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Yang X, Zeng Y, Jiao G, Gan X, Linden D, Hernaus D, Zhu C, Li K, Yao D, Yao S, Jiang Y, Becker B. A brief real-time fNIRS-informed neurofeedback training of the prefrontal cortex changes brain activity and connectivity during subsequent working memory challenge. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110968. [PMID: 38354898 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) represents a building-block of higher cognitive functions and a wide range of mental disorders are associated with WM impairments. Initial studies have shown that several sessions of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) informed real-time neurofeedback (NF) allow healthy individuals to volitionally increase activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a region critically involved in WM. For the translation to therapeutic or neuroenhancement applications, however, it is critical to assess whether fNIRS-NF success transfers into neural and behavioral WM enhancement in the absence of feedback. We therefore combined single-session fNIRS-NF of the left DLPFC with a randomized sham-controlled design (N = 62 participants) and a subsequent WM challenge with concomitant functional MRI. Over four runs of fNIRS-NF, the left DLPFC NF training group demonstrated enhanced neural activity in this region, reflecting successful acquisition of neural self-regulation. During the subsequent WM challenge, we observed no evidence for performance differences between the training and the sham group. Importantly, however, examination of the fMRI data revealed that - compared to the sham group - the training group exhibited significantly increased regional activity in the bilateral DLPFC and decreased left DLPFC - left anterior insula functional connectivity during the WM challenge. Exploratory analyses revealed a negative association between DLPFC activity and WM reaction times in the NF group. Together, these findings indicate that healthy individuals can learn to volitionally increase left DLPFC activity in a single training session and that the training success translates into WM-related neural activation and connectivity changes in the absence of feedback. This renders fNIRS-NF as a promising and scalable WM intervention approach that could be applied to various mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yang
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Yixu Zeng
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojuan Jiao
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianyang Gan
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - David Linden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Hernaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Chaozhe Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Keshuang Li
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dezhong Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxia Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yihan Jiang
- Center for the Cognitive Science of Language, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing, China.
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The University of Hong Kong, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Hong Kong, China; The University of Hong Kong, Department of Psychology, Hong Kong, China.
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Arnsten AFT, Wang M, D’Esposito M. Dynamic Network Connectivity: from monkeys to humans. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1353043. [PMID: 38384333 PMCID: PMC10879414 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1353043] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Human brain imaging research using functional MRI (fMRI) has uncovered flexible variations in the functional connectivity between brain regions. While some of this variability likely arises from the pattern of information flow through circuits, it may also be influenced by rapid changes in effective synaptic strength at the molecular level, a phenomenon called Dynamic Network Connectivity (DNC) discovered in non-human primate circuits. These neuromodulatory molecular mechanisms are found in layer III of the macaque dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), the site of the microcircuits shown by Goldman-Rakic to be critical for working memory. This research has shown that the neuromodulators acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine can rapidly change the strength of synaptic connections in layer III dlPFC by (1) modifying the depolarization state of the post-synaptic density needed for NMDA receptor neurotransmission and (2) altering the open state of nearby potassium channels to rapidly weaken or strengthen synaptic efficacy and the strength of persistent neuronal firing. Many of these actions involve increased cAMP-calcium signaling in dendritic spines, where varying levels can coordinate the arousal state with the cognitive state. The current review examines the hypothesis that some of the dynamic changes in correlative strength between cortical regions observed in human fMRI studies may arise from these molecular underpinnings, as has been seen when pharmacological agents or genetic alterations alter the functional connectivity of the dlPFC consistent with the macaque physiology. These DNC mechanisms provide essential flexibility but may also confer vulnerability to malfunction when dysregulated in cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy F. T. Arnsten
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Mark D’Esposito
- Department of Psychology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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Miskowiak KW, Yalin N, Seeberg I, Burdick KE, Balanzá‐Martínez V, Bonnin CDM, Bowie CR, Carvalho AF, Dols A, Douglas K, Gallagher P, Hasler G, Kessing LV, Lafer B, Lewandowski KE, López‐Jaramillo C, Martinez‐Aran A, McIntyre RS, Porter RJ, Purdon SE, Schaffer A, Sumiyoshi T, Torres IJ, Van Rheenen TE, Yatham LN, Young AH, Vieta E, Stokes PRA. Can magnetic resonance imaging enhance the assessment of potential new treatments for cognitive impairment in mood disorders? A systematic review and position paper by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Targeting Cognition Task Force. Bipolar Disord 2022; 24:615-636. [PMID: 35950925 PMCID: PMC9826389 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing treatments for cognitive impairment is key to improving the functioning of people with mood disorders. Neuroimaging may assist in identifying brain-based efficacy markers. This systematic review and position paper by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Targeting Cognition Task Force examines the evidence from neuroimaging studies of pro-cognitive interventions. METHODS We included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of candidate interventions in people with mood disorders or healthy individuals, following the procedures of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 statement. Searches were conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception to 30th April 2021. Two independent authors reviewed the studies using the National Heart, Lung, Blood Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Controlled Intervention Studies and the quality of neuroimaging methodology assessment checklist. RESULTS We identified 26 studies (N = 702). Six investigated cognitive remediation or pharmacological treatments in mood disorders (N = 190). In healthy individuals, 14 studies investigated pharmacological interventions (N = 319), 2 cognitive training (N = 73) and 4 neuromodulatory treatments (N = 120). Methodologies were mostly rated as 'fair'. 77% of studies investigated effects with task-based fMRI. Findings varied but most consistently involved treatment-associated cognitive control network (CCN) activity increases with cognitive improvements, or CCN activity decreases with no cognitive change, and increased functional connectivity. In mood disorders, treatment-related default mode network suppression occurred. CONCLUSIONS Modulation of CCN and DMN activity is a putative efficacy biomarker. Methodological recommendations are to pre-declare intended analyses and use task-based fMRI, paradigms probing the CCN, longitudinal assessments, mock scanning, and out-of-scanner tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla W. Miskowiak
- Copenhagen Affective disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark,Department of PsychologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Nefize Yalin
- Department of Psychological MedicineInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Ida Seeberg
- Copenhagen Affective disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Katherine E. Burdick
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA,Department of PsychiatryBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Vicent Balanzá‐Martínez
- Teaching Unit of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Valencia, CIBERSAMValenciaSpain
| | - Caterina del Mar Bonnin
- Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital ClinicUniversity of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAMBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Andre F. Carvalho
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre (Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment)Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - Annemieke Dols
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, GGZ in Geest, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdam Public Health research instituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Katie Douglas
- Department of Psychological MedicineUniversity of OtagoChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Peter Gallagher
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
| | - Gregor Hasler
- Psychiatry Research UnitUniversity of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
| | - Lars V. Kessing
- Copenhagen Affective disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark,Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Beny Lafer
- Bipolar Disorder Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Kathryn E. Lewandowski
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA,McLean HospitalSchizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder ProgramBelmontMassachusettsUSA
| | - Carlos López‐Jaramillo
- Research Group in Psychiatry, Department of PsychiatryUniversidad de AntioquiaMedellínColombia
| | - Anabel Martinez‐Aran
- Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital ClinicUniversity of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAMBarcelonaSpain
| | - Roger S. McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Brain and Cognition Discovery FoundationUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Richard J. Porter
- Department of Psychological MedicineUniversity of OtagoChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Scot E. Purdon
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Tomiki Sumiyoshi
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental HealthNational Center of Neurology and PsychiatryTokyoJapan
| | - Ivan J. Torres
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Tamsyn E. Van Rheenen
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of PsychiatryUniversity of MelbourneCarltonAustralia,Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and DesignSwinburne UniversityHawthornAustralia
| | - Lakshmi N. Yatham
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Allan H. Young
- Department of Psychological MedicineInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital ClinicUniversity of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAMBarcelonaSpain
| | - Paul R. A. Stokes
- Department of Psychological MedicineInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondonUK
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Beyond mindfulness: Arousal-driven modulation of attentional control during arousal-based practices. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 3:100053. [PMID: 36246552 PMCID: PMC9559070 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report meditative techniques, which modulate attentional control by arousal-driven influences and not by monitoring continuous thought processes as during mindfulness-related practices. We focus on Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism) practices, during which a sequence of generation (self-visualization as a deity - Yidam) or completion with sign (inner heat -Tummo) stages necessarily precedes non-dual awareness (NDA) Tantric Mahamudra. We compared the electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic correlates of Mahamudra performed after rest (non-Tantric Mahamudra) with Mahamudra performed after Yidam (Tantric Mahamudra) in 16 highly experienced Vajrayana practitioners, 10 of whom also performed Tummo. Both Yidam and Tummo developed the state of PNS withdrawal (arousal) and phasic alertness, as reflected by HF HRV decreases and Alpha2 power increases, later neurophysiologically employed in Tantric Mahamudra. The latter led to the unique state of high cortical excitability, “non-selective” focused attention, and significantly reduced attentional control, quantified by power reductions in all frequency bands, except Theta. In contrast, similar to mindfulness-related practices, non-Tantric Mahamudra was performed in a state of PNS dominance (relaxation), tonic alertness, and active monitoring, as suggested by Alpha1 power increases and less pronounced decreases in other frequency bands. A neurobiological model of meditation is proposed, differentiating arousal-based and mindfulness-related practices. Arousal-based meditations involve the state of PNS withdrawal and phasic alertness. Top-down control during arousal-based practices is modulated by arousal. Mindfulness-based practices involve the state of PNS dominance and tonic alertness. Top-down control during mindfulness-based practices is regulated by monitoring. NDA practices aim at non-selectivity of attention and reduction of top-down control.
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Cools R, Arnsten AFT. Neuromodulation of prefrontal cortex cognitive function in primates: the powerful roles of monoamines and acetylcholine. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:309-328. [PMID: 34312496 PMCID: PMC8617291 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01100-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The primate prefrontal cortex (PFC) subserves our highest order cognitive operations, and yet is tremendously dependent on a precise neurochemical environment for proper functioning. Depletion of noradrenaline and dopamine, or of acetylcholine from the dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC), is as devastating as removing the cortex itself, and serotonergic influences are also critical to proper functioning of the orbital and medial PFC. Most neuromodulators have a narrow inverted U dose response, which coordinates arousal state with cognitive state, and contributes to cognitive deficits with fatigue or uncontrollable stress. Studies in monkeys have revealed the molecular signaling mechanisms that govern the generation and modulation of mental representations by the dlPFC, allowing dynamic regulation of network strength, a process that requires tight regulation to prevent toxic actions, e.g., as occurs with advanced age. Brain imaging studies in humans have observed drug and genotype influences on a range of cognitive tasks and on PFC circuit functional connectivity, e.g., showing that catecholamines stabilize representations in a baseline-dependent manner. Research in monkeys has already led to new treatments for cognitive disorders in humans, encouraging future research in this important field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Cools
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Amy F T Arnsten
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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6
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Mäki-Marttunen V. Pupil-based States of Brain Integration across Cognitive States. Neuroscience 2021; 471:61-71. [PMID: 34303781 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Arousal is a potent mechanism that provides the brain with functional flexibility and adaptability to external conditions. Within the wake state, arousal levels driven by activity in the neuromodulatory systems are related to specific signatures of neural activation and brain synchrony. However, direct evidence is still lacking on the varying effects of arousal on macroscopic brain characteristics and across a variety of cognitive states in humans. Using a concurrent fMRI-pupillometry approach, we used pupil size as a proxy for arousal and obtained patterns of brain integration associated with increasing arousal levels. We carried out this analysis on resting-state data and data from two attentional tasks implicating different cognitive processes. We found that an increasing level of arousal was related to a state of increased brain integration. This effect was prominent in the salience, visual and default-mode networks in all conditions, while other regions showed task-specificity. Increased integration in the salience network was also related to faster pupil dilation in the two attentional tasks. Furthermore, task performance was related to arousal level, with lower accuracy at higher level of arousal. Taken together, our study provides evidence in humans for pupil size as an index of brain network state, and supports the role of arousal as a switch that drives brain coordination in specific brain regions according to the cognitive state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Mäki-Marttunen
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Postboks 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway; Cognitive Psychology Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, Leiden University, Pieter de la Court, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, Netherlands.
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7
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Dipasquale O, Martins D, Sethi A, Veronese M, Hesse S, Rullmann M, Sabri O, Turkheimer F, Harrison NA, Mehta MA, Cercignani M. Unravelling the effects of methylphenidate on the dopaminergic and noradrenergic functional circuits. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1482-1489. [PMID: 32473593 PMCID: PMC7360745 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0724-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be combined with drugs to investigate the system-level functional responses in the brain to such challenges. However, most psychoactive agents act on multiple neurotransmitters, limiting the ability of fMRI to identify functional effects related to actions on discrete pharmacological targets. We recently introduced a multimodal approach, REACT (Receptor-Enriched Analysis of functional Connectivity by Targets), which offers the opportunity to disentangle effects of drugs on different neurotransmitters and clarify the biological mechanisms driving clinical efficacy and side effects of a compound. Here, we focus on methylphenidate (MPH), which binds to the dopamine transporter (DAT) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET), to unravel its effects on dopaminergic and noradrenergic functional circuits in the healthy brain at rest. We then explored the relationship between these target-enriched resting state functional connectivity (FC) maps and inter-individual variability in behavioural responses to a reinforcement-learning task encompassing a novelty manipulation to disentangle the molecular systems underlying specific cognitive/behavioural effects. Our main analysis showed a significant MPH-induced FC increase in sensorimotor areas in the functional circuit associated with DAT. In our exploratory analysis, we found that MPH-induced regional variations in the DAT and NET-enriched FC maps were significantly correlated with some of the inter-individual differences on key behavioural responses associated with the reinforcement-learning task. Our findings show that main MPH-related FC changes at rest can be understood through the distribution of DAT in the brain. Furthermore, they suggest that when compounds have mixed pharmacological profiles, REACT may be able to capture regional functional effects that are underpinned by the same cognitive mechanism but are related to engagement of distinct molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Dipasquale
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Daniel Martins
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Arjun Sethi
- Forensic & Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mattia Veronese
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Swen Hesse
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Rullmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Osama Sabri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Federico Turkheimer
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Neil A Harrison
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mitul A Mehta
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mara Cercignani
- Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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Motivational deficits in schizophrenia relate to abnormalities in cortical learning rate signals. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2019; 18:1338-1351. [PMID: 30276616 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-018-0643-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Individuals from across the psychosis spectrum display impairments in reinforcement learning. In some individuals, these deficits may result from aberrations in reward prediction error (RPE) signaling, conveyed by dopaminergic projections to the ventral striatum (VS). However, there is mounting evidence that VS RPE signals are relatively intact in medicated people with schizophrenia (PSZ). We hypothesized that, in PSZ, reinforcement learning deficits often are not related to RPE signaling per se but rather their impact on learning and behavior (i.e., learning rate modulation), due to dysfunction in anterior cingulate and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). Twenty-six PSZ and 23 healthy volunteers completed a probabilistic reinforcement learning paradigm with occasional, sudden, shifts in contingencies. Using computational modeling, we found evidence of an impairment in trial-wise learning rate modulation (α) in PSZ before and after a reinforcement contingency shift, expressed most in PSZ with more severe motivational deficits. In a subsample of 22 PSZ and 22 healthy volunteers, we found little evidence for between-group differences in VS RPE and dmPFC learning rate signals, as measured with fMRI. However, a follow-up psychophysiological interaction analysis revealed decreased dmPFC-VS connectivity concurrent with learning rate modulation, most prominently in individuals with the most severe motivational deficits. These findings point to an impairment in learning rate modulation in PSZ, leading to a reduced ability to adjust task behavior in response to unexpected outcomes. At the level of the brain, learning rate modulation deficits may be associated with decreased involvement of the dmPFC within a greater RL network.
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9
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Cools R. Chemistry of the Adaptive Mind: Lessons from Dopamine. Neuron 2019; 104:113-131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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10
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van Ruitenbeek P, Hernaus D, Mehta MA. A proof-of-principle study of the effect of combined haloperidol and levodopa administration on working memory-related brain activation in humans. Hum Psychopharmacol 2018; 33:e2675. [PMID: 30306671 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive deficits including impaired working memory are a hallmark feature of schizophrenia. Dopamine D1 receptor modulated changes in prefrontal cortex function play a potentially important role in the pathology underlying such deficits. However, pharmacological interventions that selectively engage the D1 receptor are severely restricted for research in humans. The present study is a proof-of-principle for enhancing cognitive performance and associated brain activation via indirect D1 stimulation, operationalised by combining the nonselective dopamine agonist L-dopa with the D2-antagonist haloperidol. METHODS Fourteen healthy volunteers received placebo or combined carbidopa (25 mg)/L-dopa (100 mg) plus haloperidol (2 mg) orally on two separate occasions according to a within-subjects crossover design. Drug-induced differences in brain activity were assessed during an N-back working memory task in a 3T magnetic resonance imaging environment. RESULTS Drug treatment was associated with greater functional connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and areas within the salience network during all N-back trials. Drug treatment was also associated with reduced activation, most prominently in the occipital/temporal brain areas during 2-back performance. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study provides initial evidence for combined L-dopa/haloperidol modulation in cognition-related brain areas and networks, which is relevant for the treatment of cognitive impairments in mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter van Ruitenbeek
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Hernaus
- Department of Psychiatry; Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mitul Ashok Mehta
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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11
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Shine JM, van den Brink RL, Hernaus D, Nieuwenhuis S, Poldrack RA. Catecholaminergic manipulation alters dynamic network topology across cognitive states. Netw Neurosci 2018; 2:381-396. [PMID: 30294705 PMCID: PMC6145851 DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain is able to flexibly adapt its information processing capacity to meet a variety of cognitive challenges. Recent evidence suggests that this flexibility is reflected in the dynamic reorganization of the functional connectome. The ascending catecholaminergic arousal systems of the brain are a plausible candidate mechanism for driving alterations in network architecture, enabling efficient deployment of cognitive resources when the environment demands them. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing both resting-state and task-based fMRI data following the administration of atomoxetine, a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, compared with placebo, in two separate human fMRI studies. Our results demonstrate that the manipulation of central catecholamine levels leads to a reorganization of the functional connectome in a manner that is sensitive to ongoing cognitive demands. There is emerging evidence that the flexible network structure of the brain is related to activity within the ascending arousal systems of the brain, such as the noradrenergic locus coeruleus. Here, we explored the role of catecholaminergic activity on network architecture by analyzing the graph structure of the brain measured using functional MRI following the administration of atomoxetine, a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. We estimated functional network topology in two double-blind, placebo-controlled datasets: one from the resting state and another from a parametric N-back task. Our results demonstrate that the nature of catecholaminergic network reconfiguration is differentially related to cognitive state and provide confirmatory evidence for the hypothesis that the functional network signature of the brain is sensitive to the ascending catecholaminergic arousal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Shine
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Dennis Hernaus
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, MD, USA
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Amplification and Suppression of Distinct Brainwide Activity Patterns by Catecholamines. J Neurosci 2018; 38:7476-7491. [PMID: 30037827 PMCID: PMC6104304 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0514-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The widely projecting catecholaminergic (norepinephrine and dopamine) neurotransmitter systems profoundly shape the state of neuronal networks in the forebrain. Current models posit that the effects of catecholaminergic modulation on network dynamics are homogeneous across the brain. However, the brain is equipped with a variety of catecholamine receptors with distinct functional effects and heterogeneous density across brain regions. Consequently, catecholaminergic effects on brainwide network dynamics might be more spatially specific than assumed. We tested this idea through the analysis of fMRI measurements performed in humans (19 females, 5 males) at “rest” under pharmacological (atomoxetine-induced) elevation of catecholamine levels. We used a linear decomposition technique to identify spatial patterns of correlated fMRI signal fluctuations that were either increased or decreased by atomoxetine. This yielded two distinct spatial patterns, each expressing reliable and specific drug effects. The spatial structure of both fluctuation patterns resembled the spatial distribution of the expression of catecholamine receptor genes: α1 norepinephrine receptors (for the fluctuation pattern: placebo > atomoxetine), D2-like dopamine receptors (pattern: atomoxetine > placebo), and β norepinephrine receptors (for both patterns, with correlations of opposite sign). We conclude that catecholaminergic effects on the forebrain are spatially more structured than traditionally assumed and at least in part explained by the heterogeneous distribution of various catecholamine receptors. Our findings link catecholaminergic effects on large-scale brain networks to low-level characteristics of the underlying neurotransmitter systems. They also provide key constraints for the development of realistic models of neuromodulatory effects on large-scale brain network dynamics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine are an important class of modulatory neurotransmitters. Because of the widespread and diffuse release of these neuromodulators, it has commonly been assumed that their effects on neural interactions are homogeneous across the brain. Here, we present results from the human brain that challenge this view. We pharmacologically increased catecholamine levels and imaged the effects on the spontaneous covariations between brainwide fMRI signals at “rest.” We identified two distinct spatial patterns of covariations: one that was amplified and another that was suppressed by catecholamines. Each pattern was associated with the heterogeneous spatial distribution of the expression of distinct catecholamine receptor genes. Our results provide novel insights into the catecholaminergic modulation of large-scale human brain dynamics.
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Lee TH, Greening SG, Ueno T, Clewett D, Ponzio A, Sakaki M, Mather M. Arousal increases neural gain via the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system in younger adults but not in older adults. Nat Hum Behav 2018; 2:356-366. [PMID: 30320223 PMCID: PMC6176734 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-018-0344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In younger adults, arousal amplifies attentional focus to the most salient or goal-relevant information while suppressing other information. A computational model of how the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system can implement this increased selectivity under arousal and an fMRI study comparing how arousal affects younger and older adults' processing indicate that the amplification of salient stimuli and the suppression of non-salient stimuli are separate processes, with aging affecting suppression without impacting amplification under arousal. In the fMRI study, arousal increased processing of salient stimuli and decreased processing of non-salient stimuli for younger adults. In contrast, for older adults, arousal increased processing of both low and high salience stimuli, generally increasing excitatory responses to visual stimuli. Older adults also showed decline in LC functional connectivity with frontoparietal networks that coordinate attentional selectivity. Thus, among older adults, arousal increases the potential for distraction from non-salient stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Ho Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steven G Greening
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Taiji Ueno
- School of Human Sciences, Takachiho University, Suginami, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David Clewett
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Allison Ponzio
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michiko Sakaki
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Mara Mather
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Peterson AC, Li CSR. Noradrenergic Dysfunction in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases-An Overview of Imaging Studies. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:127. [PMID: 29765316 PMCID: PMC5938376 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Noradrenergic dysfunction contributes to cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD). Conventional therapeutic strategies seek to enhance cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission in AD and PD, respectively, and few studies have examined noradrenergic dysfunction as a target for medication development. We review the literature of noradrenergic dysfunction in AD and PD with a focus on human imaging studies that implicate the locus coeruleus (LC) circuit. The LC sends noradrenergic projections diffusely throughout the cerebral cortex and plays a critical role in attention, learning, working memory, and cognitive control. The LC undergoes considerable degeneration in both AD and PD. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging have facilitated greater understanding of how structural and functional alteration of the LC may contribute to cognitive decline in AD and PD. We discuss the potential roles of the noradrenergic system in the pathogenesis of AD and PD with an emphasis on postmortem anatomical studies, structural MRI studies, and functional MRI studies, where we highlight changes in LC connectivity with the default mode network (DMN). LC degeneration may accompany deficient capacity in suppressing DMN activity and increasing saliency and task control network activities to meet behavioral challenges. We finish by proposing potential and new directions of research to address noradrenergic dysfunction in AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Peterson
- Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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15
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Dopaminergic modulation of hemodynamic signal variability and the functional connectome during cognitive performance. Neuroimage 2018; 172:341-356. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Hernaus D, Quaedflieg CWEM, Offermann JS, Casales Santa MM, van Amelsvoort T. Neuroendocrine stress responses predict catecholamine-dependent working memory-related dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2018; 13:114-123. [PMID: 29087511 PMCID: PMC5793733 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsx122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
It is generally thought that the effect of acute stress on higher-order functions such as working memory is, for an important part, mediated by central catecholamine activity. However, little is known about the association between neuroendocrine stress responses and catecholamine-dependent working memory-related brain function in the absence of stress. Here, we investigate for the first time in healthy humans (n = 18) how neuroendocrine responses to stress (cortisol and alpha-amylase) relate to fronto-parietal working memory activity changes in response to atomoxetine, a noradrenaline transporter inhibitor that selectively increases extracellular cortical dopamine and noradrenaline. We observed positive correlations between stress-induced cortisol (Pearson's r = 0.75, P < 0.001) and alpha amylase (r = 0.69, P = 0.02) increases and catecholamine-dependent working memory-related activity in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Stress-induced cortisol increases furthermore correlated with supramarginal gyrus working memory-related activity (r = 0.79, P < 0.001). Comparing high vs low stress responders revealed that these correlations were driven by decreased working memory activity on placebo and greater working memory activity increases following atomoxetine in high stress responders. These results further corroborate the notion that neuroendocrine responses to stress are an informative proxy of catecholamine function relevant to higher order functions and provide novel hints on the complex relationship between acute stress, catecholamine function and working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Hernaus
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Conny W E M Quaedflieg
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Psychology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Stefan Offermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta M Casales Santa
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thérèse van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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