scholarly journals Cognitive functions and respective parameters of human brain physiology are chronotype-dependent

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ali Salehinejad ◽  
Miles Wischnewski ◽  
Elham Ghanavati ◽  
Mohsen Mosayebi-Samani ◽  
Min-Fang Kuo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Cortical Excitability ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Cortical Inhibition ◽  
Brain Physiology ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Higher Cognitive Functions ◽  
The Impact

Circadian rhythms have natural relative variations among humans known as chronotype. Chronotype or being a morning or evening person, has a specific physiological, behavioural, and also genetic manifestation. Whether and how chronotype modulates human brain physiology and cognition is, however, not well understood. Here we examined how chronotype affects cortical excitability, neuroplasticity, and cognition in early and late chronotype individuals. We monitored motor cortical excitability, brain stimulation-induced neuroplasticity, and examined motor learning and cognitive functions at circadian-preferred and non-preferred times of day in 32 individuals. Motor learning and cognitive performance (working memory, and attention) along with their electrophysiological components were significantly enhanced at the circadian-preferred, compared to the non-preferred time. This outperformance was associated with enhanced cortical excitability (prominent cortical facilitation, diminished cortical inhibition), and long-term potentiation/depression-like plasticity. Our data show convergent findings of the impact of chronotype on human brain functions from basic physiological mechanisms to behaviour and higher cognitive functions.

scholarly journals Cognitive functions and underlying parameters of human brain physiology are associated with chronotype

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ali Salehinejad ◽  
Miles Wischnewski ◽  
Elham Ghanavati ◽  
Mohsen Mosayebi-Samani ◽  
Min-Fang Kuo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Cortical Excitability ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Cortical Inhibition ◽  
Memory And Attention ◽  
Brain Physiology ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Term Potentiation

AbstractCircadian rhythms have natural relative variations among humans known as chronotype. Chronotype or being a morning or evening person, has a specific physiological, behavioural, and also genetic manifestation. Whether and how chronotype modulates human brain physiology and cognition is, however, not well understood. Here we examine how cortical excitability, neuroplasticity, and cognition are associated with chronotype in early and late chronotype individuals. We monitor motor cortical excitability, brain stimulation-induced neuroplasticity, and examine motor learning and cognitive functions at circadian-preferred and non-preferred times of day in 32 individuals. Motor learning and cognitive performance (working memory, and attention) along with their electrophysiological components are significantly enhanced at the circadian-preferred, compared to the non-preferred time. This outperformance is associated with enhanced cortical excitability (prominent cortical facilitation, diminished cortical inhibition), and long-term potentiation/depression-like plasticity. Our data show convergent findings of how chronotype can modulate human brain functions from basic physiological mechanisms to behaviour and higher-order cognition.

scholarly journals Selective behavioural impairments in mice heterozygous for the cross disorder psychiatric risk gene DLG2

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Pass ◽  
Niels Haan ◽  
Trevor Humby ◽  
Lawrence S Wilkinson ◽  
Jeremy Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Motor Learning ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
The Impact

Mutations affecting DLG2 are emerging as a genetic risk factor associated with neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder. Discs large homolog 2 (DLG2) is a member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase protein superfamily of scaffold proteins, a component of the post-synaptic density in excitatory neurons and regulator of synaptic function and plasticity. It remains an important question whether and how haploinsuffiency of DLG2 contributes to impairments in basic behavioural and cognitive functions that may underlie symptomatic domains in patients that cross diagnostic boundaries. Using a heterozygous Dlg2 mouse model we examined the impact of reduced Dlg2 expression on functions commonly impaired in neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders including motor co-ordination and learning, pre-pulse inhibition and habituation to novel stimuli. The heterozygous Dlg2 mice exhibited behavioural impairments in long-term motor learning and long-term habituation to a novel context, but not motor co-ordination, initial responses to a novel context, PPI of acoustic startle or anxiety. We additionally showed evidence for the reduced regulation of the synaptic plasticity-associated protein cFos in the motor cortex during motor learning. The sensitivity of selective behavioural and cognitive functions, particularly those dependent on synaptic plasticity, to reduced expression of DLG2 give further credence for DLG2 playing a critical role in specific brain functions but also a mechanistic understanding of symptom expression shared across psychiatric disorders.

scholarly journals Sleep-dependent upscaled excitability and saturated neuroplasticity in the human brain: From brain physiology to cognition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ali Salehinejad ◽  
Elham Ghanavati ◽  
Jörg Reinders ◽  
Jan Hengstler ◽  
Min-Fang Kuo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Cortical Excitability ◽  
Synaptic Strength ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Cortical Inhibition ◽  
Memory And Attention ◽  
Brain Physiology ◽  
Sleep And Cognition

Sleep and cognition are strongly linked via their impact on synaptic strength. Whether and how sleep deprivation modulates human brain physiology and cognition is, however, not well understood. Here we examined how cortical excitability, inducibility of LTP- and-LTD-like plasticity, learning and memory formation and higher-order cognition are affected by overnight sleep deprivation. We show that sleep deprivation upscales cortical excitability due to enhanced glutamate-related cortical facilitation and decreased and/or reversed GABAergic cortical inhibition. We furthermore demonstrate that non-invasive brain stimulation-induced LTP-like plasticity is abolished while LTD-like plasticity converts to excitatory LTP-like under sleep deprivation, likely caused by synaptic saturation and upscaled brain excitability. This was associated with increased synaptic strength measured by EEG theta activity. Finally, we show that learning and memory formation, behavioral counterparts of plasticity, and working memory and attention, which rely on cortical excitability, are impaired during sleep deprivation. Our data show converging effects of sleep deprivation on human brain physiology and cognition.

scholarly journals Noradrenergic Enhancement of Motor Learning, Attention, and Working Memory in Humans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiao-I Kuo ◽  
Feng-Xue Qi ◽  
Walter Paulus ◽  
Min-Fang Kuo ◽  
Michael A Nitsche
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Motor Learning ◽  
Cortical Excitability ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Reaction Time Task ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Attentional Processes ◽  
Healthy Humans ◽  
Term Potentiation ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Noradrenaline has an important role as a neuromodulator of the central nervous system. Noradrenergic enhancement was recently shown to enhance glutamate-dependent cortical facilitation and long term potentiation-like plasticity. As cortical excitability and plasticity are closely linked to various cognitive processes, here we aimed to explore whether these alterations are associated with respective cognitive performance changes. Specifically, we assessed the impact of noradrenergic enhancement on motor learning (serial reaction time task), attentional processes (Stroop interference task), and working memory performance (n-back letter task). Methods The study was conducted in a cross-over design. Twenty-five healthy humans performed the respective cognitive tasks after a single dose of the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor reboxetine or placebo administration. Results The results show that motor learning, attentional processes, and working memory performance in healthy participants were improved by reboxetine application compared with placebo. Conclusions The results of the present study thus suggest that noradrenergic enhancement can improve memory formation and executive functions in healthy humans. The respective changes are in line with related effects of noradrenaline on cortical excitability and plasticity.

Changes During Weeks in Effects of Tricyclic Drugs on the Human Sleeping Brain

1972 ◽  
Vol 120 (559) ◽  
pp. 663-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. F. Dunleavy ◽  
Vlasta Brezinova ◽  
Ian Oswald ◽  
A. W. Maclean ◽  
M. Tinker
Keyword(s):  
Human Brain ◽  
Time Scale ◽  
Mode Of Action ◽  
Tricyclic Antidepressants ◽  
Brain State ◽  
Clinical Use ◽  
Brain Physiology ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Drug Actions ◽  
Brain Changes

The tricyclic antidepressants are established in therapy but not in mode of action. Effects on mouse or rat brain of single and relatively enormous doses provide the basis for theories. Yet it may be inferred that the clinical use of tricyclic antidepressants relies upon an induction of brain changes on a time-scale of weeks. Studies of tricyclic drug actions upon human brain physiology are as scanty as are easily-measurable human brain functions. Electrophysiological techniques, however, can conveniently be applied during one principal brain-state, namely sleep, when there is a relative freedom from uncontrollable extraneous variables.

scholarly journals Brain Physiology and Pathophysiology in Mental Stress

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Alkadhi
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Brain Physiology ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Exposure to various forms of stress is a common daily occurrence in the lives of most individuals, with both positive and negative effects on brain function. The impact of stress is strongly influenced by the type and duration of the stressor. In its acute form, stress may be a necessary adaptive mechanism for survival and with only transient changes within the brain. However, severe and/or prolonged stress causes overactivation and dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis thus inflicting detrimental changes in the brain structure and function. Therefore, chronic stress is often considered a negative modulator of the cognitive functions including the learning and memory processes. Exposure to long-lasting stress diminishes health and increases vulnerability to mental disorders. In addition, stress exacerbates functional changes associated with various brain disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The primary purpose of this paper is to provide an overview for neuroscientists who are seeking a concise account of the effects of stress on learning and memory and associated signal transduction mechanisms. This review discusses chronic mental stress and its detrimental effects on various aspects of brain functions including learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, and cognition-related signaling enabled via key signal transduction molecules.

scholarly journals The cognitive function and the framework of the functional hierarchy

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 81-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulla Gain
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Cognitive Systems ◽  
Cognitive Computing ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Cognitive Services ◽  
Functional Hierarchy ◽  
Computing Literature

Cognitive computing is part of AI and cognitive applications consists of cognitive services, which are building blocks of the cognitive systems. These applications mimic the human brain functions, for example, recognize the speaker, sense the tone of the text. On this paper, we present the similarities of these with human cognitive functions. We establish a framework which gathers cognitive functions into nine intentional processes from the substructures of the human brain. The framework, underpins human cognitive functions, and categorizes cognitive computing functions into the functional hierarchy, through which we present the functional similarities between cognitive service and human cognitive functions to illustrate what kind of functions are cognitive in the computing. The results from the comparison of the functional hierarchy of cognitive functions are consistent with cognitive computing literature. Thus, the functional hierarchy allows us to find the type of cognition and reach the comparability between the applications.

Neuroethik

2008 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-297
Author(s):  
Jens Clausen ◽  
Oliver Müller ◽  
Sebastian Schwenzfeuer
Keyword(s):  
Human Brain ◽  
Brain Imaging ◽  
Personal Identity ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Organic Basis ◽  
Central Question ◽  
Ethical Aspects ◽  
Higher Cognitive Functions

Abstract Ethical questions with regard to modern neurosciences have significant relevance because the human brain provides the organic basis for central aspects of our self-concept. Neuroethics identifies and reflects the ethical questions raised by modern neurosciences. Here we deal with ethical questions in the contexts of brain imaging techniques and several interventions into the human brain. Besides the central question how to preserve personal identity and higher cognitive functions we address specific ethical aspects of neurotechnology and neuroprosthetics as well as the questions relevant in the context of neuroenhancement

scholarly journals Author Correction: The impact of socioeconomic and stimulus inequality on human brain physiology

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhanya Parameshwaran ◽  
S. Sathishkumar ◽  
Tara C. Thiagarajan
Keyword(s):  
Human Brain ◽  
Brain Physiology ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Respiration-Driven Brain Oscillations in Emotional Cognition

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shani Folschweiller ◽  
Jonas-Frederic Sauer
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Emotional Behavior ◽  
Cortical Circuits ◽  
Brain Oscillations ◽  
Higher Cognitive Functions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Emotional Cognition

Respiration paces brain oscillations and the firing of individual neurons, revealing a profound impact of rhythmic breathing on brain activity. Intriguingly, respiration-driven entrainment of neural activity occurs in a variety of cortical areas, including those involved in higher cognitive functions such as associative neocortical regions and the hippocampus. Here we review recent findings of respiration-entrained brain activity with a particular focus on emotional cognition. We summarize studies from different brain areas involved in emotional behavior such as fear, despair, and motivation, and compile findings of respiration-driven activities across species. Furthermore, we discuss the proposed cellular and network mechanisms by which cortical circuits are entrained by respiration. The emerging synthesis from a large body of literature suggests that the impact of respiration on brain function is widespread across the brain and highly relevant for distinct cognitive functions. These intricate links between respiration and cognitive processes call for mechanistic studies of the role of rhythmic breathing as a timing signal for brain activity.

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