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Dopaminergic and noradrenergic modulation of stress-induced alterations in brain activation associated with goal-directed behaviour

Authors :
Bart Hartogsveld
Tom Smeets
Dennis Hernaus
Conny W.E.M. Quaedflieg
Peter van Ruitenbeek
Medical and Clinical Psychology
Section Psychopharmacology
RS: FPN NPPP II
RS: FPN NPPP I
Section Neuropsychology
Psychiatrie & Neuropsychologie
RS: MHeNs - R2 - Mental Health
Section Forensic Psychology
RS: FPN CPS IV
Section Clinical Psychology
RS: FPN CPS III
Source :
Journal of Psychopharmacology, 35(12), 1449-1463. Sage Publications Ltd, Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), Journal of Psychopharmacology, 35(12):02698811211044679, 1449-1463. SAGE Publications Ltd
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Background: Acute stress is thought to reduce goal-directed behaviour, an effect purportedly associated with stress-induced release of catecholamines. In contrast, experimentally increased systemic catecholamine levels have been shown to increase goal-directed behaviour. Whether experimentally increased catecholamine function can modulate stress-induced reductions in goal-directed behaviour and its neural substrates, is currently unknown. Aim: To assess whether and how experimentally induced increases in dopamine and noradrenaline contribute to the acute stress effects on goal-directed behaviour and associated brain activation. Methods: One hundred participants underwent a stress induction protocol (Maastricht acute stress test; MAST) or a control procedure and received methylphenidate (MPH) (40 mg, oral) or placebo according to a 2 × 2 between-subjects design. In a well-established instrumental learning paradigm, participants learnt stimulus–response–outcome associations, after which rewards were selectively devalued. Participants’ brain activation and associated goal-directed behaviour were assessed in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner at peak cortisol/MPH concentrations. Results: The MAST and MPH increased physiological measures of stress (salivary cortisol and blood pressure), but only MAST increased subjective measures of stress. MPH modulated stress effects on activation of brain areas associated with goal-directed behaviour, including insula, putamen, amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, frontal pole and orbitofrontal cortex. However, MPH did not modulate the tendency of stress to induce a reduction in goal-directed behaviour. Conclusion: Our neuroimaging data suggest that MPH-induced increases in dopamine and noradrenaline reverse stress-induced changes in key brain regions associated with goal-directed behaviour, while behavioural effects were absent. These effects may be relevant for preventing stress-induced maladaptive behaviour like in addiction or binge eating disorder.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02698811
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Psychopharmacology, 35(12), 1449-1463. Sage Publications Ltd, Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), Journal of Psychopharmacology, 35(12):02698811211044679, 1449-1463. SAGE Publications Ltd
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....45a79756d0a64820c767828e2714ddef