Disruption of Frontal Lobe Neural Synchrony During Cognitive Control by Alcohol Intoxication

Ksenija Marinkovic; Lauren E. Beaton; Burke Q. Rosen; Joseph P. Happer; Laura C. Wagner

doi:10.3791/58839

Disruption of Frontal Lobe Neural Synchrony During Cognitive Control by Alcohol Intoxication

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Neuroscience

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JoVE Journal Neuroscience

Disruption of Frontal Lobe Neural Synchrony During Cognitive Control by Alcohol Intoxication

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09:26 min

February 6, 2019

DOI: 10.3791/58839-v

Ksenija Marinkovic^1,2, Lauren E. Beaton¹, Burke Q. Rosen^1,3, Joseph P. Happer⁴, Laura C. Wagner¹

¹Department of Psychology,San Diego State University, ²Department of Radiology,University of California San Diego, ³Department of Neurosciences,University of California San Diego, ⁴San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology

Overview

This study investigates brain oscillatory dynamics and long-range functional synchrony during cognitive control engagement under acute alcohol intoxication using an anatomically-constrained magnetoencephalography (aMEG) method.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Brain Imaging
Cognitive Control

Background

Decision making utilizes a neural network involving the anterior cingulate and lateral prefrontal cortices.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has limitations in temporal resolution in studying these dynamics.
Anatomically constrained magnetoencephalography (aMEG) offers improved insights into real-time neural activities.

Purpose of Study

To examine how acute alcohol intoxication affects decision making and brain dynamics.
To utilize aMEG for enhanced temporal analysis of brain oscillations.

Methods Used

The experiment employs aMEG for real-time analysis.
Participants undergo alcohol administration and cognitive tasks with various assessments of their subjective state.
Data processing includes independent component analysis for artifact removal and phase locking value calculations for synchronization assessment.

Main Results

The study reveals significant behavioral changes in decision making due to alcohol intoxication.
Findings highlight alterations in brain oscillations and synchronization patterns related to cognitive control.
Insights into spatiotemporal dynamics provide a deeper understanding of neural mechanisms under alcohol's influence.

Conclusions

This research demonstrates the impact of alcohol on cognitive control processes by elucidating brain dynamics through aMEG.
The findings enhance understanding of neuronal interactions during decision-making tasks and expectations for future cognitive-behavioral studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using aMEG in this study?

aMEG allows for improved temporal resolution compared to fMRI, enabling real-time insights into brain oscillatory dynamics.

How was acute alcohol intoxication administered during the experiment?

Participants consumed a beverage mixed with vodka and orange juice, with standardized dosing based on weight.

What types of data are collected during the cognitive tasks?

Data on subjective feelings, task performance, and brain activation patterns are obtained throughout the experiment.

Can aMEG be adapted for other cognitive studies?

Yes, aMEG's methodology can be applied to various cognitive tasks to investigate different neurophysiological questions.

What limitations are present when using aMEG?

Challenges include the need for precise participant positioning and potential susceptibility to artifacts from head movement.

This experiment uses an anatomically-constrained magnetoencephalography (aMEG) method to examine brain oscillatory dynamics and long-range functional synchrony during engagement of cognitive control as a function of acute alcohol intoxication.

Decision making is a dynamic, interactive process that has been studied extensively with functional magnetic resonance imaging, or FMRI. Neuroimaging evidence indicates that the anterior cingulate and the lateral prefrontal cortices are essential nodes in that neural network. However, because of its limited temporal resolution, FMRI cannot accurately reflect the timing and nature of their interplay in real time.

The present study uses an anatomically constrained magneto-and electroencephalography or MEG method, which combines distributed source modeling of the MEG signal with structural MRI forming brain movies. It allows us to examine how acute alcohol intoxication affects decision making. Demonstrating this procedure will be Joe Happer and Burke Rosen, doctoral students, and Laura Wagner, a research associate.

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