Dataset Information

Behavioural activation system sensitivity is associated with cerebral ?-opioid receptor availability.

ABSTRACT: The reinforcement-sensitivity theory proposes that behavioural activation and inhibition systems (BAS and BIS, respectively) guide approach and avoidance behaviour in potentially rewarding and punishing situations. Their baseline activity presumably explains individual differences in behavioural dispositions when a person encounters signals of reward and harm. Yet, neurochemical bases of BAS and BIS have remained poorly understood. Here we used in vivo positron emission tomography with a µ-opioid receptor (MOR) specific ligand [(11)C]carfentanil to test whether individual differences in MOR availability would be associated with BAS or BIS. We scanned 49 healthy subjects and measured their BAS and BIS sensitivities using the BIS/BAS scales. BAS but not BIS sensitivity was positively associated with MOR availability in frontal cortex, amygdala, ventral striatum, brainstem, cingulate cortex and insula. Strongest associations were observed for the BAS subscale 'Fun Seeking'. Our results suggest that endogenous opioid system underlies BAS, and that differences in MOR availability could explain inter-individual differences in reward seeking behaviour.

SUBMITTER: Karjalainen T

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4967806 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Behavioural activation system sensitivity is associated with cerebral μ-opioid receptor availability.

Karjalainen Tomi T Tuominen Lauri L Manninen Sandra S Kalliokoski Kari K KK Nuutila Pirjo P Jääskeläinen Iiro P IP Hari Riitta R Sams Mikko M Nummenmaa Lauri L

Social cognitive and affective neuroscience 20160406 8

The reinforcement-sensitivity theory proposes that behavioural activation and inhibition systems (BAS and BIS, respectively) guide approach and avoidance behaviour in potentially rewarding and punishing situations. Their baseline activity presumably explains individual differences in behavioural dispositions when a person encounters signals of reward and harm. Yet, neurochemical bases of BAS and BIS have remained poorly understood. Here we used in vivo positron emission tomography with a µ-opioi ...[more]

PMID: 27053768

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Project description:BackgroundDysregulation of the μ-opioid receptor has been reported in fibromyalgia (FM) and was linked to pain severity. Here, we investigated the effect of the functional genetic polymorphism of the μ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) (rs1799971) on symptom severity, pain sensitivity and cerebral pain processing in FM subjects and healthy controls (HC).MethodsSymptom severity and pressure pain sensitivity was assessed in FM subjects (n = 70) and HC (n = 35). Cerebral pain-related activation was assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging during individually calibrated painful pressure stimuli.ResultsFibromyalgia subjects were more pain sensitive but no significant differences in pain sensitivity or pain ratings were observed between OPRM1 genotypes. A significant difference was found in cerebral pain processing, with carriers of at least one G-allele showing increased activation in posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) extending to precentral gyrus, compared to AA homozygotes. This effect was significant in FM subjects but not in healthy participants, however, between-group comparisons did not yield significant results. Seed-based functional connectivity analysis was performed with the seed based on differences in PCC/precentral gyrus activation between OPRM1 genotypes during evoked pain across groups. G-allele carriers displayed decreased functional connectivity between PCC/precentral gyrus and prefrontal cortex.ConclusionsG-allele carriers showed increased activation in PCC/precentral gyrus but decreased functional connectivity with the frontal control network during pressure stimulation, suggesting different pain modulatory processes between OPRM1 genotypes involving altered fronto-parietal network involvement. Furthermore, our results suggest that the overall effects of the OPRM1 G-allele may be driven by FM subjects.SignificanceWe show that the functional polymorphism of the μ-opioid receptor gene OPRM1 was associated with alterations in the fronto-parietal network as well as with increased activation of posterior cingulum during evoked pain in FM. Thus, the OPRM1 polymorphism affects cerebral processing in brain regions implicated in salience, attention, and the default mode network. This finding is discussed in the light of pain and the opioid system, providing further evidence for a functional role of OPRM1 in cerebral pain processing.

Dataset Information

Behavioural activation system sensitivity is associated with cerebral ?-opioid receptor availability.

Publications

Behavioural activation system sensitivity is associated with cerebral μ-opioid receptor availability.

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