Striatal dopamine (D2) receptor availability predicts socially desirable responding.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Dopamine Receptor Research

Background:

• Striatal dopamine (D2) receptor function is linked to social dominance and extraversion in primates.
• Trait extraversion is a fundamental component of social behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between trait extraversion (EPQ-R) and striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding potential (BP) using [(11)C]-Raclopride in healthy post-menopausal women.
• To explore the relationship between personality traits and dopamine receptor availability in the brain.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with [(11)C]-Raclopride to measure dopamine D2 receptor binding potential (BP).
• Employed region of interest (ROI) and voxel-based statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analyses.
• Assessed personality traits using the revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R), including extraversion, psychoticism, and Lie scale scores.

Main Results:

• Region of interest analysis revealed negative correlations between extraversion and BP in the left caudate, and between psychoticism and BP in the right putamen.
• Unexpectedly, Lie scale scores showed a significant negative correlation with BP in the putamen, particularly the right side, even after controlling for self-report bias.
• Voxel-based analysis confirmed a significant negative correlation between Lie scores and BP in the right putamen.

Conclusions:

• The study found an unexpected but significant association between higher scores on the Lie scale (socially desirable responding) and lower dopamine D2 receptor binding potential in the right putamen.
• This suggests dopaminergic involvement in socially rewarding behaviors, particularly related to self-presentation.
• Further research is needed to understand the implications for dopaminergic tone.