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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

The Attentional Set Shifting Task: A Measure of Cognitive Flexibility in Mice
09:15

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Published on: February 4, 2015

Noradrenergic modulation of cognitive flexibility in problem solving.

D Q Beversdorf1, J D Hughes, B A Steinberg

  • 1Department of Neurology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus 43210, USA.

Neuroreport
|October 8, 1999
PubMed
Summary

The noradrenergic system influences cognitive flexibility. Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors with propranolol improved performance on complex problem-solving tasks, suggesting a modulatory effect.

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Last Updated: Jul 1, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Stress impairs creative performance.
  • Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers enhance test performance in anxious individuals.
  • Catecholamine precursors like L-DOPA can decrease semantic network flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of noradrenergic system modulation on cognitive flexibility during problem-solving tasks.
  • To determine if propranolol or ephedrine affects cognitive flexibility differently.

Main Methods:

  • Eighteen healthy subjects participated in the study.
  • Participants completed three problem-solving tasks: number series, shape manipulation, and anagrams.
  • Performance was assessed 45 minutes after administration of propranolol, a placebo, or ephedrine.

Main Results:

  • Performance on anagrams, a task heavily reliant on cognitive flexibility, was significantly improved by propranolol compared to ephedrine.
  • Subjects showed shorter solution times (logarithmic scores) on anagrams after propranolol administration.

Conclusions:

  • The noradrenergic system plays a crucial role in modulating cognitive flexibility.
  • Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade may enhance cognitive flexibility in problem-solving contexts.