 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
- Imperial College London, Brain SciencesSouth KensingtonLondonSW7 2AZUK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Clinical NeurosciencesCharing Cross HospitalLondonW2 1NYUK
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17
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Zsidó AN, Stecina DT, Hout MC. Task demands determine whether shape or arousal of a stimulus modulates competition for visual working memory resources. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 224:103523. [PMID: 35121345 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been posited (Öhman, 1986) that the processing of threatening stimuli became prioritized during the course of mammalian evolution and that such objects may still enjoy an advantage in visual processing to this day. It has been well-documented that both mid-level visual features (i.e., conjunctions of low-level features) and the arousal level of threatening stimuli affect attentional allocation (Cisler & Koster, 2010; Wolfe & Horowitz, 2004). Despite this, few studies have investigated the effect these factors have on visual working memory resources. Here, we investigated these factors using a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) paradigm, and by manipulating mid-level features (specifically, shape: similar vs. dissimilar) and the arousal level (non-threatening vs threatening) of the stimuli. Participants watched an RSVP stream in preparation for an upcoming memory test. Then, they completed a two-alternative forced-choice recognition memory test (with semantically matched foils) wherein they had to identify which item they had seen in the RSVP stream. Our results showed that when shape was a sufficient feature to discriminate the target from the other items in the stream, there was no effect of arousal (i.e., threat level) on reaction time or accuracy during the memory test. However, when the shapes of all the stimuli in the visual stream were highly similar, an effect of arousal appeared: When the target had a different arousal level than the background items (i.e., non-targets), performance was improved. Together, the results suggest that both mid-level visual features and arousal level can modulate competition for visual working memory resources.
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18
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Um YH, Wang SM, Kang DW, Kim NY, Lim HK. Subcortical and Cerebellar Neural Correlates of Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease with Prolonged Sleep Latency. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 86:565-578. [PMID: 35068468 PMCID: PMC9028620 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Despite the important associations among sleep, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), subcortical structures, and the cerebellum, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with regard to these regions and sleep on patients in AD trajectory are scarce. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of prolonged sleep latency on the structural and functional alterations in the subcortical and cerebellar neural correlates in amyloid-β positive amnestic mild cognitive impairment patients (Aβ+aMCI). Methods: A total of 60 patients with aMCI who were identified as amyloid positive ([18F] flutemetamol+) were recruited in the study, 24 patients with normal sleep latency (aMCI-n) and 36 patients prolonged sleep latency (aMCI-p). Cortical thickness and volumes between the two groups were compared. Volumetric analyses were implemented on the brainstem, thalamus, and hippocampus. Subcortical and cerebellar resting state functional connectivity (FC) differences were measured between the both groups through seed-to-voxel analysis. Additionally, group x Aβ interactive effects on FC values were tested with a general linear model. Result: There was a significantly decreased brainstem volume in aMCI-p subjects. We observed a significant reduction of the locus coeruleus (LC) FC with frontal, temporal, insular cortices, hippocampus, and left thalamic FC with occipital cortex. Moreover, the LC FC with occipital cortex and left hippocampal FC with frontal cortex were increased in aMCI-p subjects. In addition, there was a statistically significant group by regional standardized uptake value ratio interactions discovered in cerebro-cerebellar networks. Conclusion: The aforementioned findings suggest that prolonged sleep latency may be a detrimental factor in compromising structural and functional correlates of subcortical structures and the cerebellum, which may accelerate AD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo Hyun Um
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sheng-Min Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Woo Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nak-Young Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Keyo Hospital, Keyo Medical Foundation, Uiwang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kook Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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19
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Knauth K, Peters J. Trial-wise exposure to visual emotional cues increases physiological arousal but not temporal discounting. Psychophysiology 2022; 59:e13996. [PMID: 35037293 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Humans and many animals devalue future rewards as a function of time (temporal discounting). Increased discounting has been linked to various psychiatric conditions, including substance-use-disorders, behavioral addictions, and obesity. Despite its high intra-individual stability, temporal discounting is partly under contextual control. One prominent manipulation that has been linked to increases in discounting is the exposure to highly arousing appetitive cues. However, results from trial-wise cue exposure studies appear highly mixed, and changes in physiological arousal were not adequately controlled. Here we tested the effects of appetitive (erotic), aversive, and neutral visual cues on temporal discounting in 35 healthy male participants. The contribution of single-trial physiological arousal was assessed using comprehensive monitoring of autonomic activity (pupil size, heart rate, electrodermal activity). Physiological arousal was elevated following aversive and in particular erotic cues. In contrast to our pre-registered hypothesis, steepness of temporal discounting was not significantly affected by emotional cues of either valence. Aversive cues tended to increase decision noise. Computational modeling revealed that trial-wise arousal only accounted for minor variance over and above aversive and erotic condition effects, arguing against a general effect of physiological arousal on temporal discounting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Knauth
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Peters
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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20
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Yu S, Mückschel M, Rempel S, Ziemssen T, Beste C. Time-on-task effects on working memory gating processes—A role of theta synchronization and the norepinephrine system. Cereb Cortex Commun 2022; 3:tgac001. [PMID: 35098128 PMCID: PMC8794645 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Performance impairment as an effect of prolonged engagement in a specific task is commonly observed. Although this is a well-known effect in everyday life, little is known about how this affects central cognitive functions such as working memory (WM) processes. In the current study, we ask how time-on-task affects WM gating processes and thus processes regulating WM maintenance and updating. To this end, we combined electroencephalography methods and recordings of the pupil diameter as an indirect of the norepinephrine (NE) system activity. Our results showed that only WM gate opening but not closing processes showed time-on-task effects. On the neurophysiological level, this was associated with modulation of dorsolateral prefrontal theta band synchronization processes, which vanished with time-on-task during WM gate opening. Interestingly, also the modulatory pattern of the NE system, as inferred using pupil diameter data, changed. At the beginning, a strong correlation of pupil diameter data and theta band synchronization processes during WM gate opening is observed. This modulatory effect vanished at the end of the experiment. The results show that time-on-task has very specific effects on WM gate opening and closing processes and suggests an important role of NE system in the time-on-task effect on WM gate opening process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing Yu
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden 01309
- Faculty of Medicine, University Neuropsychology Centre, TU Dresden 01309
| | - Moritz Mückschel
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden 01309
- Faculty of Medicine, University Neuropsychology Centre, TU Dresden 01309
| | - Sarah Rempel
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden 01309
- Faculty of Medicine, University Neuropsychology Centre, TU Dresden 01309
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, MS Centre, TU Dresden 01309
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden 01309
- Faculty of Medicine, University Neuropsychology Centre, TU Dresden 01309
- Address correspondence to Christian Beste, Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Schubertstrasse 42, D01309 Dresden, Germany.
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21
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Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Fear and Anxiety in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND BRAIN SCIENCE 2022; 7. [PMID: 36303861 PMCID: PMC9600938 DOI: 10.20900/jpbs.20220007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders affect a large percentage of individuals who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In children with ASD, excessive anxiety is also linked to gastrointestinal problems, self-injurious behaviors, and depressive symptoms. Exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapies are effective treatments for anxiety disorders in children with ASD, but high relapse rates indicate the need for additional treatment strategies. This perspective discusses evidence from preclinical research, which indicates that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with exposure to fear-provoking stimuli and situations could offer benefits as an adjuvant treatment for anxiety disorders that coexist with ASD. Vagus nerve stimulation is approved for use in the treatment of epilepsy, depression, and more recently as an adjuvant in rehabilitative training following stroke. In preclinical models, VNS shows promise in simultaneously enhancing consolidation of extinction memories and reducing anxiety. In this review, we will present potential mechanisms by which VNS could treat fear and anxiety in ASD. We also discuss potential uses of VNS to treat depression and epilepsy in the context of ASD, and noninvasive methods to stimulate the vagus nerve.
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22
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Lerman I, Klaming R, Spadoni A, Baker DG, Simmons AN. Non-invasive cervical vagus nerve stimulation effects on reaction time and valence image anticipation response. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:946-956. [PMID: 35738468 PMCID: PMC9721369 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norepinephrine (NE) driven noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS), which improves attention and reduces reaction time, augments learning. Equally important, endogenous NE mediated arousal is highly dependent on the valence (positive or negative) of the exogenous stimulus. But to date, no study has measured valence specific effects of nVNS on both functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) anticipation task response and reaction time in healthy individuals. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to assess whether nVNS vs sham modulates valence cortical anticipation task response and reaction time in a normative sample. METHODS Participants received right sided transcutaneous cervical nVNS (N = 12) or sham (N = 12) stimulation during a 3T fMRI scan. Subjects first performed a continuous performance task (CPT) and then a cued anticipation task to images of positively and negatively valenced events during fMRI. Reaction times to cues and Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response were examined over phase to identify effects of nVNS/sham over time. RESULTS nVNS reduced reaction time for all valenced image anticipation trials. With the fMRI anticipation task, we observed a valence-specific effect; nVNS increased responsivity to images with negative valence and decreased responsivity to images with positive valence, whereas sham showed an inverse valence response. CONCLUSIONS nVNS was linked to reduced reaction time during the anticipation task. In tandem, nVNS consistently enhanced responsivity to negatively valenced images and diminished responsivity to positively valenced images, suggesting specific nVNS driven endogenous neurotransmitter signaling may contribute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imanuel Lerman
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | - Ruth Klaming
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Andrea Spadoni
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Dewleen G Baker
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Alan N Simmons
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
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23
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Hansen N, Rediske AI. The Locus Coeruleus Noradrenaline System in Delirium. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:784356. [PMID: 34955815 PMCID: PMC8692941 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.784356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Delirium is a brain state involving severe brain dysfunction affecting cognitive and attentional capacities. Our opinion statement review aims to elucidate the relationship between abnormal arousal and locus coeruleus (LC) activity in cognitive dysfunction and inattention in delirium states. We propose (1) that enhanced noradrenaline release caused by altered arousal in hyperactive delirium states leads to increased noradrenergic transmission within the LC and subcortical and cortical brain regions including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, thus affecting how attention and cognition function. In hypoactive delirium states, however, we are presuming (2) that less arousal will cause the release of noradrenaline to diminish in the LC, followed by reduced noradrenergic transmission in cortical and subcortical brain areas concentrated within the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, leading to deficient attention and cognitive processing. Studies addressing the measurement of noradrenaline and its derivatives in biomaterial probes regarding delirium are also covered in this article. In conclusion, the LC-NA system plays a crucial role in generating delirium. Yet there have been no large-scale studies investigating biomarkers of noradrenaline to help us draw conclusions for improving delirium's diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and to better understand its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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24
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Zsidó AN, Stecina DT, Cseh R, Hout MC. The effects of task-irrelevant threatening stimuli on orienting- and executive attentional processes under cognitive load. Br J Psychol 2021; 113:412-433. [PMID: 34773254 PMCID: PMC9299041 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human visual attention is biased to rapidly detect threats in the environment so that our nervous system can initiate quick reactions. The processes underlying threat detection (and how they operate under cognitive load), however, are still poorly understood. Thus, we sought to test the impact of task‐irrelevant threatening stimuli on the salience network and executive control of attention during low and high cognitive load. Participants were exposed to neutral or threatening pictures (with moderate and high arousal levels) as task‐irrelevant distractors in near (parafoveal) and far (peripheral) positions while searching for numbers in ascending order in a matrix array. We measured reaction times and recorded eye‐movements. Our results showed that task‐irrelevant distractors primarily influenced behavioural measures during high cognitive load. The distracting effect of threatening images with moderate arousal level slowed reaction times for finding the first number. However, this slowing was offset by high arousal threatening stimuli, leading to overall shorter search times. Eye‐tracking measures showed that participants fixated threatening pictures more later and for shorter durations compared to neutral images. Together, our results indicate a complex relationship between threats and attention that results not in a unitary bias but in a sequence of effects that unfold over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras N Zsidó
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Hungary
| | | | - Rebecca Cseh
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Michael C Hout
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA.,National Science Foundation, Virginia, Alexandria, USA
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25
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Bellato A, Arora I, Kochhar P, Ropar D, Hollis C, Groom MJ. Heart Rate Variability in Children and Adolescents with Autism, ADHD and Co-occurring Autism and ADHD, During Passive and Active Experimental Conditions. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:4679-4691. [PMID: 34716841 PMCID: PMC9556357 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05244-w] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite overlaps in clinical symptomatology, autism and ADHD may be associated with opposite autonomic arousal profiles which might partly explain altered cognitive and global functioning. We investigated autonomic arousal in 106 children/adolescents with autism, ADHD, co-occurring autism/ADHD, and neurotypical controls. Heart rate variability was recorded during resting-state, a 'passive' auditory oddball task and an 'active' response conflict task. Autistic children showed hyper-arousal during the active task, while those with ADHD showed hypo-arousal during resting-state and the passive task. Irrespective of diagnosis, children characterised by hyper-arousal showed more severe autistic symptomatology, increased anxiety and reduced global functioning than those displaying hypo-arousal, suggesting the importance of considering individual autonomic arousal profiles for differential diagnosis of autism/ADHD and when developing personalised interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Bellato
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK
| | - Iti Arora
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK
| | - Puja Kochhar
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK.,Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Temple House, Mill Hill Lane, Derby, DE23 6SA, UK
| | - Danielle Ropar
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Chris Hollis
- Mental Health & Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,NIHR MindTech Medtech Co-operative, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK.,NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK
| | - Madeleine J Groom
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK. .,NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK.
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26
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Matuz A, van der Linden D, Zsidó A, Csathó Á. Visually guided movement with increasing time-on-task: Differential effects on movement preparation and movement execution. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2021; 75:565-582. [PMID: 34507504 DOI: 10.1177/17470218211048001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Top-down cognitive control seems to be sensitive to the detrimental effects of fatigue induced by time-on-task (ToT). The planning and preparation of the motor responses may be especially vulnerable to ToT. Yet, effects of ToT specific to the different phases of movements have received little attention. Therefore, in three experiments, we assessed the effect of ToT on a mouse-pointing task. In Experiment 1, there were 16 possible target positions with variable movement directions. In Experiment 2, the layout of the targets was simplified. In Experiment 3, using cuing conditions, we examined whether the effects of ToT on movement preparation and execution were caused by an increased orientation deficit or decreased phasic alertness. In each experiment, initiation of movement (preparatory phase) became slower, movement execution became faster and overall response time remained constant with increasing ToT. There was, however, no significant within-person association between the preparatory and execution phases. In Experiments 1 and 2, we found a decreasing movement time/movement error ratio, suggesting a more impulsive execution of the pointing movement. In addition, ToT was also accompanied with imprecise movement execution as indicated by the increased errors, mainly in Experiment 2. The results of Experiment 3 indicated that ToT did not induce orientation and phasic alerting deficits but rather was accompanied by decreased tonic alertness.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Matuz
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dimitri van der Linden
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - András Zsidó
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Árpád Csathó
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Hoyer RS, Elshafei H, Hemmerlin J, Bouet R, Bidet-Caulet A. Why Are Children So Distractible? Development of Attention and Motor Control From Childhood to Adulthood. Child Dev 2021; 92:e716-e737. [PMID: 33825204 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Distractibility is the propensity to behaviorally react to irrelevant information. Although children are more distractible the younger they are, the precise contribution of attentional and motor components to distractibility and their developmental trajectories have not been characterized yet. We used a new behavioral paradigm to identify the developmental dynamics of components contributing to distractibility in a large cohort of French participants balanced, between age groups, in gender and socioeconomic status (N = 352; age: 6-25). Results reveal that each measure of these components, namely voluntary attention, distraction, impulsivity, and motor control, present a distinct maturational timeline. In young children, increased distractibility is mostly the result of reduced sustained attention capacities and enhanced distraction, whereas in teenagers, it is the result of decreased motor control and increased impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane S Hoyer
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université de Lyon
| | - Hesham Elshafei
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université de Lyon
| | - Julie Hemmerlin
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université de Lyon
| | - Romain Bouet
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université de Lyon
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Arora I, Bellato A, Ropar D, Hollis C, Groom MJ. Is autonomic function during resting-state atypical in Autism: A systematic review of evidence. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:417-441. [PMID: 33662443 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theories of differences in resting-state arousal in autistic individuals are influential. Differences in arousal during resting-state would impact engagement and adaptation to the environment, having a cascading effect on development of attentional and social skills. OBJECTIVES We systematically evaluated the evidence for differences in measures of autonomic arousal (heart rate, pupillometry or electrodermal activity) during resting-state in autistic individuals; to understand whether certain contextual or methodological factors impact reports of such differences. DATA SOURCES We searched PsycInfo, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for papers published until 16th May 2019. Of 1207 titles initially identified, 60 met inclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Of the 51 studies that investigated group differences between neurotypical and autistic participants, 60.8 % found evidence of group differences. While findings of hyperarousal were more common, particularly using indices of parasympathetic function, findings of hypo-arousal and autonomic dysregulation were also consistently present. Importantly, experimental context played a role in revealing such differences. The evidence is discussed with regard to important methodological factors and implications for future research are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iti Arora
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, United Kingdom.
| | - Alessio Bellato
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, United Kingdom.
| | - Danielle Ropar
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chris Hollis
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, United Kingdom; NIHR MindTech Healthcare Technology Co-operative, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, United Kingdom; NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, United Kingdom.
| | - Madeleine J Groom
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, United Kingdom.
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Ross JA, Van Bockstaele EJ. The Locus Coeruleus- Norepinephrine System in Stress and Arousal: Unraveling Historical, Current, and Future Perspectives. Front Psychiatry 2021; 11:601519. [PMID: 33584368 PMCID: PMC7873441 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.601519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arousal may be understood on a spectrum, with excessive sleepiness, cognitive dysfunction, and inattention on one side, a wakeful state in the middle, and hypervigilance, panic, and psychosis on the other side. However, historically, the concepts of arousal and stress have been challenging to define as measurable experimental variables. Divergent efforts to study these subjects have given rise to several disciplines, including neurobiology, neuroendocrinology, and cognitive neuroscience. We discuss technological advancements that chronologically led to our current understanding of the arousal system, focusing on the multifaceted nucleus locus coeruleus. We share our contemporary perspective and the hypotheses of others in the context of our current technological capabilities and future developments that will be required to move forward in this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Li S, May C, Hannan AJ, Johnson KA, Burrows EL. Assessing attention orienting in mice: a novel touchscreen adaptation of the Posner-style cueing task. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:432-441. [PMID: 33007776 PMCID: PMC7853131 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00873-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Atypical attention orienting has been found to be impaired in many neuropsychological disorders, but the underlying neural mechanism remains unclear. Attention can be oriented exogenously (i.e., driven by salient stimuli) or endogenously (i.e., driven by one's goals or intentions). Genetic mouse models are useful tools to investigate the neurobiology of cognition, but a well-established assessment of attention orienting in mice is missing. This study aimed to adapt the Posner task, a widely used attention orienting task in humans, for use in mice using touchscreen technology and to test the effects of two attention-modulating drugs, methylphenidate (MPH) and atomoxetine (ATX), on the performance of mice during this task. In accordance with human performance, mice responded more quickly and more accurately to validly cued targets compared to invalidly cued targets, thus supporting mice as a valid animal model to study the neural mechanisms of attention orienting. This is the first evidence that mice can be trained to voluntarily maintain their nose-poke on a touchscreen and to complete attention orienting tasks using exogenous peripheral cues and endogenous symbolic cues. The results also showed no significant effects of MPH and ATX on attention orienting, although MPH improved overall response times in mice during the exogenous orienting task. In summary, the current study provides a critical translational task for assessing attention orienting in mice and to investigate the effects of attention-modulating drugs on attention orienting.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Li
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XMelbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - C. May
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - A. J. Hannan
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - K. A. Johnson
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XMelbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - E. L. Burrows
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
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31
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Mapping Large-Scale Networks Associated with Action, Behavioral Inhibition and Impulsivity. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0406-20.2021. [PMID: 33509949 PMCID: PMC7920541 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0406-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A key aspect of behavioral inhibition is the ability to wait before acting. Failures in this form of inhibition result in impulsivity and are commonly observed in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Prior evidence has implicated medial frontal cortex, motor cortex, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and ventral striatum in various aspects of inhibition. Here, using distributed recordings of brain activity [with local-field potentials (LFPs)] in rodents, we identified oscillatory patterns of activity linked with action and inhibition. Low-frequency (δ) activity within motor and premotor circuits was observed in two distinct networks, the first involved in cued, sensory-based responses and the second more generally in both cued and delayed actions. By contrast, θ activity within prefrontal and premotor regions (medial frontal cortex, OFC, ventral striatum, and premotor cortex) was linked with inhibition. Connectivity at θ frequencies was observed within this network of brain regions. Interestingly, greater connectivity between primary motor cortex (M1) and other motor regions was linked with greater impulsivity, whereas greater connectivity between M1 and inhibitory brain regions (OFC, ventral striatum) was linked with improved inhibition and diminished impulsivity. We observed similar patterns of activity on a parallel task in humans: low-frequency activity in sensorimotor cortex linked with action, θ activity in OFC/ventral prefrontal cortex (PFC) linked with inhibition. Thus, we show that δ and θ oscillations form distinct large-scale networks associated with action and inhibition, respectively.
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32
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Inserra A, De Gregorio D, Gobbi G. Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 73:202-277. [PMID: 33328244 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests safety and efficacy of psychedelic compounds as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. Ketamine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in a new class of antidepressants, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is undergoing phase III clinical trials for post-traumatic stress disorder. Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are being investigated in several phase II and phase I clinical trials. Hence, the concept of psychedelics as therapeutics may be incorporated into modern society. Here, we discuss the main known neurobiological therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics, which are thought to be mediated by the effects of these compounds on the serotonergic (via 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors) and glutamatergic [via N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors] systems. We focus on 1) neuroplasticity mediated by the modulation of mammalian target of rapamycin-, brain-derived neurotrophic factor-, and early growth response-related pathways; 2) immunomodulation via effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, nuclear factor ĸB, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1, 6, and 10 production and release; and 3) modulation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and norepinephrinergic receptors, transporters, and turnover systems. We discuss arising concerns and ways to assess potential neurobiological changes, dependence, and immunosuppression. Although larger cohorts are required to corroborate preliminary findings, the results obtained so far are promising and represent a critical opportunity for improvement of pharmacotherapies in psychiatry, an area that has seen limited therapeutic advancement in the last 20 years. Studies are underway that are trying to decouple the psychedelic effects from the therapeutic effects of these compounds. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Psychedelic compounds are emerging as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. However, understanding of molecular mechanisms mediating improvement remains limited. This paper reviews the available evidence concerning the effects of psychedelic compounds on pathways that modulate neuroplasticity, immunity, and neurotransmitter systems. This work aims to be a reference for psychiatrists who may soon be faced with the possibility of prescribing psychedelic compounds as medications, helping them assess which compound(s) and regimen could be most useful for decreasing specific psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Mahmoodkhani M, Amini M, Derafshpour L, Ghasemi M, Mehranfard N. Negative relationship between brain α 1A-AR neurotransmission and βArr2 levels in anxious adolescent rats subjected to early life stress. Exp Brain Res 2020; 238:2833-2844. [PMID: 33025031 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05937-1] [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: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Early-life stress is correlated with the development of anxiety-related behavior in adolescence, but underlying mechanisms remain poorly known. The α1A-adrenergic receptor (AR) is linked to mood regulation and its function is assumed to be regulated by β-arrestins (βArrs) via desensitization and downregulation. Here, we investigated correlation between changes in α1A-AR and βArr2 levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus of adolescent and adult male rats subjected to maternal separation (MS) and their relationship with anxiety-like behavior in adolescence. MS was performed 3 h per day from postnatal days 2-11 and anxiety-like behavior was evaluated in the elevated plus-maze and open field tests. The protein levels were examined using western blot assay. MS decreased α1A-AR expression and increased βArr2 expression in both brain regions of adolescent rats, while induced reverse changes in adulthood. MS adolescent rats demonstrated higher anxiety-type behavior and lower activity in behavioral tests than controls. Decreased α1A-AR levels in MS adolescence strongly correlated with reduced time spent in the open field central area, consistent with increased anxiety-like behavior. An anxiety-like phenotype was mimicked by acute and chronic treatment of developing rats with prazosin, an α1A-AR antagonist, suggesting α1A-AR downregulation may facilitate anxiety behavior in MS adolescent rats. Together, our results indicate a negative correlation between α1A-AR neurotransmission and βArr2 levels in both adults and anxious-adolescent rats and suggest that increased βArr2 levels may contribute to posttranslational regulation of α1A-AR and modulation of anxiety-like behavior in adolescent rats. This may provide a path to develop more effective anxiolytic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mahmoodkhani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amini
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Leila Derafshpour
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Maedeh Ghasemi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nasrin Mehranfard
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Brain potentials reveal reduced attention and error-processing during a monetary Go/No-Go task in procrastination. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19678. [PMID: 33184299 PMCID: PMC7661523 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75311-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Procrastination is a self-regulatory problem of voluntarily and destructively delaying intended and necessary or personally important tasks. Previous studies showed that procrastination is associated with executive dysfunctions that seem to be particularly strong in punishing contexts. In the present event-related potential (ERP) study a monetary version of the parametric Go/No-Go task was performed by high and low academic procrastinators to verify the influence of motivational context (reward vs. punishment expectation) and task difficulty (easy vs. hard) on procrastination-related executive dysfunctions. The results revealed increased post-error slowing along with reduced P300 and error-related negativity (ERN) amplitudes in high (vs. low) procrastination participants—effects that indicate impaired attention and error-related processing in this group. This pattern of results did not differ as a function of task difficulty and motivation condition. However, when the task got more difficult executive attention deficits became even more apparent at the behavioral level in high procrastinators, as indexed by increased reaction time variability. The findings substantiate prior preliminary evidence that procrastinators show difficulties in certain aspects of executive functioning (in attention and error processing) during execution of task-relevant behavior, which may be more apparent in highly demanding situations.
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35
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Bostanciklioğlu M. Unexpected awakenings in severe dementia from case reports to laboratory. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 17:125-136. [PMID: 33064369 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Case report notions of unexpected memory retrieval in patients with severe dementia near to death are starting to alter the central "irreversible" paradigm of dementia and locate dementia as a problem of memory retrieval, not consolidation. We suggest that the most likely central tenet of this paradoxical memory retrieval is the fluctuation of neuromodulators projecting from the brain stem to the medial prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. The neuromodulation-centric explanation of this phenomenon aims to open the "irreversible" paradigm of dementia up for discussion and suggest a plausible treatment strategy by questioning how the devastating process of death fluctuates memory performance in severe dementia. BACKGROUND Supporting demented patients, who are mostly unresponsive, without making demands or asking a question and regarding them as valuable human beings unexpectedly improve their memory performance around the time of death. NEW LUCIDITY HYPOTHESIS Around the time of death, neurological signs (hyper-arousal and -attention) of demented people point out that neurotransmitter discharges are dramatically changed. Relatively resistant neuromodulator circuits to neurodegeneration can maintain optimal levels of arousal and attention for memory processing. In this way, unexpected episodes of lucidity can be triggered. Also, corticotropin-releasing peptides might increase mental clarity by increasing the excitability of the neuromodulator circuits. The science of memory retrieval is more complicated and nuanced than retrieval observations in case reports, but the rapid development of new techniques holds promise for future understanding of lucidity in severe dementia. MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR THE MODEL There is no an animal or human model to test this hypothesis; however, the similarities between neurological signs (instantaneous cognitive fluctuations) of delirium and paradoxical lucidity could provide a unique window to understand neural events of terminal lucidity on a modified animal model of delirium. Likewise, similarities between unexpected consciousness signs of terminal lucidity and lucid dreaming suggest that lucid dreaming episodes might be considered a human model for terminal lucidity research.
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Mäki-Marttunen V, Andreassen OA, Espeseth T. The role of norepinephrine in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:298-314. [PMID: 32768486 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence have suggested for decades a role for norepinephrine (NE) in the pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia. Recent experimental findings reveal anatomical and physiological properties of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system and its involvement in brain function and cognition. Here, we integrate these two lines of evidence. First, we review the functional and structural properties of the LC-NE system and its impact on functional brain networks, cognition, and stress, with special emphasis on recent experimental and theoretical advances. Subsequently, we present an update about the role of LC-associated functions for the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, focusing on the cognitive and motivational deficits. We propose that schizophrenia phenomenology, in particular cognitive symptoms, may be explained by an abnormal interaction between genetic susceptibility and stress-initiated LC-NE dysfunction. This in turn, leads to imbalance between LC activity modes, dysfunctional regulation of brain network integration and neural gain, and deficits in cognitive functions. Finally, we suggest how recent development of experimental approaches can be used to characterize LC function in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- CoE NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Building 49, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Espeseth
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Postboks 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway; Bjørknes College, Lovisenberggata 13, 0456 Oslo, Norway
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Morris LS, McCall JG, Charney DS, Murrough JW. The role of the locus coeruleus in the generation of pathological anxiety. Brain Neurosci Adv 2020; 4:2398212820930321. [PMID: 32954002 PMCID: PMC7479871 DOI: 10.1177/2398212820930321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to synthesise a large pre-clinical and clinical
literature related to a hypothesised role of the locus coeruleus
norepinephrine system in responses to acute and chronic threat, as
well as the emergence of pathological anxiety. The locus coeruleus has
widespread norepinephrine projections throughout the central nervous
system, which act to globally modulate arousal states and adaptive
behavior, crucially positioned to play a significant role in
modulating both ascending visceral and descending cortical
neurocognitive information. In response to threat or a stressor, the
locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system globally modulates arousal,
alerting and orienting functions and can have a powerful effect on the
regulation of multiple memory systems. Chronic stress leads to
amplification of locus coeruleus reactivity to subsequent stressors,
which is coupled with the emergence of pathological anxiety-like
behaviors in rodents. While direct in vivo evidence for locus
coeruleus dysfunction in humans with pathological anxiety remains
limited, recent advances in high-resolution 7-T magnetic resonance
imaging and computational modeling approaches are starting to provide
new insights into locus coeruleus characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel S Morris
- The Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jordan G McCall
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dennis S Charney
- Dean's Office, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James W Murrough
- The Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Atmore KH, Stein DJ, Harvey BH, Russell VA, Howells FM. Differential effects of social isolation rearing on glutamate- and GABA-stimulated noradrenaline release in the rat prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 36:111-120. [PMID: 32553548 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Social isolation rearing (SIR) provides an excellent model of early life adversity to investigate alterations in brain function. Few studies have investigated the effects of SIR on noradrenaline (NE) projections which arise from the locus coeruleus (LC), a system which regulates arousal and attentional processes, including the processing of novelty. In addition, there is a paucity of information on the effects of SIR in females. In this study we investigated the behavioural response to attentional processing of novelty and glutamate- and GABA-stimulated release of noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HC) of male and female rats. Sprague Dawley pups were reared in isolated or socialised housing conditions from weaning on postnatal day 21 (P21). At P78-83 animal behaviour was recorded from the three phases of the novel object recognition (NOR) task. Then at P90-94, NE release was measured in the PFC and HC after stimulating the tissue in vitro with either glutamate or GABA. Behaviourally SIR decreased novelty-related behaviour, male isolates showed effects of SIR during the NOR Test phase while female isolates showed effects of SIR during the Habituation phase. SIR PFC NE release was decreased when glutamate stimulation followed GABA stimulation and tended to increase when GABA stimulation followed glutamate stimulation, differences were predominantly due to male isolates. No SIR differences were found for HC. Early life adversity differentially affects the function of the LCNE system in males and females, evidenced by changes in attentional processing of novelty and stimulated noradrenaline release in the PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie H Atmore
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; SU/UCT MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian H Harvey
- SU/UCT MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Vivienne A Russell
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Fleur M Howells
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
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Sanchis C, Blasco E, Luna FG, Lupiáñez J. Effects of caffeine intake and exercise intensity on executive and arousal vigilance. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8393. [PMID: 32439849 PMCID: PMC7242431 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65197-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During physical efforts and sport practice, vigilance is responsible for maintaining an optimal state of activation, guaranteeing the ability to quickly respond and detect unexpected, but critical, stimuli over time. Caffeine and physical exercise are able to modulate the activation state, affecting vigilance performance. The aim of the present work was to assess the specific effects and modulations of caffeine intake and two physical intensities on vigilance components. Participants performed an attentional task (ANTI-Vea) to measure the executive and arousal components of vigilance, in six double-blinded counterbalanced sessions combining caffeine, placebo, or no-ingestion, with light vs. moderate cyclergometer exercise. Exercise at moderate intensity improved executive vigilance with faster overall reaction time (RT), without impairing error rates. Instead, caffeine intake generally improved arousal vigilance. In conclusion, caffeine and acute exercise seems to moderate executive and arousal vigilance in different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Sanchis
- Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia, 46001, Spain.
| | - Esther Blasco
- Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia, 46001, Spain
| | - Fernando G Luna
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIPsi, CONICET-UNC), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Lupiáñez
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.
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Maric V, Ramanathan D, Mishra J. Respiratory regulation & interactions with neuro-cognitive circuitry. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:95-106. [PMID: 32027875 PMCID: PMC10092293 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
It is increasingly being recognized that active control of breathing - a key aspect of ancient Vedic meditative practices, can relieve stress and anxiety and improve cognition. However, the underlying mechanisms of respiratory modulation of neurophysiology are just beginning to be elucidated. Research shows that brainstem circuits involved in the motor control of respiration receive input from and can directly modulate activity in subcortical circuits, affecting emotion and arousal. Meanwhile, brain regions involved in the sensory aspects of respiration, such as the olfactory bulb, are like-wise linked with wide-spread brain oscillations; and perturbing olfactory bulb activity can significantly affect both mood and cognition. Thus, via both motor and sensory pathways, there are clear mechanisms by which brain activity is entrained to the respiratory cycle. Here, we review evidence gathered across multiple species demonstrating the links between respiration, entrainment of brain activity and functional relevance for affecting mood and cognition. We also discuss further linkages with cardiac rhythms, and the potential translational implications for biorhythm monitoring and regulation in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojislav Maric
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dhakshin Ramanathan
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Mental Health, VA San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jyoti Mishra
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Morris LS, Tan A, Smith DA, Grehl M, Han-Huang K, Naidich TP, Charney DS, Balchandani P, Kundu P, Murrough JW. Sub-millimeter variation in human locus coeruleus is associated with dimensional measures of psychopathology: An in vivo ultra-high field 7-Tesla MRI study. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 25:102148. [PMID: 32097890 PMCID: PMC7037543 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.102148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We combined ultra-high field 7-Tesla and 0.4 × 0.4 × 0.5 mm quantitative MR imaging with a computational LC localization and segmentation algorithm. LC was delineated in 29 human subjects including subjects with and without an anxiety or stress-related disorder. Patients with an anxiety or stress-related disorder had larger LC compared to controls (Cohen's d = 1.08, p = 0.024). Larger LC was additionally associated with poorer attentional and inhibitory control and higher anxious arousal (FDR-corrected p's<0.025), trans-diagnostically across the full sample.
The locus coeruleus (LC) has a long-established role in the attentional and arousal response to threat, and in the emergence of pathological anxiety in pre-clinical models. However, human evidence of links between LC function and pathological anxiety has been restricted by limitations in discerning LC with current neuroimaging techniques. We combined ultra-high field 7-Tesla and 0.4 × 0.4 × 0.5 mm quantitative MR imaging with a computational LC localization and segmentation algorithm to delineate the LC in 29 human subjects including subjects with and without an anxiety or stress-related disorder. Our automated, data-driven LC segmentation algorithm provided LC delineations that corresponded well with postmortem anatomic definitions of the LC. There was variation of LC size in healthy subjects (125.7 +/- 59.3 mm3), which recapitulates histological reports. Patients with an anxiety or stress-related disorder had larger LC compared to controls (Cohen's d = 1.08, p = 0.024). Larger LC was additionally associated with poorer attentional and inhibitory control and higher anxious arousal (FDR-corrected p's<0.025), trans-diagnostically across the full sample. This study combined high-resolution and quantitative MR with a mixture of supervised and unsupervised computational techniques to provide robust, sub-millimeter measurements of the LC in vivo, which were additionally related to common psychopathology. This work has wide-reaching applications for a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders characterized by expected LC dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel S Morris
- Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai.
| | - Aaron Tan
- Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai
| | - Derek A Smith
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai
| | - Mora Grehl
- Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai
| | - Kuang Han-Huang
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai
| | - Thomas P Naidich
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai; Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai
| | | | - Priti Balchandani
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai
| | - Prantik Kundu
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai
| | - James W Murrough
- Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai.
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Tombor L, Kakuszi B, Papp S, Réthelyi J, Bitter I, Czobor P. Decreased resting gamma activity in adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. World J Biol Psychiatry 2019; 20:691-702. [PMID: 29457912 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2018.1441547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To delineate task-free gamma activity in adult ADHD and healthy control subjects based on high-density EEG recordings. Relationship of gamma activity with symptom severity was also examined, since gamma activity is considered to be an index of network functions in the brain that underlie higher-order cognitive processes.Methods: Spontaneous EEG was recorded in adult ADHD subjects (N = 42; 25 methylphenidate-naïve and 17 on methylphenidate treatment) and controls (N = 59) with eyes open. EEG absolute power gamma was investigated in the gamma1 (30.25-39 Hz) and gamma2 (39.25-48 Hz) frequency bands.Results: Gamma1 and gamma2 activity was diminished in ADHD compared with healthy control subjects. The difference between ADHD and controls was the most pronounced in the right centroparietal region for both gamma1 and gamma2. Inverse associations were found between gamma1 and gamma2 activity and ADHD symptoms in centroparietal scalp regions.Conclusions: Gamma activity is reduced in adult ADHD, and the reduction has a predominantly right centroparietal distribution. Our findings are consistent with childhood ADHD literature with respect to diminished posterior gamma activity in patients, which may reflect altered dorsal attention network functions. Gamma abnormalities might provide a link between neurophysiological functioning and neuropsychological deficiencies, thereby offering an opportunity to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie the clinical symptoms of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Tombor
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Kakuszi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Papp
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Réthelyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Bitter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Czobor
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Neuromodulators and Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity in Learning and Memory: A Steered-Glutamatergic Perspective. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9110300. [PMID: 31683595 PMCID: PMC6896105 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9110300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathways underlying the induction and maintenance of long-term synaptic plasticity have been extensively investigated revealing various mechanisms by which neurons control their synaptic strength. The dynamic nature of neuronal connections combined with plasticity-mediated long-lasting structural and functional alterations provide valuable insights into neuronal encoding processes as molecular substrates of not only learning and memory but potentially other sensory, motor and behavioural functions that reflect previous experience. However, one key element receiving little attention in the study of synaptic plasticity is the role of neuromodulators, which are known to orchestrate neuronal activity on brain-wide, network and synaptic scales. We aim to review current evidence on the mechanisms by which certain modulators, namely dopamine, acetylcholine, noradrenaline and serotonin, control synaptic plasticity induction through corresponding metabotropic receptors in a pathway-specific manner. Lastly, we propose that neuromodulators control plasticity outcomes through steering glutamatergic transmission, thereby gating its induction and maintenance.
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Huang J, Ulke C, Strauss M. Brain arousal regulation and depressive symptomatology in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). BMC Neurosci 2019; 20:43. [PMID: 31429702 PMCID: PMC6701141 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-019-0526-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to evaluate the stability of brain arousal in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) outpatients with and without depressive symptomatology, and its association with depressive symptom severity and absolute electroencephalogram (EEG) power in different frequency bands. METHODS We included 31 outpatient adults (45.16% females), who were diagnosed according to DSM-IV and received no medication. Their arousal stability score (index of the steepness of arousal decline during a 15-min EEG under resting conditions), the absolute EEG power and self-reports, including depressive and ADHD-related symptoms, were analyzed. Participants were split into an unstable and stable arousal group based on the median (= 6) of the arousal stability score. RESULTS ADHD patients in the stable group reported more severe depressive symptoms (p = 0.018) and showed reduced absolute EEG power in the delta (0.002 ≤ p ≤ 0.025) and theta (0.011 ≤ p ≤ 0.034) bands compared to those in the unstable group. There was no correlation between the arousal stability score and self-report-scales concerning ADHD-related symptoms (0.214 ≤ p ≤ 0.989), but a positive association with self-reported depressive severity (p = 0.018) and negative association with powers in the EEG delta and theta bands (0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.033). CONCLUSIONS In view of high comorbidity of depression and ADHD in adult patients, these findings support the assumption that brain arousal regulation could be considered as a helpful marker for the clinical differentiation between ADHD and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Huang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstrasse 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Christine Ulke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstrasse 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Strauss
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstrasse 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Neufang S, Geiger MJ, Homola GA, Mahr M, Schiele MA, Gehrmann A, Schmidt B, Gajewska A, Nowak J, Meisenzahl-Lechner E, Pham M, Romanos M, Akhrif A, Domschke K. Cognitive-behavioral therapy effects on alerting network activity and effective connectivity in panic disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 269:587-598. [PMID: 30288559 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-018-0945-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Given the particular relevance of arousal and alerting in panic disorder (PD), here the alerting network was investigated (1) contrasting patients with PD and healthy controls, (2) as a function of anxiety sensitivity constituting a dimensional measure of panic-related anxiety, and (3) as a possible correlate of treatment response. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), 45 out-patients with PD (f = 34) and 51 matched healthy controls were investigated for brain activation patterns and effective connectivity (Dynamic Causal Modeling, DCM) while performing the Attention Network Task (ANT). Anxiety sensitivity was ascertained by the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI). Forty patients and 48 controls were re-scanned after a 6 weeks cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) or an equivalent waiting time, respectively. In the alerting condition, patients showed decreased activation in fronto-parietal pathways including the middle frontal gyrus and the superior parietal lobule (MFG, SPL). In addition, ASI scores were negatively correlated with connectivity emerging from the SPL, the SFB and the LC and going to the MFG in patients but not in healthy controls. CBT resulted in an increase in middle frontal and parietal activation along with increased connectivity going from the MFG to the SPL. This change in connectivity was positively correlated with reduction in ASI scores. There were no changes in controls. The present findings point to a pathological disintegration of the MFG in a fronto-parietal pathway in the alerting network in PD which was observed to be reversible by a successful CBT intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Neufang
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine University, 40204, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Maximilian J Geiger
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Epilepsy Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - György A Homola
- Institute for Diagnostical and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marina Mahr
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Miriam A Schiele
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Gehrmann
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Schmidt
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Gajewska
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Nowak
- Institute for Diagnostical and Interventional Radiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Eva Meisenzahl-Lechner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine University, 40204, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Mirko Pham
- Institute for Diagnostical and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Romanos
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Atae Akhrif
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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Yakunina N, Tae WS, Kim SS, Nam EC. Functional MRI evidence of the cortico-olivary efferent pathway during active auditory target processing in humans. Hear Res 2019; 379:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Sleigh J, Warnaby CE. Finding the starter motor for the engine of consciousness. Br J Anaesth 2019; 123:259-261. [PMID: 31256917 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Sleigh
- Department of Anaesthesia, Waikato Clinical Campus, University of Auckland, Hamilton, New Zealand.
| | - Catherine E Warnaby
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Sandgren AM, Brummer RJ. ADHD-originating in the gut? The emergence of a new explanatory model. Med Hypotheses 2018; 120:135-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Cudo A, Francuz P, Augustynowicz P, Stróżak P. The Effects of Arousal and Approach Motivated Positive Affect on Cognitive Control. An ERP Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:320. [PMID: 30233339 PMCID: PMC6128242 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of research has demonstrated that affect modulates cognitive control modes such as proactive and reactive control. Several studies have suggested that positive affect decreases proactive control compared to neutral affect. However, these studies only focused on the valence of affect and often omitted two of its components: arousal and approach motivation. Therefore, we designed the present study to test the hypothesis that cognitive control modes would differ as a function of arousal and approach motivated positive affect. In our study, we used an AX-continuous performance task (AX-CPT), commonly used to examine shifts in proactive and reactive control. We also measured P3b, contingent negative variation (CNV), N2 and P3a components of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) as indicators of the use of cognitive control modes. The findings of the present study demonstrated that approach motivated positive affect modified only the P3b and the CNV without effects on the N2 and P3a components. However, arousal induced by pictures modified P3b, CNV and N2 amplitudes. Specifically, the P3b amplitude was larger, and CNV amplitude was less negative in the high than in the low-approach motivated affect. In contrast, the P3b amplitude was larger and both the CNV and N2 amplitudes more negative in low- compared with high-arousal conditions. These ERP results suggest that approach motivated positive affect enhanced proactive control with no effect on reactive control. However, arousal influenced both proactive and reactive control. High arousal decreased proactive control and increased reactive control compared to low arousal. The present study provides novel insights into the relationship between affect, specifically, arousal and approach motivated positive affect and cognitive control modes. In addition, our results help to explain discrepancies found in previous research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Cudo
- The Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Francuz
- The Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Augustynowicz
- The Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Stróżak
- The Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Persistent Stress-Induced Neuroplastic Changes in the Locus Coeruleus/Norepinephrine System. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:1892570. [PMID: 30008741 PMCID: PMC6020552 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1892570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural plasticity plays a critical role in mediating short- and long-term brain responses to environmental stimuli. A major effector of plasticity throughout many regions of the brain is stress. Activation of the locus coeruleus (LC) is a critical step in mediating the neuroendocrine and behavioral limbs of the stress response. During stressor exposure, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis promotes release of corticotropin-releasing factor in LC, where its signaling promotes a number of physiological and cellular changes. While the acute effects of stress on LC physiology have been described, its long-term effects are less clear. This review will describe how stress changes LC neuronal physiology, function, and morphology from a genetic, cellular, and neuronal circuitry/transmission perspective. Specifically, we describe morphological changes of LC neurons in response to stressful stimuli and signal transduction pathways underlying them. Also, we will review changes in excitatory glutamatergic synaptic transmission in LC neurons and possible stress-induced modifications of AMPA receptors. This review will also address stress-related behavioral adaptations and specific noradrenergic receptors responsible for them. Finally, we summarize the results of several human studies which suggest a link between stress, altered LC function, and pathogenesis of posttraumatic stress disorder.
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