Associations between regional brain physiology and trait impulsivity, motor inhibition, and impaired control over drinking. Issue 2 (30th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weafer, Jessica; Dzemidzic, Mario; Eiler II, William; Oberlin, Brandon G.; Wang, Yang; Kareken, David A.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 233:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2015-08-30
• Subjects: Cerebral blood flow -- fMRI -- Inhibitory control -- Stop task -- Alcohol; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Brain -- Imaging -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Diagnostic Imaging -- Periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; Cerveau -- Imagerie pour le diagnostic -- Périodiques; 616.890754
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2015.04.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0925-4927

Abstract

Abstract: Trait impulsivity and poor inhibitory control are well-established risk factors for alcohol misuse, yet little is known about the associated neurobiological endophenotypes. Here we examined correlations among brain physiology and self-reported trait impulsive behavior, impaired control over drinking, and a behavioral measure of response inhibition. A sample of healthy drinkers ( n =117) completed a pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) scan to quantify resting regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), as well as measures of self-reported impulsivity (Eysenck I7 Impulsivity scale) and impaired control over drinking. A subset of subjects ( n =40) performed a stop signal task during blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess brain regions involved in response inhibition. Eysenck I7 scores were inversely related to blood flow in the right precentral gyrus. Significant BOLD activation during response inhibition occurred in an overlapping right frontal motor/premotor region. Moreover, impaired control over drinking was associated with reduced BOLD response in the same region. These findings suggest that impulsive personality and impaired control over drinking are associated with brain physiology in areas implicated in response inhibition. This is consistent with the idea that difficulty controlling behavior is due in part to impairment in motor restraint systems. Highlights: We examined correlations between brain physiology and measures of impulsivity. Impulsivity was inversely correlated with blood flow in the right precentral gyrus. Significant BOLD activation during response inhibition was observed in an overlapping region. Reduced activation was observed in individuals with impaired control over drinking.