Catecholaminergic Modulation of Metacontrol is Reflected by Changes in Aperiodic EEG Activity.
Int J Neuropsychopharmacol
; 2024 Aug 03.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39096235
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
"Metacontrol" describes the ability to maintain an optimal balance between cognitive control styles that are either more persistent or more flexible. Recent studies have shown a link between metacontrol and aperiodic EEG patterns. The present study aimed to gain more insight into the neurobiological underpinnings of metacontrol by using Methylphenidate (MPH), a compound known to increase postsynaptic catecholamine levels and to modulate cortical noise.METHODS:
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study design, we investigated the effect of methylphenidate (0.5 mg/kg) on aperiodic EEG activity during a flanker task in a sample of n = 25 neurotypical adults. To quantify cortical noise, we employed the FOOOF (fitting oscillations & one over f) algorithm.RESULTS:
Compared to placebo, MPH increased the aperiodic exponent, suggesting that it reduces cortical noise in two ways First, it did so in a state-like fashion, as the main effect of the drug was visible and significant in both pre-trial and within-trial periods. Second, the electrode-specific analyses showed that the drug also affects specific processes by dampening the downregulation of noise in conditions requiring more control.CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings suggest that the aperiodic exponent provides a neural marker of metacontrol states and changes therein. Further, we propose that the effectiveness of medications targeting catecholaminergic signaling can be evaluated by studying changes of cortical noise; fostering the idea of using the quantification of cortical noise as an indicator in pharmacological treatment.
Texte intégral:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Langue:
En
Journal:
Int J Neuropsychopharmacol
Sujet du journal:
NEUROLOGIA
/
PSICOFARMACOLOGIA
Année:
2024
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
Chine