Emotion processing fails to modulate putative mirror neuron response to trained visuomotor associations. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fitzgibbon, Bernadette M.; Kirkovski, Melissa; Fornito, Alex; Paton, Bryan; Fitzgerald, Paul B.; Enticott, Peter G.
• Is Part Of: Neuropsychologia. Volume 84(2016)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Mirror neuron system -- Training -- Emotion -- Repetition Suppression -- Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Neuropsychologie -- Périodiques; Neuropsychology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2016.01.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-3932

Abstract

Abstract: Recent neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that activation of the putative human mirror neuron system (MNS) can be elicited via visuomotor training. This is generally interpreted as supporting an associative learning account of the mirror neuron system (MNS) that argues against the ontogeny of the MNS to be an evolutionary adaptation for social cognition. The current study assessed whether a central component of social cognition, emotion processing, would influence the MNS activity to trained visuomotor associations, which could support a broader role of the MNS in social cognition. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we assessed repetition suppression to the presentation of stimulus pairs involving a simple hand action and a geometric shape that was either congruent or incongruent with earlier association training. Each pair was preceded by an image of positive, negative, or neutral emotionality. In support of an associative learning account of the MNS, repetition suppression was greater for trained pairs compared with untrained pairs in several regions, primarily supplementary motor area (SMA) and right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG). This response, however, was not modulated by the valence of the emotional images. These findings argue against a fundamental role of emotion processing in the mirror neuron response, and are inconsistent with theoretical accounts linking mirror neurons to social cognition. Highlights: The ontogeny of the putative human mirror system (MS) is highly contentious. Some argue it is an adaptation and others a product of associative learning. Using fMRI, we explore the role of social cognition on trained MS response. Results support the influence of trained visuomotor associations on the MS. No evidence was observed for the influence of emotion processing on this effect.