Enhancement of Learning Associated Neural Plasticity by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Background:

Conclusive evidence states that the serotonergic system mediates neuroplasticity from early embryonic development until brain maturation in adulthood. This study aims to demonstrate that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) enhance learning-dependent neuroplasticity in vivo, hereby contributing to the investigators understanding of the mechanism of action of therapy with SSRIs.

Objectives:

1. To prove a positive influence of SSRIs on structural remodeling during learning, reflected by enhancements of gray and white matter microstructure, connectivity and functionality in brain regions involved in learning processes.
2. To show that this effect is topologically specific, i.e. that enhancements of plasticity markers are found in different regions depending on their involvement during the performance of specific learning tasks.

Study design:

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, longitudinal mono-center study. 80 healthy subjects will undergo three MRI scanning sessions: 1. baseline, at study entry, 2. after 3 weeks of facial/emotional (n=40) or Chinese character-meaning learning (n=40) and 3. after 3 weeks learning of new associations under administration of an SSRI or placebo.

Methods:

MRI measurements will be performed on a 3 Tesla PRISMA MAGNETOM MR scanner. Changes in gray matter microstructure will be assessed using high-resolution structural MRI and analyzed with voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) enables non-invasive investigation of neuroplasticity in the human brain based on the reduction in mean diffusivity associated with swelling of astrocytes after increased synaptic activity. Resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) will allow for the measurement of changes in functional coupling between brain regions, and fMRI during tasks will assess differential activity in brain regions during learning.

Relevance and implications:

This study aims to provide evidence that SSRIs facilitate cytoarchitectonical restructuring. In addition to expanding the investigators current knowledge on the trophic effects of SSRIs, the results of this study will also elucidate interactions between the serotonergic system and changes to neuronal networks during learning as well as their behavioral consequences. By probing the neurobiological correlates of the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects of SSRIs, this study will provide a rationale for targeted interventions that harness the neuroplasticity enhancing properties of SSRIs to facilitate therapeutic processes.