Neuromodulation of Thought
mechanismestablishedcited
ClaimNeuromodulators (NE, DA, ACh, 5-HT) create flexibilities and vulnerabilities in PFC network synapses -- the same molecular events enabling rapid modulation of mental representations also make PFC uniquely vulnerable to disruption.
This claim fails if
If PFC synapses are shown to be no more vulnerable to neuromodulatory disruption than other cortical circuits, the unique vulnerability claim is wrong.
Review (Arnsten, Wang, & Paspalas 2012) establishing that neuromodulators (NE, DA, ACh, 5-HT) create "flexibilities and vulnerabilities in prefrontal cortical network synapses." PFC networks are uniquely regulated at the molecular level -- the same molecular events that allow rapid, flexible modulation of mental representations also make PFC circuits uniquely vulnerable to disruption by stress, aging, and genetic variation.
Source verification
Arnsten, Wang, & Paspalas 2012 (Neuron 76:223-239) -- referenced in Arnsten 2015, verified.
Depends onCatecholamine-PFC Dynamics