Altered prefrontal cortical function during processing of fear-relevant stimuli in pregnancy

Roos, Annerine; Robertson, Frances C.; Löchner, Christine; Vythilingum, Bavanisha; Stein, Dan J.

doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2011.03.055

Cited by 68 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…Likewise, increased [oxy-Hb] has been positively correlated with heart rate change when viewing trauma-related video clips (Matsuo et al, 2003). Furthermore, Moghimi et al (2012) have linked the steepness of the peak of [oxy-Hb] to a subjectively reported arousal level, which is a relatively coarse, but widely accepted indicator of ANS activation (for similar findings, see Matsuo et al, 2003; Roos et al, 2011). These studies offer partial support for the view that the PFC processes visceral reactions, or somatic markers, associated with exogenous stimuli.…”

Section: Overview Of Existing Nirs Studiesmentioning

confidence: 94%

NIRS as a tool for assaying emotional function in the prefrontal cortex

Doi¹,

Nishitani²,

Shinohara³

2013

Front. Hum. Neurosci.

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Despite having relatively poor spatial and temporal resolution, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has several methodological advantages compared with other non-invasive measurements of neural activation. For instance, the unique characteristics of NIRS give it potential as a tool for investigating the role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in emotion processing. However, there are several obstacles in the application of NIRS to emotion research. In this mini-review, we discuss the findings of studies that used NIRS to assess the effects of PFC activation on emotion. Specifically, we address the methodological challenges of NIRS measurement with respect to the field of emotion research, and consider potential strategies for mitigating these problems. In addition, we show that two fields of research, investigating (i) biological predisposition influencing PFC responses to emotional stimuli and (ii) neural mechanisms underlying the bi-directional interaction between emotion and action, have much to gain from the use of NIRS. With the present article, we aim to lay the foundation for the application of NIRS to the above-mentioned fields of emotion research.

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Section: Overview Of Existing Nirs Studiesmentioning

confidence: 94%

NIRS as a tool for assaying emotional function in the prefrontal cortex

Doi¹,

Nishitani²,

Shinohara³

2013

Front. Hum. Neurosci.

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“…Likewise, during viewing of trauma-related video clips, increased hemodynamic activity (oxy-hemoglobin, O2Hb) has been found to be positively correlated with heart rate change (Matsuo et al, 2003). Furthermore, Moghimi, Kushki, Guerguerian, and Chau (2012) have linked the steepness of the O2Hb peak to subjectively reported arousal levels, which is a widely accepted indicator of autonomic system activation (Matsuo et al, 2003; Roos, Robertson, Lochner, Vythilingum, & Stein, 2011). Moreover, a significant correlation between ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) activation and SCR was found, based on stimulus content (its threatening value, Tupak et al, 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Empathy in Negative and Positive Interpersonal Interactions. What is the Relationship Between Central (EEG, fNIRS) and Peripheral (Autonomic) Neurophysiological Responses?

Balconi

Vanutelli

2017

ACP

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in Affective and social neuroscience, catholic University of the sacred heart, Milan, italy 2 department of Psychology, catholic University of the sacred heart, Milan, italy interpersonal empathy, positive/negative interactions, fnirs, brain oscillations; autonomic activity emotional empathy is crucial to understand how we respond to interpersonal positive or negative situations. in the present research, we aim at identifying the neural networks and the autonomic responsiveness underlying the human ability to perceive and empathize with others' emotions when positive (cooperative) or negative (uncooperative) interactions are observed. A multimethodological approach was adopted to elucidate the reciprocal interplay of autonomic (peripheral) and central (cortical) activities in empathic behavior. electroencephalography (eeg, frequency band analysis) and hemodynamic (functional near-infrared spectroscopy, fnirs) activity were all recorded simultaneously with systemic skin conductance response (scr) and heart rate (hr) measurements as potential biological markers of emotional empathy. subjects were required to empathize in interpersonal interactions. As shown by fnirs/eeg measures, negative situations elicited increased brain responses within the right prefrontal cortex (PFc), whereas positive situations elicited greater responses within the left PFc. therefore, a relevant lateralization effect was induced by the specific valence (mainly for negative conditions) of the emotional interactions. Also, scr was modulated by positive/negative conditions. Finally, eeg activity (mainly low-frequency theta and delta bands) intrinsically correlated with the cortical hemodynamic responsiveness, and they both predicted autonomic activity. the integrated central and autonomic measures better elucidated the significance of empathic behavior in interpersonal interactions.

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“…Like some somatization symptoms, the thresholds for some anxiety symptoms appeared to be elevated in pregnant women, too. There is indeed some evidence that changes in the hormonal balance, the brain or the neurologic system inhibit pregnant women's reactions to frightening circumstances (Vierin and Bouissou, 2001;Glynn et al, 2004;Di Pietro et al, 2005;Klinkenberg et al, 2009;Macbeth and Luine, 2010;Roos et al, 2011) In contrast to somatization and anxiety, the thresholds for many distress symptoms were reduced in pregnant women, as well as in young mothers. One might wonder whether the reduced threshold for distress has an adaptive function for pregnant women and young mothers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%