The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on the neuronal mechanisms of cognitive control in schizophrenia

项目总结/摘要 本研究的目的是更好地了解认知控制（CC）缺陷的神经相关性， 精神分裂症，并确定如何通过经颅直流电调节这些机制 刺激（tDCS）。CC是一个关键的神经认知过程，需要灵活，定向思维， 基于目标和意图的行动。因此，识别和开发改进CC的范例是一个 心理健康优先。目前的CC理论假设背外侧前额叶皮层的募集 （DLPFC）通过维护高级信息（然后可用于编排）， 其他大脑网络的激活模式，以支持最佳性能。tDCS是一种安全、无创的 通过短暂（15-20 m）应用弱（1-2 mA）电流调节局部脑兴奋性的方法。的 拟议实验的目标是将联合收割机tDCS与功能性磁共振成像（fMRI）结合起来， 检验以下假设：1）急性tDCS超过DLPFC可以提高CC任务期间的表现（点 AX-CPT的模式预期（DPX）变体）和2）DLPFC上的急性tDCS可以 在DPX期间增加DLPFC的招募。目前的研究将是第一个使用功能磁共振成像来检查 tDCS对精神分裂症CC的神经机制的影响，并具有潜在的重要意义。 这一治疗难治性疾病的治疗发展的影响，但致残方面。 通过完成这项研究，结合包括课程作业在内的其他活动， 参与一个活跃的临床研究小组，以及加州大学戴维斯分校神经科学 NRSA将使Smucny博士能够实现以下博士后培训目标：1） tDCS的研究和专业知识，2）神经影像学方法的持续培训，3）其他临床 研究和数据分析培训，以及4）发展成为独立专家所需的技能 研究人员（包括写作赠款，指导，网络和演示）。实现这些目标是 Smucny博士的长期目标是成为一名富有成效的独立研究人员， 心理健康领域，重点是使用神经成像，以更好地了解神经生物学， 开发精神分裂症的新疗法

Project Summary/Abstract The purpose of this study is to better understand the neural correlates of cognitive control (CC) deficits in schizophrenia and determine how these mechanisms can be modulated by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). CC is a critical neurocognitive process that is required for flexible, directed thought and action based on goals and intentions. Identifying and developing paradigms to improve CC is therefore a mental health priority. Current theories of CC postulate that recruitment of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is essential for this process by maintaining high-level information that it can then use to orchestrate patterns of activation in other brain networks to support optimal performance. tDCS is a safe, noninvasive method of modulating regional brain excitability via brief (15-20 m) application of a weak (1-2 mA) current. The goal of the proposed experiments is to combine tDCS with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to test the hypotheses that 1) acute tDCS over the DLPFC can improve performance during a CC task (the dot pattern expectancy (DPX) variant of the AX-CPT) in schizophrenia, and 2) acute tDCS over the DLPFC can increase recruitment of the DLPFC during the DPX. The current study will be the first to use fMRI to examine the effects of tDCS on the neuronal mechanisms of CC in schizophrenia, and has potentially important implications for therapeutic development for this treatment refractory yet disabling aspect of the illness. Through completion of this research, in combination with additional activities including coursework, participation in an active clinical research group, and the University of California, Davis neuroscience community, the NRSA will enable Dr. Smucny to achieve the following goals of his postdoctoral training: 1) Research and Expertise in tDCS, 2) Continued Training in Neuroimaging Methods, 3) Additional Clinical Research and Data Analysis Training, and 4) Developing Skills Necessary to Become an Independent Researcher (Including Writing Grants, Mentoring, Networking, and Presenting). Achievement of these goals is an important step towards Dr. Smucny's long-term goal of becoming a productive independent researcher in the mental health field with a focus on using neuroimaging to better understand the neurobiology of and development novel treatments for schizophrenia.