Kurzfassung

In order to better understand the effects of L-DOPA on VTA-vmPFC rsFC, we will conduct
a series of experiments that involve systemic administration of L-DOPA (which is converted
into dopamine but not noradrenaline in the PFC; [3]) to either rodents or men. All
experiments will be performed in the absence of any prior extinction learning; that is, we
will investigate how dopamine affects spontaneous fMRI signal patterns and corresponding
population neuronal and astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics in rodents...In order to better understand the effects of L-DOPA on VTA-vmPFC rsFC, we will conduct
a series of experiments that involve systemic administration of L-DOPA (which is converted
into dopamine but not noradrenaline in the PFC; [3]) to either rodents or men. All
experiments will be performed in the absence of any prior extinction learning; that is, we
will investigate how dopamine affects spontaneous fMRI signal patterns and corresponding
population neuronal and astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics in rodents in “naive“ subjects that have
not been subjected to a prior behavioral manipulation. This latter measure reduces the
complexity of the data analysis. As a result, whatever effects L-DOPA turns out to have on
VTA-vmPFC rsFC (or other types of spontaneous fMRI signal patterns), they cannot be
due to an interaction with the prior behavioral experience of the subject (e.g., enhancement
of an ongoing extinction memory consolidation process). Rather, they must reflect direct
actions of L-DOPA/dopamine on spontaneous processes that occur independently from
extinction. This simplified situation is optimally suited for asking basic questions about the
role of dopamine in spontaneous neural activity.» weiterlesen» einklappen