1
|
Ursino M, Pelle S, Nekka F, Robaey P, Schirru M. Valence-dependent dopaminergic modulation during reversal learning in Parkinson's disease: A neurocomputational approach. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2024; 215:107985. [PMID: 39270814 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2024.107985] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Reinforcement learning, crucial for behavior in dynamic environments, is driven by rewards and punishments, modulated by dopamine (DA) changes. This study explores the dopaminergic system's influence on learning, particularly in Parkinson's disease (PD), where medication leads to impaired adaptability. Highlighting the role of tonic DA in signaling the valence of actions, this research investigates how DA affects response vigor and decision-making in PD. DA not only influences reward and punishment learning but also indicates the cognitive effort level and risk propensity in actions, which are essential for understanding and managing PD symptoms. In this work, we adapt our existing neurocomputational model of basal ganglia (BG) to simulate two reversal learning tasks proposed by Cools et al. We first optimized a Hebb rule for both probabilistic and deterministic reversal learning, conducted a sensitivity analysis (SA) on parameters related to DA effect, and compared performances between three groups: PD-ON, PD-OFF, and control subjects. In our deterministic task simulation, we explored switch error rates after unexpected task switches and found a U-shaped relationship between tonic DA levels and switch error frequency. Through SA, we classify these three groups. Then, assuming that the valence of the stimulus affects the tonic levels of DA, we were able to reproduce the results by Cools et al. As for the probabilistic task simulation, our results are in line with clinical data, showing similar trends with PD-ON, characterized by higher tonic DA levels that are correlated with increased difficulty in both acquisition and reversal tasks. Our study proposes a new hypothesis: valence, signaled by tonic DA levels, influences learning in PD, confirming the uncorrelation between phasic and tonic DA changes. This hypothesis challenges existing paradigms and opens new avenues for understanding cognitive processes in PD, particularly in reversal learning tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Ursino
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering Guglielmo Marconi, University of Bologna, Campus of Cesena, I 47521 Cesena, Italy.
| | - Silvana Pelle
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering Guglielmo Marconi, University of Bologna, Campus of Cesena, I 47521 Cesena, Italy.
| | - Fahima Nekka
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada; Centre de recherches mathématiques, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada; Centre for Applied Mathematics in Bioscience and Medicine (CAMBAM), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Philippe Robaey
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Miriam Schirru
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering Guglielmo Marconi, University of Bologna, Campus of Cesena, I 47521 Cesena, Italy; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Battaglia S, Avenanti A, Vécsei L, Tanaka M. Neural Correlates and Molecular Mechanisms of Memory and Learning. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2724. [PMID: 38473973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Memory and learning are essential cognitive processes that enable us to obtain, retain, and recall information [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Battaglia
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Neuropsicology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center (CINPSI Neurocog), Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Masaru Tanaka
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen N, Wu X, Tu M, Xiong S, Jin J, Qu S, Pei S, Fang J, Shao X. Optimizing Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents: The Impact of Intradermal Acupuncture - A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:1819-1832. [PMID: 37641586 PMCID: PMC10460602 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s420489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibits a pronounced occurrence among adolescents, aligning closely with the lifetime prevalence rate of 16.6% observed in adults. It is difficult to treat and prone to recurrence. Acupuncture has shown potential in enhancing treatment effectiveness. Nonetheless, there is a lack of research on the use of intradermal acupuncture (IA) in treating adolescent MDD. Methods This study is a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. A cohort of 120 participants will be assigned randomly to three distinct groups, namely a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)-only group, a sham intradermal acupuncture combined with SSRIs (SIA) group, and an active intradermal acupuncture combined with SSRIs (AIA) group. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale will serve as the primary outcome, while Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Short Form 36 Questionnaire will serve as secondary outcomes in assessing the amelioration of depressive symptoms in patients. These data will be analyzed using SPSS26.0 software. Results We will assess the efficacy and safety of IA for MDD using commonly employed clinical psychiatric scales. Conclusion The efficacy of IA in treating adolescent MDD may be demonstrated in this study, suggesting its potential for optimizing MDD treatment schemes. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05832619 (April 27, 2023).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingqi Tu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sangsang Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junyan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siying Qu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuangyi Pei
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Research of Acupuncture Treatment and Transformation of Emotional Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Research of Acupuncture Treatment and Transformation of Emotional Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Research of Acupuncture Treatment and Transformation of Emotional Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pirazzini G, Starita F, Ricci G, Garofalo S, di Pellegrino G, Magosso E, Ursino M. Changes in brain rhythms and connectivity tracking fear acquisition and reversal. Brain Struct Funct 2023:10.1007/s00429-023-02646-7. [PMID: 37129622 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Fear conditioning is used to investigate the neural bases of threat and anxiety, and to understand their flexible modifications when the environment changes. This study aims to examine the temporal evolution of brain rhythms using electroencephalographic signals recorded in healthy volunteers during a protocol of Pavlovian fear conditioning and reversal. Power changes and Granger connectivity in theta, alpha, and gamma bands are investigated from neuroelectrical activity reconstructed on the cortex. Results show a significant increase in theta power in the left (contralateral to electrical shock) portion of the midcingulate cortex during fear acquisition, and a significant decrease in alpha power in a broad network over the left posterior-frontal and parietal cortex. These changes occur since the initial trials for theta power, but require more trials (3/4) to develop for alpha, and are also present during reversal, despite being less pronounced. In both bands, relevant changes in connectivity are mainly evident in the last block of reversal, just when power differences attenuate. No significant changes in the gamma band were detected. We conclude that the increased theta rhythm in the cingulate cortex subserves fear acquisition and is transmitted to other cortical regions via increased functional connectivity allowing a fast theta synchronization, whereas the decrease in alpha power can represent a partial activation of motor and somatosensory areas contralateral to the shock side in the presence of a dangerous stimulus. In addition, connectivity changes at the end of reversal may reflect long-term alterations in synapses necessary to reverse the previously acquired contingencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Pirazzini
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Area di Campus Cesena, Via Dell'Università 50, 47521, Cesena, Italy.
| | - Francesca Starita
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Area di Campus Cesena, Via Dell'Università 50, 47521, Cesena, Italy
| | - Sara Garofalo
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe di Pellegrino
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Magosso
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Area di Campus Cesena, Via Dell'Università 50, 47521, Cesena, Italy
| | - Mauro Ursino
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Area di Campus Cesena, Via Dell'Università 50, 47521, Cesena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Battaglia S, Di Fazio C, Vicario CM, Avenanti A. Neuropharmacological Modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate, Noradrenaline and Endocannabinoid Receptors in Fear Extinction Learning: Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065926. [PMID: 36983000 PMCID: PMC10053024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning to recognize and respond to potential threats is crucial for survival. Pavlovian threat conditioning represents a key paradigm for investigating the neurobiological mechanisms of fear learning. In this review, we address the role of specific neuropharmacological adjuvants that act on neurochemical synaptic transmission, as well as on brain plasticity processes implicated in fear memory. We focus on novel neuropharmacological manipulations targeting glutamatergic, noradrenergic, and endocannabinoid systems, and address how the modulation of these neurobiological systems affects fear extinction learning in humans. We show that the administration of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) agonists and modulation of the endocannabinoid system by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition can boost extinction learning through the stabilization and regulation of the receptor concentration. On the other hand, elevated noradrenaline levels dynamically modulate fear learning, hindering long-term extinction processes. These pharmacological interventions could provide novel targeted treatments and prevention strategies for fear-based and anxiety-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Battaglia
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Fazio
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Carmelo M Vicario
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cognitive, Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e Degli Studi Culturali, Università Degli Studi di Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Neuropsicology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center (CINPSI Neurocog), Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aminopeptidase Activities Interact Asymmetrically between Brain, Plasma and Systolic Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Rats Unilaterally Depleted of Dopamine. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102457. [PMID: 36289718 PMCID: PMC9598709 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain dopamine, in relation to the limbic system, is involved in cognition and emotion. These functions are asymmetrically processed. Hypertension not only alters such functions but also their asymmetric brain pattern as well as their bilateral pattern of neurovisceral integration. The central and peripheral renin-angiotensin systems, particularly the aminopeptidases involved in its enzymatic cascade, play an important role in blood pressure control. In the present study, we report how these aminopeptidases from left and right cortico-limbic locations, plasma and systolic blood pressure interact among them in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) unilaterally depleted of dopamine. The study comprises left and right sham and left and right lesioned (dopamine-depleted) rats as research groups. Results revealed important differences in the bilateral behavior comparing sham left versus sham right, lesioned left versus lesioned right, and sham versus lesioned animals. Results also suggest an important role for the asymmetrical functioning of the amygdala in cardiovascular control and an asymmetrical behavior in the interaction between the medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala with plasma, depending on the left or right depletion of dopamine. Compared with previous results of a similar study in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) normotensive rats, the asymmetrical behaviors differ significantly between both WKY and SHR strains.
Collapse
|