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Hippocampal and striatal responses during motor learning are modulated by prefrontal cortex stimulation
Mareike A Gann1, Bradley R King1, Nina Dolfen1
1Department of Movement Sciences, Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; LBI - KU Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
Neuroimage
|May 15, 2021
Summary
Targeted brain stimulation modulated brain network connectivity and neurotransmitter levels during motor sequence learning. This study shows that interventions can alter functional responses in the striatum and hippocampus.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Motor sequence learning (MSL) involves prefrontal cortex interactions with hippocampal and striatal networks.
- It is unclear if targeted interventions can modulate these brain network responses during MSL in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if theta-burst stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can modulate hippocampal and basal ganglia responses during MSL.
- To examine the effects of stimulation on brain connectivity and neurotransmitter levels.
Main Methods:
- Multimodal neuroimaging: functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and MR spectroscopy.
- Individually-tailored theta-burst stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
- Assessment of motor performance, task-related brain activity, functional connectivity, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels.
Main Results:
- Brain stimulation did not significantly alter motor performance or task-related brain activity.
- Stimulation modulated connectivity within fronto-hippocampal and striatal networks.
- Stimulation altered the relationship between prefrontal GABA levels and learning-related changes in fronto-striato-hippocampal activity and connectivity.
Conclusions:
- This study provides initial evidence that non-invasive brain stimulation can modulate functional responses in the striatum and hippocampus during motor learning.
- Interventions targeting the prefrontal cortex can influence brain network dynamics and neurotransmitter interactions relevant to MSL.
