Asymmetry in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and aggressive behavior: a continuous theta-burst magnetic...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Aggressive behavior is linked to deficits in brain regions like the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), crucial for impulse control.
• The DLPFC's role in modulating aggression, considering hemispheric differences, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal role of the right and left DLPFC in modulating human aggressive tendencies.
• To explore potential hemispheric asymmetries in DLPFC function related to aggression.

Main Methods:

• Employed inhibitory continuous theta-burst magnetic stimulation (cTBS) on the right and left DLPFC in healthy volunteers.
• Utilized the Social Orientation Paradigm (SOP) to measure reactive and proactive aggression following real or sham stimulation.
• Compared aggression levels after left DLPFC, right DLPFC, and sham stimulation.

Main Results:

• Left DLPFC stimulation led to a significant increase in aggressive responses compared to right DLPFC stimulation.
• This effect was observed for both reactive aggression (response to provocation) and proactive aggression (goal-oriented acts).
• Results indicate a functional asymmetry between the left and right DLPFC in aggression modulation.

Conclusions:

• The left DLPFC plays a more significant role in modulating both reactive and proactive aggression than the right DLPFC.
• DLPFC asymmetry is implicated in the control and expression of aggressive behaviors.
• Findings support the hypothesis of lateralized brain function in aggression.