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Girotti M, Bulin SE, Carreno FR. Effects of chronic stress on cognitive function - From neurobiology to intervention. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 33:100670. [PMID: 39295772 PMCID: PMC11407068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to chronic stress contributes considerably to the development of cognitive impairments in psychiatric disorders such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addictive behavior. Unfortunately, unlike mood-related symptoms, cognitive impairments are not effectively treated by available therapies, a situation in part resulting from a still incomplete knowledge of the neurobiological substrates that underly cognitive domains and the difficulty in generating interventions that are both efficacious and safe. In this review, we will present an overview of the cognitive domains affected by stress with a specific focus on cognitive flexibility, behavioral inhibition, and working memory. We will then consider the effects of stress on neuronal correlates of cognitive function and the factors which may modulate the interaction of stress and cognition. Finally, we will discuss intervention strategies for treatment of stress-related disorders and gaps in knowledge with emerging new treatments under development. Understanding how cognitive impairment occurs during exposure to chronic stress is crucial to make progress towards the development of new and effective therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Girotti
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Sarah E Bulin
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Flavia R Carreno
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
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Paribello P, Squassina A, Pisanu C, Meloni A, Dall'Acqua S, Sut S, Nasini S, Bertazzo A, Congiu D, Garzilli M, Guiso B, Suprani F, Pulcinelli V, Iaselli MN, Pinna I, Somaini G, Arru L, Corrias C, Pinna F, Carpiniello B, Comai S, Manchia M. Probing the Association between Cognition, Suicidal Behavior and Tryptophan Metabolism in a Sample of Individuals Living with Bipolar Disorder: A Secondary Analysis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040693. [PMID: 37190658 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Alterations in hot cognition and in the tryptophan metabolism through serotonin (5-HT) and kynurenine (KYN) pathways have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior. Here, we aim at probing the association between Stroop test performances and tryptophan pathway components in a sample of individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). Materials and Methods: We explored the association between the Emotion Inhibition Subtask (EIS) performances of the Brief Assessment of Cognition for Affective Disorders (BAC-A) and plasmatic levels of 5-hydroxytriptophan (5-HTP), 5-HT, KYN, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), quinolinic acid (QA), and kynurenic acid (KYNA) among subjects reporting lifetime suicide ideation (LSI) vs. non-LSI and subjects reporting lifetime suicide attempts (LSA) vs. non-LSA. Results: In a sample of 45 subjects with BD, we found a statistically significant different performance for LSA vs. non-LSA in the color naming (CN) and neutral words (NW) EIS subtasks. There was a significant association between CN performances and plasma 5-HTP levels among LSI and LSA subjects but not among non-LSI or non-LSA. Conclusions: In our sample, patients with LSA and LSI presented lower performances on some EIS subtasks compared to non-LSA and non-LSI. Moreover, we found an inverse correlation between plasma 5-HTP concentration and some EIS performances in LSA and LSI but not among non-LSA or non-LSI. This may represent an interesting avenue for future studies probing this complex association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Paribello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessio Squassina
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Pisanu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Meloni
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall'Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Sut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Sofia Nasini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Bertazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Donatella Congiu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Garzilli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Guiso
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federico Suprani
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vittoria Pulcinelli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Novella Iaselli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pinna
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Somaini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Arru
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carolina Corrias
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Comai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 0A2, Canada
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Opitz A, Petasch MS, Klappauf R, Kirschgens J, Hinz J, Dittmann L, Dathe AS, Quednow BB, Beste C, Stock AK. Does chronic use of amphetamine-type stimulants impair interference control? - A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105020. [PMID: 36581170 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.105020] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In substance use and addiction, inhibitory control is key to ignoring triggers, withstanding craving and maintaining abstinence. In amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) users, most research focused on behavioral inhibition, but largely neglected the equally important subdomain of cognitive interference control. Given its crucial role in managing consumption, we investigated the relationship between interference control and chronic ATS use in adults. A database search (Pubmed & Web of Science) and relevant reviews were used to identify eligible studies. Effect sizes were estimated with random effects models. Subgroup, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses explored heterogeneity in effect sizes. We identified 61 studies (53 datasets) assessing interference control in 1873 ATS users and 1905 controls. Findings revealed robust small effect sizes for ATS-related deficits in interference control, which were mainly seen in methamphetamine, as compared to MDMA users. The differential effects are likely due to tolerance-induced dopaminergic deficiencies (presumably most pronounced in methamphetamine users). Similarities between different ATS could be due to noradrenergic deficiencies; but elucidating their functional role in ATS users requires further/more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Opitz
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Miriam-Sophie Petasch
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Regine Klappauf
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Josephine Kirschgens
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Julian Hinz
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Lena Dittmann
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anthea S Dathe
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland; Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, School of Science, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Stock
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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Mackay-Phillips K, Orssatto LBR, Polman R, Van der Pols JC, Trajano GS. Effects of α-lactalbumin on strength, fatigue and psychological parameters: a randomised double-blind cross-over study. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:381-393. [PMID: 36443490 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The neurotransmitter serotonin has a strong effect on behaviour and motor control. Regarding motor control, serotonin contributes to the development of fatigue and is also involved in the ability of motor neurones to operate across a large range of forces (gain control). The consumption of tryptophan-rich supplements (such as α-lactalbumin) is of interest because this amino acid is the only precursor for brain serotonin synthesis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of α-lactalbumin supplementation on neuromuscular performance. METHODS Using a randomised double-blind cross-over design, 16 healthy participants performed plantar flexor and handgrip maximal voluntary contractions, a 30-s submaximal handgrip contraction, and a plantar flexor fatigue protocol before and 90 min after consuming either 40 g of α-lactalbumin, an isonitrogenous beverage (Zein) or an isocaloric beverage (corn-starch). Sleepiness, mood, and cognition were assessed to evaluate any psychological effects. RESULTS α-Lactalbumin decreased force steadiness by 25% during the sustained submaximal handgrip contraction (p < 0.01) and induced greater fatigue (15% reduction in total torque-time integral, p = 0.01) during the fatigue protocol. These effects were not observed for the other control beverages. No effects were found for maximal or explosive strength, or psychological measurements. CONCLUSIONS 40 g of α-lactalbumin increased handgrip force variability and reduced performance during fatiguing muscle contractions but did not influence brief maximal contractions or psychological parameters in healthy individuals. These findings support the hypothesis that the consumption of α-lactalbumin can increase motor neurone input-output gain and exacerbate central fatigue during sustained maximal exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Mackay-Phillips
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 149 Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia.
| | - Lucas B R Orssatto
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 149 Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Remco Polman
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Berwick, Australia
| | - Jolieke C Van der Pols
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 149 Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Gabriel S Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 149 Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
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Hui M, Beier KT. Defining the interconnectivity of the medial prefrontal cortex and ventral midbrain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:971349. [PMID: 35935333 PMCID: PMC9354837 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.971349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction in dopamine (DA) signaling contributes to neurological disorders ranging from drug addiction and schizophrenia to depression and Parkinson’s Disease. How might impairment of one neurotransmitter come to effect these seemingly disparate diseases? One potential explanation is that unique populations of DA-releasing cells project to separate brain regions that contribute to different sets of behaviors. Though dopaminergic cells themselves are spatially restricted to the midbrain and constitute a relatively small proportion of all neurons, their projections influence many brain regions. DA is particularly critical for the activity and function of medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) ensembles. The midbrain and mPFC exhibit reciprocal connectivity – the former innervates the mPFC, and in turn, the mPFC projects back to the midbrain. Viral mapping studies have helped elucidate the connectivity within and between these regions, which likely have broad implications for DA-dependent behaviors. In this review, we discuss advancements in our understanding of the connectivity between the mPFC and midbrain DA system, focusing primarily on rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Hui
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kevin T. Beier
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- UCI Mind, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kevin T. Beier,
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Si J, Zhang H, Zhu L, Chen A. The Relationship between Overweight/Obesity and Executive Control in College Students: The Mediating Effect of BDNF and 5-HT. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11040313. [PMID: 33916706 PMCID: PMC8065408 DOI: 10.3390/life11040313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to explore the association between overweight/obesity and executive control (EC) in young adults, and to further analyze the mediating effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) on the relationship between overweight/obesity and EC. A total of 449 college students aged between 18 and 20 years were recruited for the study between March and December 2019. Their height and weight were then measured professionally. Subsequently, body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg) divided by the square of height (m). The EC of the participants was then estimated using the Flanker task, while their serum BDNF levels and 5-HT levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Finally, the multiple intermediary models in SPSS were used to analyze the mediating effect of 5-HT and BDNF between overweight/obesity and EC. The result show that the overweight/obesity of college students was positively correlated with the response of EC (p ≤ 0.005). However, it was negatively correlated with BDNF (p ≤ 0.05) and 5-HT (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, BDNF (p ≤ 0.001) and 5-HT (p ≤ 0.001) were negatively correlated with the response of EC. The BDNF level played a partial mediating role between overweight/obesity and EC that accounted for 7.30% of the total effect value. Similarly, the 5-HT of college students played a partial mediating role between overweight/obesity and EC that accounted for 8.76% of the total effect value. Gender and age had no regulatory effect on the relationship between overweight/obesity, BDNF, 5-HT, and EC. This study provides the evidence that 5-HT and BDNF mediated the association between overweight/obesity and executive control. It is indicated that 5-HT and BDNF might be the biological pathways underpinning the link between overweight/obesity and executive control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Si
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China; (J.S.); (H.Z.)
| | - Haidi Zhang
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China; (J.S.); (H.Z.)
| | - Lina Zhu
- School of Physical Education and Sports Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
| | - Aiguo Chen
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China; (J.S.); (H.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-514-8797-8013
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Aquili L. The Role of Tryptophan and Tyrosine in Executive Function and Reward Processing. Int J Tryptophan Res 2020; 13:1178646920964825. [PMID: 33149600 PMCID: PMC7586026 DOI: 10.1177/1178646920964825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonergic precursor tryptophan and the dopaminergic precursor tyrosine have been shown to be important modulators of mood, behaviour and cognition. Specifically, research on the function of tryptophan has characterised this molecule as particularly relevant in the context of pathological disorders such as depression. Moreover, a large body of evidence has now been accumulated to suggest that tryptophan may also be involved in executive function and reward processing. Despite some clear differentiation with tryptophan, the data reviewed in this paper illustrates that tyrosine shares similar functions with tryptophan in the regulation of executive function and reward, and that these processes in turn, rather than acting in isolation, causally influence each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Aquili
- College of Health & Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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Sparks DW, Tian MK, Sargin D, Venkatesan S, Intson K, Lambe EK. Opposing Cholinergic and Serotonergic Modulation of Layer 6 in Prefrontal Cortex. Front Neural Circuits 2018; 11:107. [PMID: 29354034 PMCID: PMC5758509 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2017.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prefrontal cortex is a hub for attention processing and receives abundant innervation from cholinergic and serotonergic afferents. A growing body of evidence suggests that acetylcholine (ACh) and serotonin (5-HT) have opposing influences on tasks requiring attention, but the underlying neurophysiology of their opposition is unclear. One candidate target population is medial prefrontal layer 6 pyramidal neurons, which provide feedback modulation of the thalamus, as well as feed-forward excitation of cortical interneurons. Here, we assess the response of these neurons to ACh and 5-HT using whole cell recordings in acute brain slices from mouse cortex. With application of exogenous agonists, we show that individual layer 6 pyramidal neurons are bidirectionally-modulated, with ACh and 5-HT exerting opposite effects on excitability across a number of concentrations. Next, we tested the responses of layer 6 pyramidal neurons to optogenetic release of endogenous ACh or 5-HT. These experiments were performed in brain slices from transgenic mice expressing channelrhodopsin in either ChAT-expressing cholinergic neurons or Pet1-expressing serotonergic neurons. Light-evoked endogenous neuromodulation recapitulated the effects of exogenous neurotransmitters, showing opposing modulation of layer 6 pyramidal neurons by ACh and 5-HT. Lastly, the addition of 5-HT to either endogenous or exogenous ACh significantly suppressed the excitation of pyramidal neurons in prefrontal layer 6. Taken together, this work suggests that the major corticothalamic layer of prefrontal cortex is a substrate for opposing modulatory influences on neuronal activity that could have implications for regulation of attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Sparks
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael K Tian
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Derya Sargin
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Katheron Intson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evelyn K Lambe
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although there is clear evidence for the serotonergic regulation of descending control of pain in animals, little direct evidence exists in humans. The majority of our knowledge comes from the use of serotonin (5-HT)-modulating antidepressants as analgesics in the clinical management of chronic pain. OBJECTIVES Here, we have used an acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) to manipulate 5-HT function and examine its effects of ATD on heat pain threshold and tolerance, attentional manipulation of nociceptive processing and mood in human volunteers. METHODS Fifteen healthy participants received both ATD and balanced amino acid (BAL) drinks on two separate sessions in a double-blind cross-over design. Pain threshold and tolerance were determined 4 h post-drink via a heat thermode. Additional attention, distraction and temperature discrimination paradigms were completed using a laser-induced heat pain stimulus. Mood was assessed prior and throughout each session. RESULTS Our investigation reported that the ATD lowered plasma TRP levels by 65.05 ± 7.29% and significantly reduced pain threshold and tolerance in response to the heat thermode. There was a direct correlation between the reduction in total plasma TRP levels and reduction in thermode temperature. In contrast, ATD showed no effect on laser-induced pain nor significant impact of the distraction-induced analgesia on pain perception but did reduce performance of the painful temperature discrimination task. Importantly, all findings were independent of any effects of ATD on mood. CONCLUSION As far as we are aware, it is the first demonstration of 5-HT effects on pain perception which are not confounded by mood changes.
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Tian MK, Schmidt EF, Lambe EK. Serotonergic Suppression of Mouse Prefrontal Circuits Implicated in Task Attention. eNeuro 2016; 3:ENEURO.0269-16.2016. [PMID: 27844060 PMCID: PMC5099606 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0269-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) regulates attention by neurobiological mechanisms that are not well understood. Layer 6 (L6) pyramidal neurons of prefrontal cortex play an important role in attention and express 5-HT receptors, but the serotonergic modulation of this layer and its excitatory output is not known. Here, we performed whole-cell recordings and pharmacological manipulations in acute brain slices from wild-type and transgenic mice expressing either eGFP or eGFP-channelrhodopsin in prefrontal L6 pyramidal neurons. Excitatory circuits between L6 pyramidal neurons and L5 GABAergic interneurons, including a population of interneurons essential for task attention, were investigated using optogenetic techniques. Our experiments show that prefrontal L6 pyramidal neurons are subject to strong serotonergic inhibition and demonstrate direct 5-HT-sensitive connections between prefrontal L6 pyramidal neurons and two classes of L5 interneurons. This work helps to build a neurobiological framework to appreciate serotonergic disruption of task attention and yields insight into the disruptions of attention observed in psychiatric disorders with altered 5-HT receptors and signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Tian
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eric F Schmidt
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Rockefeller University , New York, NY
| | - Evelyn K Lambe
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Gaber TJ, Dingerkus VLS, Crockett MJ, Bubenzer-Busch S, Helmbold K, Sánchez CL, Dahmen B, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Zepf FD. Studying the effects of dietary body weight-adjusted acute tryptophan depletion on punishment-related behavioral inhibition. Food Nutr Res 2015; 59:28443. [PMID: 26268708 PMCID: PMC4534625 DOI: 10.3402/fnr.v59.28443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alterations in serotonergic (5-HT) neurotransmission are thought to play a decisive role in affective disorders and impulse control. Objective This study aims to reproduce and extend previous findings on the effects of acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) and subsequently diminished central 5-HT synthesis in a reinforced categorization task using a refined body weight–adjusted depletion protocol. Design Twenty-four young healthy adults (12 females, mean age [SD]=25.3 [2.1] years) were subjected to a double-blind within-subject crossover design. Each subject was administered both an ATD challenge and a balanced amino acid load (BAL) in two separate sessions in randomized order. Punishment-related behavioral inhibition was assessed using a forced choice go/no-go task that incorporated a variable payoff schedule. Results Administration of ATD resulted in significant reductions in TRP measured in peripheral blood samples, indicating reductions of TRP influx across the blood–brain barrier and related brain 5-HT synthesis. Overall accuracy and response time performance were improved after ATD administration. The ability to adjust behavioral responses to aversive outcome magnitudes and behavioral adjustments following error contingent punishment remained intact after decreased brain 5-HT synthesis. A previously observed dissociation effect of ATD on punishment-induced inhibition was not observed. Conclusions Our results suggest that neurodietary challenges with ATD Moja–De have no detrimental effects on task performance and punishment-related inhibition in healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman J Gaber
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen & Jülich, Germany
| | - Vita L S Dingerkus
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Molly J Crockett
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Bubenzer-Busch
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen & Jülich, Germany
| | - Katrin Helmbold
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen & Jülich, Germany
| | - Cristina L Sánchez
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen & Jülich, Germany
| | - Brigitte Dahmen
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen & Jülich, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen & Jülich, Germany
| | - Florian D Zepf
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen & Jülich, Germany.,Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine, Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences & School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Specialised Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Department of Health in Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia;
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12
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Acute tryptophan depletion does not improve endurance cycling capacity in a warm environment. Amino Acids 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1429-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Epperson CN, Amin Z, Ruparel K, Gur R, Loughead J. Interactive effects of estrogen and serotonin on brain activation during working memory and affective processing in menopausal women. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:372-82. [PMID: 21820247 PMCID: PMC3226892 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
While cognitive changes and mood instability are frequent symptoms reported by menopausal women, the degree to which the decline in estrogen production is responsible is not yet clear. Several lines of evidence suggest that estrogen may produce its effects on cognition and mood through modulation of serotonergic function. To test this hypothesis, we used the tryptophan depletion (TD) paradigm to lower central serotonin levels and pharmacologically manipulated estrogen levels in healthy menopausal women. We examined the individual and combined effects of estradiol and serotonin on working memory, emotion processing and task-related brain activation. Eight healthy predominantly early postmenopausal women underwent TD or sham depletion followed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) both before and after short-term transdermal estradiol 75-150 μg/d administration. There was an estradiol treatment by TD interaction for brain activation during performance on both the N-back Task (working memory) and Emotion Identification Task (affective processing). During the 2-back condition, TD attenuated activation prior to, but not after, estradiol treatment in the right and left dorsal lateral prefrontal and middle frontal/cingulate gyrus. During emotion identification, TD heightened activation in the orbital frontal cortex and bilateral amygdala, and this effect was attenuated by estradiol treatment. These results provide preliminary evidence that serotonergic effects directly mediate the impact of estrogen on brain activation during working memory and affective processing.
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Quednow BB, Kometer M, Geyer MA, Vollenweider FX. Psilocybin-induced deficits in automatic and controlled inhibition are attenuated by ketanserin in healthy human volunteers. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:630-40. [PMID: 21956447 PMCID: PMC3260978 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The serotonin-2A receptor (5-HT(2A)R) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and related inhibitory gating and behavioral inhibition deficits of schizophrenia patients. The hallucinogen psilocybin disrupts automatic forms of sensorimotor gating and response inhibition in humans, but it is unclear so far whether the 5-HT(2A)R or 5-HT(1A)R agonist properties of its bioactive metabolite psilocin account for these effects. Thus, we investigated whether psilocybin-induced deficits in automatic and controlled inhibition in healthy humans could be attenuated by the 5-HT(2A/2C)R antagonist ketanserin. A total of 16 healthy participants received placebo, ketanserin (40 mg p.o.), psilocybin (260 μg/kg p.o.), or psilocybin plus ketanserin in a double-blind, randomized, and counterbalanced order. Sensorimotor gating was measured by prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response. The effects on psychopathological core dimensions and behavioral inhibition were assessed by the altered states of consciousness questionnaire (5D-ASC), and the Color-Word Stroop Test. Psilocybin decreased PPI at short lead intervals (30 ms), increased all 5D-ASC scores, and selectively increased errors in the interference condition of the Stroop Test. Stroop interference and Stroop effect of the response latencies were increased under psilocybin as well. Psilocybin-induced alterations were attenuated by ketanserin pretreatment, whereas ketanserin alone had no significant effects. These findings suggest that the disrupting effects of psilocybin on automatic and controlled inhibition processes are attributable to 5-HT(2A)R stimulation. Sensorimotor gating and attentional control deficits of schizophrenia patients might be due to changes within the 5-HT(2A)R system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris B Quednow
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kometer
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Zürich, Switzerland,Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Tel: +41 44 384 2404, Fax: +41 44 384 2249, E-mail:
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Mace JL, Porter RJ, Dalrymple-Alford JC, Wesnes KA, Anderson TJ. The effects of acute tryptophan depletion on neuropsychological function, mood and movement in the healthy elderly. J Psychopharmacol 2011; 25:1337-43. [PMID: 21262857 DOI: 10.1177/0269881110389094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have investigated the function of the serotonin (5-HT) system in the elderly. Previous studies have shown effects of reducing serotonin function, by acute tryptophan depletion (ATD), on neuropsychological function in healthy subjects but this technique has not previously been employed over a wide age range in the elderly. This study compared the effects of ATD on mood, cognitive function and motor function in two groups of healthy volunteers, one group aged 50-69 and the other aged 70-89. The effects of ATD were investigated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, crossover, randomized design. The effects of ATD were not significantly different between age groups, suggesting that there is relatively little functional change across these age ranges. Compared with studies in much younger age groups there was, however, more evidence of an adverse effect of ATD on psychomotor function and working memory. There was no effect of ATD on mood despite inclusion of subjects with a family history of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet L Mace
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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16
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Rohlf H, Jucksch V, Gawrilow C, Huss M, Hein J, Lehmkuhl U, Salbach-Andrae H. Set shifting and working memory in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2011; 119:95-106. [PMID: 21626411 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-011-0660-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Compared to the high number of studies that investigated executive functions (EF) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a little is known about the EF performance of adults with ADHD. This study compared 37 adults with ADHD (ADHD(total)) and 32 control participants who were equivalent in age, intelligence quotient (IQ), sex, and years of education, in two domains of EF--set shifting and working memory. Additionally, the ADHD(total) group was subdivided into two subgroups: ADHD patients without comorbidity (ADHD(-), n = 19) and patients with at least one comorbid disorder (ADHD(+), n = 18). Participants fulfilled two measures for set shifting (i.e., the trail making test, TMT and a computerized card sorting test, CKV) and one measure for working memory (i.e., digit span test, DS). Compared to the control group the ADHD(total) group displayed deficits in set shifting and working memory. The differences between the groups were of medium-to-large effect size (TMT: d = 0.48; DS: d = 0.51; CKV: d = 0.74). The subgroup comparison of the ADHD(+) group and the ADHD(-) group revealed a poorer performance in general information processing speed for the ADHD(+) group. With regard to set shifting and working memory, no significant differences could be found between the two subgroups. These results suggest that the deficits of the ADHD(total) group are attributable to ADHD rather than to comorbidity. An influence of comorbidity, however, could not be completely ruled out as there was a trend of a poorer performance in the ADHD(+) group on some of the outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Rohlf
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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17
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Madsen K, Erritzoe D, Mortensen EL, Gade A, Madsen J, Baaré W, Knudsen GM, Hasselbalch SG. Cognitive function is related to fronto-striatal serotonin transporter levels--a brain PET study in young healthy subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 213:573-81. [PMID: 20623110 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-1926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 06/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Pharmacological manipulation of serotonergic neurotransmission in healthy volunteers impacts on cognitive test performance. Specifically, markers of serotonin function are associated with attention and executive functioning, long-term memory, and general cognitive ability. The serotonin transporter (SERT) protein is a key regulator in the serotonin system. We hypothesized that higher performance on tests sensitive to serotonin would be associated with higher SERT levels in specific fronto-striatal brain regions. METHODS Thirty-two healthy subjects (25 males, mean age 26.0 years, range 19-37) underwent positron emission tomography using the SERT ligand [(11)C]DASB. Subjects underwent the following tests: Stroop Color Word Test, Trail Making Test B, Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Complex Figure Test, logical reasoning subtest from Intelligenz-Struktur-Test 2000 R, and a Danish version of National Adult Reading Test. RESULTS We found positive associations between performance on the Stroop Color Word Test and right-sided dorsolateral prefrontal SERT binding (R(2) = 0.12, p = 0.048). Furthermore, scores of logical reasoning (correlating with IQ) and educational level associated positively with SERT binding in the caudate, most prominent on the left side (logical reasoning: R(2) = 0.34, p = 0.0026 (left), R(2) = 0.2, p = 0.022 (right), educational level: R(2) = 0.19, p = 0.012 (left), R(2) = 0.15, p = 0.027 (right)). Scores of logical reasoning also associated with left-sided ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (R(2) = 0.24, p = 0.014). There were no significant associations between SERT binding and tests of long-term episodic memory. CONCLUSIONS The results imply that in healthy subjects, high SERT binding in fronto-striatal regions is associated with better performance on tasks involving executive function and logical reasoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Madsen
- The Neuroscience Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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On the role of serotonin and effort in voluntary attention: Evidence of genetic variation in N1 modulation. Behav Brain Res 2011; 216:122-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Van der Veen FM, Evers EAT, Mies GW, Vuurman EFPM, Jolles J. Acute tryptophan depletion selectively attenuates cardiac slowing in an Eriksen flanker task. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24:1455-63. [PMID: 19304860 DOI: 10.1177/0269881109103801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of transiently lowering central serotonin levels by means of acute tryptophan depletion on measures of cognitive flexibility were examined. Flexible behaviour was measured in an Eriksen flanker task, and cardiac and electro-cortical responses to errors and congruent and incongruent stimuli were measured. The depletion was successful in lowering tryptophan levels and, as expected, it did not affect subjective mood. Depletion did not affect performance and electro-cortical measures and selectively affected cardiac measures. Depletion attenuated cardiac slowing to incongruent flanker stimuli but did not affect cardiac responses to congruent stimuli and errors. The selective effect on cardiac responses as compared to performance and electro-cortical measures was in accordance with earlier findings, as well as the attenuation of cardiac slowing. The selective effect on the cardiac response to incongruent stimuli was unexpected. Detailed analyses showed a close connection to the earlier reported attenuation of the cardiac response to negative feedback, and the effect is explained in terms of reduced anticipation of the feedback stimulus due to enhanced punishment prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Van der Veen
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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20
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Serotonergic neurotransmission and lapses of attention in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: availability of tryptophan influences attentional performance. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 13:933-41. [PMID: 20196917 DOI: 10.1017/s146114571000012x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficiencies in serotonergic (5-HT) neurotransmission have frequently been linked to altered attention and memory processes. With attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) being associated with impaired attention and working memory, this study investigated the effects of a diminished 5-HT turnover achieved by rapid tryptophan depletion (RTD) on attentional performance in children and adolescents with ADHD. Twenty-two male patients with ADHD (aged 9-15 yr) received the RTD procedure Moja-De and a tryptophan (Trp)-balanced placebo (Pla) in a randomized, double-blind, within-subject crossover design on two separate study days. Lapses of attention (LA) and phasic alertness (PA) were assessed within the test battery for attentional performance under depleted and sham-depleted conditions 120 (T1), 220 (T2) and 300 (T3) min after intake of RTD/Pla. At T1 there was a significant main effect for RTD, indicating more LA under intake of a Trp-balanced Pla compared to diminished 5-HT neurotransmission. For T2/T3 there were no such effects. PA was not affected by the factors RTD/Pla and time. Interactions of 5-HT with other neurotransmitters as possible underlying neurochemical processes could be subject to further investigations involving healthy controls as regards altered attentional performance in children and adolescents.
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Silber B, Schmitt J. Effects of tryptophan loading on human cognition, mood, and sleep. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2010; 34:387-407. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2009] [Revised: 08/05/2009] [Accepted: 08/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Wang L, Mullette-Gillman OA, Gadde KM, Kuhn CM, McCarthy G, Huettel SA. The effect of acute tryptophan depletion on emotional distraction and subsequent memory. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2009; 4:357-68. [PMID: 19628700 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsp025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter involved in emotional regulation and memory. A number of studies using acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) in healthy subjects have shown that a temporary serotonin reduction both induces a negative emotional bias and impairs long-term memory. However, little is known about the specific effects of ATD on emotional memory. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated the effect of ATD on negative memory and executive function in healthy volunteers. Our emotional oddball task required participants to distinguish infrequently presented targets from distracting negative and neutral pictures. Memory for the distracting pictures was tested 1 h following the fMRI session. ATD selectively enhanced memory for negative distractors relative to neutral distractors and increased activation in response to the negative distractors in the left orbital-inferior frontal, dorsomedial prefrontal and bilateral angular gyri. ATD also induced greater activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate across all stimuli. Stronger frontal activation to distractors was positively correlated with memory performance on ATD but not control days, indicating a possible compensatory mechanism for coping with increased task demand under the ATD challenge. These findings highlight the importance of serotonin in negative memory with implications for mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Wang
- Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University Medical Center, 2424 Erwin Road, Suite 501 Durham, NC 27705, USA.
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The effect of acute tryptophan depletion on performance and the BOLD response during a Stroop task in healthy first-degree relatives of patients with unipolar depression. Psychiatry Res 2009; 173:52-8. [PMID: 19442495 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2008.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2007] [Revised: 08/09/2008] [Accepted: 09/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has shown that low central serotonin, induced by acute tryptophan depletion (ATD), results in depressed mood and impairs cognition in healthy volunteers with a predisposition for depression. It remains unknown whether ATD affects emotional processing via mood changes or directly. In the present study we investigated the interaction between vulnerability for depression and the effect of ATD on mood, cognition and the associated brain activation. In a previous functional MRI study, we tested the effect of ATD during a combined cognitive and emotional Stroop task in healthy women without a family history of depression (FH-). In this study, we present the data of an additional group of 12 healthy women with a positive family history of unipolar depression (FH+). The effect of ATD on mood and Stroop performance was different for the FH+ group as compared with the FH- group. Scores on the depression sub-scale of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) did not correlate with performance changes, but did correlate with the anterior cingulate cortex response during Stroop interference. This study showed that a family history of unipolar depression interacts with the effect of ATD.
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Effects of acute tryptophan depletion on memory, attention and executive functions: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2009; 33:926-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2009] [Revised: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Using the MATRICS to guide development of a preclinical cognitive test battery for research in schizophrenia. Pharmacol Ther 2009; 122:150-202. [PMID: 19269307 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2009] [Accepted: 02/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are among the core symptoms of the disease, correlate with functional outcome, and are not well treated with current antipsychotic therapies. In order to bring together academic, industrial, and governmental bodies to address this great 'unmet therapeutic need', the NIMH sponsored the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) initiative. Through careful factor analysis and consensus of expert opinion, MATRICS identified seven domains of cognition that are deficient in schizophrenia (attention/vigilance, working memory, reasoning and problem solving, processing speed, visual learning and memory, verbal learning and memory, and social cognition) and recommended a specific neuropsychological test battery to probe these domains. In order to move the field forward and outline an approach for translational research, there is a need for a "preclinical MATRICS" to develop a rodent test battery that is appropriate for drug development. In this review, we outline such an approach and review current rodent tasks that target these seven domains of cognition. The rodent tasks are discussed in terms of their validity for probing each cognitive domain as well as a brief overview of the pharmacology and manipulations relevant to schizophrenia for each task.
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TPH2 gene variation and conflict processing in a cognitive and an emotional Stroop task. Behav Brain Res 2008; 198:404-10. [PMID: 19071164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2008.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Revised: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 11/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that a promoter polymorphism of the tryptophan-hydroxylase 2 gene (TPH2 -703 G/T) is associated with executive control functions. The current study aimed to clarify whether this relation is restricted to a purely cognitive domain or whether such an effect can also be observed in the processing of emotional material. In a sample of 89 student subjects, a 'cognitive' and an 'emotional' Stroop paradigm were applied to measure processing of cognitive and affective conflicts. Our results suggest an impact of the TPH2 -703 G/T polymorphism on executive control in both, the cognitive as well as the emotional task. In detail, homozygous carriers of the T allele showed decelerated responses in low-conflict conditions, pointing to a rather abnormal functioning of higher-order control mechanisms. Thus, the present investigation is consistent with previous behavioural studies and adds further evidence for the impact of serotonin at the interface of cognition and emotion.
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Dougherty DM, Marsh-Richard DM, Mathias CW, Hood AJ, Addicott MA, Moeller FG, Morgan CJ, Badawy AAB. Comparison of 50- and 100-g L -tryptophan depletion and loading formulations for altering 5-HT synthesis: pharmacokinetics, side effects, and mood states. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 198:431-45. [PMID: 18452034 PMCID: PMC2818099 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1163-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2007] [Accepted: 04/03/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Differences in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) function have been the subject of extensive research in psychiatric studies. Many studies have manipulated L -tryptophan (Trp) levels to temporarily decrease (depletion) or increase (loading) 5-HT synthesis. While most researchers have used a 100-g formulation, there has been ongoing interest in using smaller-sized formulations. OBJECTIVES This study examined the time course of multiple plasma indicators of brain 5-HT synthesis after a 50-g depletion and loading as a comparison to the corresponding 100-g formulations that are typically used. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plasma was collected from 112 healthy adults at seven hourly intervals after consumption of either a 50- or 100-g depletion or loading. Self-ratings of mood and somatic symptoms were completed before and after Trp manipulations. RESULTS The primary findings were that (1) the 50- and 100-g formulations produced the expected changes in plasma indicators after both depletion (-89% and -96%, respectively) and loading (+570% and +372%, respectively); (2) the 100-g depletion showed more robust effects at the 4, 5, and 6 h measurements than the 50-g depletion; (3) there was significant attrition after both the 100-g depletion and loading, but not after either of the 50-g formulations; and (4) both the 50- and 100-g depletions produced increases in negative self-ratings of mood and somatic symptoms, while loading significantly increased negative ratings after the 100 g only. CONCLUSIONS There are important considerations when choosing among formulation sizes for use in Trp manipulation studies, and the complete 7-h time-course data set of the typical plasma Trp measures presented here may help researchers decide which methodology best suits their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald M Dougherty
- Neurobehavioral Research Laboratory and Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Mail Code 7793, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
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Walderhaug E, Magnusson A, Neumeister A, Lappalainen J, Lunde H, Refsum H, Landrø NI. Interactive effects of sex and 5-HTTLPR on mood and impulsivity during tryptophan depletion in healthy people. Biol Psychiatry 2007; 62:593-9. [PMID: 17544379 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2006] [Revised: 02/14/2007] [Accepted: 02/15/2007] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serotonin (5-HT) plays a central role in mood regulation and impulsivity. We studied whether healthy men and women react differently on mood and impulsivity measures during acute tryptophan depletion (ATD). We also studied the relative contribution of a functional length triallelic polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter, designated 5-HTTLPR, to the behavioral responses to ATD. METHODS Thirty-nine men and 44 women participated in a randomized, double-blind, parallel group ATD study. Behavioral measures of impulsivity and mood were obtained. RESULTS During ATD, women reported mood reduction and showed a cautious response style, which is commonly associated with depression. Men showed an impulsive response style and did not report mood reduction. The 5-HTTLPR influenced the mood response to ATD in women. CONCLUSIONS Healthy men became more impulsive, whereas healthy women showed mood reduction in response to ATD. This suggests that 5-HT could be one mechanism contributing to the sex differences in the prevalence of mood and impulsivity disorders. The influence of 5-HTTLPR on mood responses in women further substantiates the relevance of this variant in the pathophysiology of at least a subgroup of patients with major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Espen Walderhaug
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway.
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Roiser JP, Müller U, Clark L, Sahakian BJ. The effects of acute tryptophan depletion and serotonin transporter polymorphism on emotional processing in memory and attention. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2007; 10:449-61. [PMID: 16893493 PMCID: PMC2585285 DOI: 10.1017/s146114570600705x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2006] [Revised: 05/30/2006] [Accepted: 05/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymorphism at the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been associated with neuroticism, increased risk for affective disorders and greater vulnerability to mood change following serotonin (5-HT) depletion. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the cognitive effects of 5-HT depletion were differentially affected by genotype at the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, using neuropsychological measures of memory and attention. We utilized the acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) technique to temporarily reduce 5-HT synthesis in two groups of healthy volunteers pre-selected on the basis of 5-HTTLPR genotype, 15 of the ll genotype and 15 of the ss genotype, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. As expected, ATD resulted in a robust reduction in plasma tryptophan concentration in both genotype groups. However, the genotype groups differed in terms of the effect of ATD on cognitive performance. The ss genotype group showed impaired verbal recall following depletion, while episodic memory was unimpaired by ATD in the ll genotype group. Averaging across depletion condition, the ss genotype group outperformed the ll genotype group on tests of episodic memory and attention. Neither group was significantly affected by ATD on measures of emotional state. These data confirm previous reports that ss individuals are particularly vulnerable to 5-HT depletion, but extend these findings to the cognitive domain. The unexpected finding that ss volunteers showed improved memory and attention relative to ll volunteers suggests a possible evolutionary advantage to possession of the s allele, which may offset the disadvantage of vulnerability to depression following stressful life events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Roiser
- Department of Psychiatry, Box 189, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UKInstitute of Neurology, Queen Square House, London, UK.
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Scholes KE, Harrison BJ, O'Neill BV, Leung S, Croft RJ, Pipingas A, Phan KL, Nathan PJ. Acute serotonin and dopamine depletion improves attentional control: findings from the stroop task. Neuropsychopharmacology 2007; 32:1600-10. [PMID: 17151596 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is associated with impairments of attentional control on classic experimental paradigms such as the Stroop task. However, at a basic level the neurochemical mechanisms that may be responsible for such impairments are poorly understood. In this study, we sought to investigate the influence of brain monoamine function on Stroop task performance in healthy participants using the established methods of acute dietary serotonin, dopamine, and combined monoamine depletion. The study was a double-blind placebo controlled design in which 12 healthy male participants completed the Stroop task under four acute treatment conditions: (a) balanced/placebo control, (b) acute tryptophan depletion, (c) acute tyrosine/phenylalanine depletion, and (d) acute tyrosine/phenylalanine/tryptophan depletion (combined monoamine depletion). Decreased Stroop interference indicating improved attentional control was observed after both tryptophan depletion and tyrosine/phenylalanine depletion, while there was no significant change in interference after combined monoamine depletion. Findings suggest that reduced tonic dopamine or serotonin activity within specific neural circuits (such as the striatum, anterior cingulate, or prefrontal cortex) may play a critical role in attentional control, possibly by improving gating of information via reducing noise in monoaminergic systems. These findings enhance our understanding of the neurochemical basis of attentional control and the possible cause of attentional control deficits in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty E Scholes
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Monash Centre for Brain and Behavior, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Wingen M, Kuypers KPC, Ramaekers JG. Selective verbal and spatial memory impairment after 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor blockade in healthy volunteers pre-treated with an SSRI. J Psychopharmacol 2007; 21:477-85. [PMID: 17092965 DOI: 10.1177/0269881106072506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Serotonergic neurotransmission has been implicated in memory impairment. It is unclear however if memory performance is mediated through general 5-HT availability, through specific 5-HT receptors or both. The aim of the present study was to assess the contribution of 5-HT reuptake inhibition and specific blockade of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors to memory impairment. The study was conducted according to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-way cross-over design including 16 healthy volunteers. The treatment consisted of oral administration of escitalopram 20 mg + placebo, escitalopram 20 mg + ketanserin 50 mg, escitalopram 20 mg + pindolol 10 mg and placebo on 4 separate days with a washout period of minimum 7 days. Different memory tasks were performed including verbal memory, spatial working memory and reversal learning. Escitalopram showed an impairing effect on immediate verbal recall which nearly reached statistical significance. No effects of escitalopram were found on other types of memory. In combination with pindolol, immediate verbal recall was significantly impaired. Escitalopram in combination with ketanserin impaired spatial working memory significantly. No effects were found on reversal learning. Selective impairment of immediate verbal recall after a 5-HT(1A) partial agonist and selective impairment of spatial working memory performance after 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist, both in combination with a selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitor (escitalopram), suggests that 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors are distinctly involved in verbal and spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wingen
- Experimental Psychopharmacology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, Brain & Behaviour Institute, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
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Ruhé HG, Mason NS, Schene AH. Mood is indirectly related to serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine levels in humans: a meta-analysis of monoamine depletion studies. Mol Psychiatry 2007; 12:331-59. [PMID: 17389902 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 531] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction in the monoamine systems of serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) may causally be related to major depressive disorder (MDD). Monoamine depletion studies investigate the direct effects of monoamines on mood. Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) or para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) deplete 5-HT, acute phenylalanine/tyrosine depletion (APTD) or alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (AMPT) deplete NE/DA. Available depletion studies found conflicting results in heterogeneous populations: healthy controls, patients with previous MDD in remission and patients suffering from MDD. The decrease in mood after 5-HT and NE/DA depletion in humans is reviewed and quantified. Systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE (1966-October 2006) and cross-references was carried out. Randomized studies applying ATD, PCPA, APTD or AMPT vs control depletion were included. Pooling of results by meta-analyses was stratified for studied population and design of the study (within or between subjects). Seventy-three ATD, 2 PCPA, 10 APTD and 8 AMPT studies were identified of which 45 ATD and 8 APTD studies could be meta-analyzed. 5-HT or NE/DA depletion did not decrease mood in healthy controls. 5-HT or NE/DA depletion slightly lowered mood in healthy controls with a family history of MDD. In drug-free patients with MDD in remission, a moderate mood decrease was found for ATD, without an effect of APTD. ATD induced relapse in patients with MDD in remission who used serotonergic antidepressants. In conclusion, monoamine depletion studies demonstrate decreased mood in subjects with a family history of MDD and in drug-free patients with MDD in remission, but do not decrease mood in healthy humans. Although depletion studies usefully investigate the etiological link of 5-HT and NE with MDD, they fail to demonstrate a causal relation. They presumably clarify a vulnerability trait to become depressed. Directions for further investigation of this vulnerability trait are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- H G Ruhé
- Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Nijboer F, Furdea A, Gunst I, Mellinger J, McFarland DJ, Birbaumer N, Kübler A. An auditory brain-computer interface (BCI). J Neurosci Methods 2007; 167:43-50. [PMID: 17399797 PMCID: PMC7955811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2007.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2007] [Revised: 02/06/2007] [Accepted: 02/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) translate brain activity into signals controlling external devices. BCIs based on visual stimuli can maintain communication in severely paralyzed patients, but only if intact vision is available. Debilitating neurological disorders however, may lead to loss of intact vision. The current study explores the feasibility of an auditory BCI. Sixteen healthy volunteers participated in three training sessions consisting of 30 2-3 min runs in which they learned to increase or decrease the amplitude of sensorimotor rhythms (SMR) of the EEG. Half of the participants were presented with visual and half with auditory feedback. Mood and motivation were assessed prior to each session. Although BCI performance in the visual feedback group was superior to the auditory feedback group there was no difference in performance at the end of the third session. Participants in the auditory feedback group learned slower, but four out of eight reached an accuracy of over 70% correct in the last session comparable to the visual feedback group. Decreasing performance of some participants in the visual feedback group is related to mood and motivation. We conclude that with sufficient training time an auditory BCI may be as efficient as a visual BCI. Mood and motivation play a role in learning to use a BCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Nijboer
- Institute for Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Gartenstrasse 29, 72074 Tübingen, Germany.
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Mitchell RLC, Phillips LH. The psychological, neurochemical and functional neuroanatomical mediators of the effects of positive and negative mood on executive functions. Neuropsychologia 2007; 45:617-29. [PMID: 16962146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2006.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2005] [Revised: 05/31/2006] [Accepted: 06/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In this review we evaluate the cognitive and neural effects of positive and negative mood on executive function. Mild manipulations of negative mood appear to have little effect on cognitive control processes, whereas positive mood impairs aspects of updating, planning and switching. These cognitive effects may be linked to neurochemistry: with positive mood effects mediated by dopamine while negative mood effects may be mediated by serotonin levels. Current evidence on the effects of mood on regional brain activity during executive functions, indicates that the prefrontal cortex is a recurrent site of integration between mood and cognition. We conclude that there is a disparity between the importance of this topic and awareness of how mood affects, executive functions in the brain. Most behavioural and neuroimaging studies of executive function in normal samples do not explore the potential role of variations in mood, yet the evidence we outline indicates that even mild fluctuations in mood can have a significant influence on neural activation and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L C Mitchell
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights Road, Reading, Berkshire, UK.
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Amin Z, Gueorguieva R, Cappiello A, Czarkowski KA, Stiklus S, Anderson GM, Naftolin F, Epperson CN. Estradiol and tryptophan depletion interact to modulate cognition in menopausal women. Neuropsychopharmacology 2006; 31:2489-97. [PMID: 16760926 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite an abundance of data in animals, there is little research in humans regarding how estrogen and serotonin (5-HT) may interact to influence cognition. Through the use of estrogen treatment (ET) and tryptophan depletion (TRP-D) in a within-subject design involving healthy menopausal women, we have manipulated both estrogen and 5-HT in order to evaluate their individual and joint effects. Although neither manipulation influenced visuospatial learning, a significant interaction suggested that estrogen exerted a protective effect on verbal memory, such that TRP-D impaired performance to a greater extent before the administration of ET. In consonance with this finding, ET was associated with a small, but positive mood effect on the day following active TRP-D. In addition, ET significantly improved letter-cued verbal fluency with and without TRP-D. Finally, time since last menstrual period was significantly associated with verbal memory scores, such that longer length of hypogonadism resulted in decreased verbal memory performance. These data support the interaction of estrogen and 5-HT in nonreproductive behavior in humans as well as highlight the role of ovarian steroids in cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenab Amin
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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Roiser JP, Rogers RD, Cook LJ, Sahakian BJ. The effect of polymorphism at the serotonin transporter gene on decision-making, memory and executive function in ecstasy users and controls. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 188:213-27. [PMID: 16941121 PMCID: PMC2585286 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2006] [Accepted: 06/21/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy") is a popular drug of abuse known to result in depletions of the serotonin (5-HT) system. A number of studies have reported that ecstasy users differ from controls on a variety of measures of cognitive function. However, the literature is not consistent and many negative findings were also reported. One reason for such inconsistency might be interindividual variance in vulnerability to the deleterious effects of ecstasy due to a number of factors, both genetic and environmental. OBJECTIVES To investigate the hypothesis that carriers of the s allele at the 5-HT transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), which was associated with reduced serotonergic neurotransmission relative to the l allele, would be most vulnerable to the effects of ecstasy on cognitive function. METHODS We assessed memory, decision-making, and executive function in ecstasy users and controls, stratifying by genotype at the 5-HTTLPR. RESULTS We observed that the 5-HTTLPR genotype groups differed on a number of measures in both the ecstasy users and the controls. While performing a risky decision-making task, ss and ls controls attended to differences in the probability of winning chosen gambles to a greater extent than the ll controls. However, this difference was dramatically attenuated in the ss ecstasy users. Furthermore, independent of ecstasy use, volunteers of the ss genotype outperformed the ll genotype on a visual planning task. CONCLUSIONS The results are consistent with the hypothesis that cognitive impairment in ecstasy users may depend on genetic variation at the 5-HTTLPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Roiser
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 189, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK
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Allen PP, Cleare AJ, Lee F, Fusar-Poli P, Tunstall N, Fu CHY, Brammer MJ, McGuire PK. Effect of acute tryptophan depletion on pre-frontal engagement. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 187:486-97. [PMID: 16823591 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2006] [Accepted: 05/15/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serotonin is known to modulate cognitive functioning and has been implicated in the cognitive deficits associated with affective disorders. The present study examined regional brain activation during two tasks that are known to engage the pre-frontal cortex and are performed poorly by patients with depression and bipolar disorder. We tested the hypothesis that acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) would attenuate pre-frontal activation during both tasks. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten healthy right-handed volunteers were studied using functional MRI whilst performing a 2-back verbal working memory task and a phonological verbal fluency task. Subjects were studied in two separate sessions, after either a tryptophan-free or a balanced amino acid drink, in a double-blind design. Task performance and mood were measured online. RESULTS Relative to sham depletion, ATD attenuated activation in the right superior frontal gyrus during the 2-back task and in the medial frontal gyrus and precuneus during the verbal fluency task. ATD lowered total plasma tryptophan by 79% but had no significant effect on either task performance or mood. CONCLUSIONS The engagement of pre-frontal cortex during verbal working memory and verbal fluency tasks is significantly modulated by central serotonergic activity. The different location of these modulatory effects within the frontal cortex may reflect the engagement of distinct cognitive processes by the respective tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul P Allen
- Division of Psychological Medicine P067, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, UK.
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Talbot PS, Watson DR, Barrett SL, Cooper SJ. Rapid tryptophan depletion improves decision-making cognition in healthy humans without affecting reversal learning or set shifting. Neuropsychopharmacology 2006; 31:1519-25. [PMID: 16319909 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Rapid tryptophan (Trp) depletion (RTD) has been reported to cause deterioration in the quality of decision making and impaired reversal learning, while leaving attentional set shifting relatively unimpaired. These findings have been attributed to a more powerful neuromodulatory effect of reduced 5-HT on ventral prefrontal cortex (PFC) than on dorsolateral PFC. In view of the limited number of reports, the aim of this study was to independently replicate these findings using the same test paradigms. Healthy human subjects without a personal or family history of affective disorder were assessed using a computerized decision making/gambling task and the CANTAB ID/ED attentional set-shifting task under Trp-depleted (n=17; nine males and eight females) or control (n=15; seven males and eight females) conditions, in a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group design. There was no significant effect of RTD on set shifting, reversal learning, risk taking, impulsivity, or subjective mood. However, RTD significantly altered decision making such that depleted subjects chose the more likely of two possible outcomes significantly more often than controls. This is in direct contrast to the previous report that subjects chose the more likely outcome significantly less often following RTD. In the terminology of that report, our result may be interpreted as improvement in the quality of decision making following RTD. This contrast between studies highlights the variability in the cognitive effects of RTD between apparently similar groups of healthy subjects, and suggests the need for future RTD studies to control for a range of personality, family history, and genetic factors that may be associated with 5-HT function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Talbot
- Division of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This is the second of two articles reviewing the modern dietary technique of acute tryptophan depletion (ATD), a method of transiently reducing central serotonin levels in both healthy volunteers and clinical populations. This article details the clinical studies to date and discusses the implications of this research methodology. METHOD The authors present a review of clinical ATD studies collated from a MEDLINE search, unpublished communications and the authors' considerable experience with this paradigm. RESULTS Following from the initial use of ATD in subjects with depressive illness, studies of anxiety disorders and other psychiatric illnesses have been reported. Sleep, aggressive and cognitive effects are also active areas of research and are reviewed here. CONCLUSIONS Acute tryptophan depletion remains a useful psychiatric research tool. The findings from the clinical studies reviewed here are summarized and implications for future research detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J Bell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, New Zealand
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Booij L, Van der Does AJW, Haffmans PMJ, Riedel WJ, Fekkes D, Blom MJB. The effects of high-dose and low-dose tryptophan depletion on mood and cognitive functions of remitted depressed patients. J Psychopharmacol 2005; 19:267-75. [PMID: 15888512 DOI: 10.1177/0269881105051538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It has frequently been demonstrated that acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) induces a transient depressed mood in some patients who are in remission from depression. However, the effects of ATD on cognitive processes in remitted depressed patients have not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different extents of depletion on mood and cognitive tasks involving neutral and emotional stimuli. Twenty patients in remission or in partial remission from depression received ATD in a double-blind, crossover design. Mood was assessed at both sessions before, at +6.5 h and +24 h after depletion. Cognitive assessment in both sessions started at +4.75 h, and also before and after the whole procedure. The ATD mixtures induced the expected reductions of plasma tryptophan levels. High-dose ATD induced a depressive response in a subsample of patients and impaired the processing of positive information independent of mood change. Attention for neutral stimuli (Stroop interference) improved in a dose-dependent manner. ATD may affect mood and cognition via different pathways: one implicated in mood regulation and the processing of emotional information, and one for the processing of neutral information. The first pathway may be more important for discriminating vulnerability to impaired serotonin function. The comparison of the effects of high-dose and low-dose ATD is useful for those studies aiming to investigate the relationships among 5-HT, mood and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Booij
- Department of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands and Psychomedical Center Parnassia, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Evers EAT, Tillie DE, van der Veen FM, Lieben CK, Jolles J, Deutz NEP, Schmitt JAJ. Effects of a novel method of acute tryptophan depletion on plasma tryptophan and cognitive performance in healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005; 178:92-9. [PMID: 15702361 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-004-2141-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2004] [Accepted: 05/05/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Disorders associated with low levels of serotonin (5-HT) are characterized by mood and cognitive disturbances. Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) is an established method for lowering 5-HT levels and an important tool to study the effects of reduced 5-HT on mood and cognition in human subjects. The traditional ATD method, i.e., administration of separate amino acids (AAs), has several disadvantages. The AA mixture is costly, unpalatable and associated with gastrointestinal discomfort. OBJECTIVES The University of Maastricht developed a new and inexpensive method for ATD: a natural collagen protein (CP) mixture with low tryptophan (TRP) content. The reductions in plasma TRP after taking this CP mixture were compared with the reductions achieved taking the traditional AA mixture, and effects on memory and reversal learning were studied. METHODS Fifteen healthy young volunteers participated in a double-blind, counterbalanced within-subject study. Reversal learning, verbal memory and pattern recognition were assessed at baseline and 3-4 h after taking the CP mixture. RESULTS The new ATD method significantly reduced plasma TRP by 74% and the ratio between TRP and the other large AAs (TRP/LNAA) by 82%. The placebo mixture did not change these measures. Delayed recognition reaction time on the verbal learning task was increased following ATD. No other cognitive effects were found. CONCLUSIONS The CP mixture was shown to be an efficient tool for lowering plasma TRP in humans. The validity of this method with regard to behavioral changes remains to be established in healthy, vulnerable and clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A T Evers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology (DRT10), Brain and Behavior Institute, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200, The Netherlands.
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Milak MS, Ogden RT, Vinocur DN, Van Heertum RL, Cooper TB, Mann JJ, Parsey RV. Effects of tryptophan depletion on the binding of [11C]-DASB to the serotonin transporter in baboons: response to acute serotonin deficiency. Biol Psychiatry 2005; 57:102-6. [PMID: 15607307 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2004] [Revised: 09/07/2004] [Accepted: 09/27/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of [(11)C]-N,N-dimethyl-2-(2-amino-4-cyanophenylthio)benzylamine (DASB) binding to the brain serotonin transporter (SERT) to changes in endogenous serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) levels. A ligand sensitive to endogenous competition (EC) would enable the measurement of fluctuations of intrasynaptic 5-HT. A ligand insensitive to EC can provide a measure of SERT unaffected by levels of 5-HT. Alternatively, serotonin depletion could accelerate internalization of SERT and reduce binding. METHODS Eighteen (14 baseline and 9 tryptophan-depleted) positron emission tomography (PET) scans were carried out in two baboons (Papio anubis). A metabolite-corrected arterial input function was used to estimate the binding potential (BP = B(max)/K(D)). RESULTS Depletion of plasma tryptophan by a mean of 65% from the baseline (p = .03) reduces [(11)C]-DASB BP in the six brain regions of interest (ROI). Lower DASB binding correlated with lower plasma tryptophan levels in the ROIs with higher SERT density. CONCLUSIONS [(11)C]-DASB binding to SERT in vivo rapidly declines in response to acute reduction in serotonin availability, contrary to what is predicted by a simple competition model. This rapid reduction in SERT availability may be due to accelerated transporter internalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Milak
- Department of Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Latash ML, Shim JK, Zatsiorsky VM. Is there a timing synergy during multi-finger production of quick force pulses? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2004; 177:217-23. [PMID: 15625732 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-004-1933-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We studied whether characteristics of individual finger force profiles covaried across repetitions of a quick force pulse production task to stabilize the required magnitude and timing of the peak force. Subjects produced series of quick force pulses by pressing with all four fingers of the right hand on force sensors under the instruction to keep the magnitude of the peak of total force at 15 N and reach the force peaks at prescribed times. Individual finger force pulses were then reshuffled across trials to create a surrogate data set. The surrogate data set showed a lower average peak force with a larger dispersion. This finding has been interpreted as pointing at predominantly negative covariation among finger force pulses in the actual data that stabilized the required magnitude of the total force, a force synergy. The difference between the actual and surrogate data sets was significant early into the pulse time, starting about 40 ms after the pulse initiation. This finding points at a central nature of the negative covariation without a major role played by visual or proprioceptive feedback. In contrast,the surrogate data set showed smaller dispersion of the timing of the total peak force, suggesting positive covariation of the timings of individual finger force pulses in the actual data interpreted as the lack of a timing synergy. These results have been confirmed with principal component (PC) analysis. The first PC for the timing of the individual finger peak forces accounted for over 90% of the total variance for the actual data set and for under 40% of the total variance for the surrogate data set. The fourth PC for the magnitudes of the finger forces accounted for under 4% of the total variance for the actual data set and for over 15% of the variance for the surrogate data set. The data are interpreted within the uncontrolled manifold hypothesis; they support the hierarchical control scheme suggested by Schöner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Latash
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA.
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