The influence of acetylsalicylic acid on cognitive processing: an event-related potentials study

The central effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) are discussed controversially. In animal models, it has been shown that ASA can interact with the central serotonergic and catecholaminergic neuronal system. However, the relevance of this interaction for humans is still unknown. We performed a study on the influence of ASA on central cognitive processing. In 25 healthy subjects (age 21-56 years), visually evoked event-related potentials (ERP) and reaction time under IV ASA medication were recorded. ERP were evoked by an oddball paradigm. As compared to placebo, ASA decreased the latency of the P3 component significantly in a time interval of 20-40 min after administration. The latency of the N2 component was significantly decreased about 25 min after administration; the latency of the exogenous P2 component was not influenced by ASA. The mean choice reaction time was significantly decreased by ASA 35 min after administration. At this time point, there was a significant correlation between decrease in reaction time and increase in ASA plasma level. The data show that IV administration of ASA has an accelerating effect on the endogenous components of visual ERP and on reaction time. This finding suggests that ASA can influence central cognitive processing, possibly by ASA induced changes of neurotransmitters. Since serotonin can be released by ASA and serotonin release leads to a decrease of ERP latencies. we assume that ASA most likely influences cognitive processing via the central serotonergic transmitter system.