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Related Experiment Videos

Prepulse-elicited startle in prepulse inhibition.

Johannes C Dahmen1, Philip J Corr

  • 1Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths College, University of London, London, UK.

Biological Psychiatry
|January 7, 2004
PubMed
Summary
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Prepulse inhibition (PPI) research in psychiatric disorders is complicated by startle responses to prepulses. Our study shows prepulses activate the startle system, impacting PPI measurements.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is a key paradigm for studying psychiatric disorders.
  • A potential confound in PPI measurement is the startle response to non-startling prepulses.
  • This study investigates startle reactions elicited by prepulses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine startle reactions to non-startling prepulses.
  • To determine the impact of prepulse-elicited startles on PPI.
  • To assess implications for psychiatric and psychopharmacologic research.

Main Methods:

  • Presented prepulses (80, 85, 90 dB(A)) alone and followed by a pulse (115 dB(A)).
  • Used a 120 msec lead interval between prepulse and pulse.
  • Recorded startle responses to prepulses and measured PPI.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Prepulses as low as 80 dB(A) elicited startle responses in ~50% of trials.
  • Response frequency to prepulses increased with intensity.
  • PPI was negatively correlated with response probability to prepulses presented alone.

Conclusions:

  • Prepulses activate the startle system, contrary to the inhibition hypothesis.
  • Higher responsiveness to prepulses is linked to lower PPI.
  • Routine examination of prepulse-elicited startles is recommended for PPI studies.