Dataset Information

Frontostriatal and Dopamine Markers of Individual Differences in Reinforcement Learning: A Multi-modal Investigation.

ABSTRACT: Prior studies have shown that dopamine (DA) functioning in frontostriatal circuits supports reinforcement learning (RL), as phasic DA activity in ventral striatum signals unexpected reward and may drive coordinated activity of striatal and orbitofrontal regions that support updating of action plans. However, the nature of DA functioning in RL is complex, in particular regarding the role of DA clearance in RL behavior. Here, in a multi-modal neuroimaging study with healthy adults, we took an individual differences approach to the examination of RL behavior and DA clearance mechanisms in frontostriatal learning networks. We predicted that better RL would be associated with decreased striatal DA transporter (DAT) availability and increased intrinsic functional connectivity among DA-rich frontostriatal regions. In support of these predictions, individual differences in RL behavior were related to DAT binding potential in ventral striatum and resting-state functional connectivity between ventral striatum and orbitofrontal cortex. Critically, DAT binding potential had an indirect effect on reinforcement learning behavior through frontostriatal connectivity, suggesting potential causal relationships across levels of neurocognitive functioning. These data suggest that individual differences in DA clearance and frontostriatal coordination may serve as markers for RL, and suggest directions for research on psychopathologies characterized by altered RL.

SUBMITTER: Kaiser RH

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6454484 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Frontostriatal and Dopamine Markers of Individual Differences in Reinforcement Learning: A Multi-modal Investigation.

Kaiser Roselinde H RH Treadway Michael T MT Wooten Dustin W DW Kumar Poornima P Goer Franziska F Murray Laura L Beltzer Miranda M Pechtel Pia P Whitton Alexis A Cohen Andrew L AL Alpert Nathaniel M NM El Fakhri Georges G Normandin Marc D MD Pizzagalli Diego A DA

Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991) 20181201 12

Prior studies have shown that dopamine (DA) functioning in frontostriatal circuits supports reinforcement learning (RL), as phasic DA activity in ventral striatum signals unexpected reward and may drive coordinated activity of striatal and orbitofrontal regions that support updating of action plans. However, the nature of DA functioning in RL is complex, in particular regarding the role of DA clearance in RL behavior. Here, in a multi-modal neuroimaging study with healthy adults, we took an indi ...[more]

PMID: 29121332

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Dataset Information

Frontostriatal and Dopamine Markers of Individual Differences in Reinforcement Learning: A Multi-modal Investigation.

Publications

Frontostriatal and Dopamine Markers of Individual Differences in Reinforcement Learning: A Multi-modal Investigation.

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