Can Learning Be Predicted By GABA Levels?

In an international collaboration with the Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, USA), neuroscientists at the Ruhr-University Bochum have determined a link between brain levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, the main source of inhibition in the brain, and tactile learning. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, they were able to show that success in learning can be predicted by baseline GABA levels. The results of this research were recently published in the scientific journal Cerebral Cortex.

Neurotransmitter GABA plays vital role in neural processing

Processing information from the environment requires a high level of information integration by the nervous system that relies on both electrical and chemical signaling. One of the most important chemicals in the brain is GABA, which is the main source of cortical inhibition. The levels of GABA have been shown to be critically involved in the brain’s ability to adapt and learn, allowing us to effectively improve our senses through repetitive exposure.

Passive stimulation leads to learning

Previous research from the same lab has shown that by passively stimulating the fingertips with low level electrical currents, tactile acuity can be improved. By applying a similar protocol in conjunction with non-invasive measurements of GABA, the Ruhr-University researchers with their JHU collaborators have provided a potential learning-associated mechanism. Put simply, the higher the GABA levels of the primary somatomotor cortex, the greater the sensory learning potential.

Image shows molecular structure of GABA.
One of the most important chemicals in the brain is GABA, which is the main source of cortical inhibition. The levels of GABA have been shown to be critically involved in the brain’s ability to adapt and learn, allowing us to effectively improve our senses through repetitive exposure. Image is for illustrative purposes only.

Predictions on learning success becomes possible

Importantly, the interdisciplinary Neuroimaging Research Group at the Bergmannsheil University Clinic found that the levels of GABA were not affected by the sensory learning, but rather the magnitude of learning was related to baseline levels of the neurotransmitter. As the researchers explain, “Among other genetic and anatomical factors interfering with learning, the neurotransmitter GABA plays a vital role in tactile learning. Its baseline concentration lets us predict how efficient passive stimulation will result in learning, as shown by improved tactile discrimination.” Future research aims to provide further insight into the mechanisms of sensory learning.

About this neuroscience and learning research

Funding: The study was funded in part by a grant of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft to Collaborative Research Center 874 “Integration and Representation of Sensory Processes” at the Ruhr-University Bochum. It is the result of a collaboration between Prof. Dr. Martin Tegenthoff, PD Hubert Dinse and Prof. Dr. Tobias Schmidt-Wilcke, who all lead individual projects in the neuroscientific research group.

Source: Annegret Kalus – RUB
Image Source: The image is in the public domain
Original Research: Abstract for “Local GABA Concentration Predicts Perceptual Improvements After Repetitive Sensory Stimulation in Humans” by Stefanie Heba, Nicolaas A. J. Puts, Tobias Kalisch, Benjamin Glaubitz, Lauren M. Haag, Melanie Lenz, Hubert R. Dinse, Richard A. E. Edden, Martin Tegenthoff, and Tobias Schmidt-Wilcke in Cerebral Cortex. Published online December 3 2015 doi:10.1093/cercor/bhv296


Abstract

Local GABA Concentration Predicts Perceptual Improvements After Repetitive Sensory Stimulation in Humans

Learning mechanisms are based on synaptic plasticity processes. Numerous studies on synaptic plasticity suggest that the regulation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a central role maintaining the delicate balance of inhibition and excitation. However, in humans, a link between learning outcome and GABA levels has not been shown so far. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy of GABA prior to and after repetitive tactile stimulation, we show here that baseline GABA+ levels predict changes in perceptual outcome. Although no net changes in GABA+ are observed, the GABA+ concentration prior to intervention explains almost 60% of the variance in learning outcome. Our data suggest that behavioral effects can be predicted by baseline GABA+ levels, which provide new insights into the role of inhibitory mechanisms during perceptual learning.

“Local GABA Concentration Predicts Perceptual Improvements After Repetitive Sensory Stimulation in Humans” by Stefanie Heba, Nicolaas A. J. Puts, Tobias Kalisch, Benjamin Glaubitz, Lauren M. Haag, Melanie Lenz, Hubert R. Dinse, Richard A. E. Edden, Martin Tegenthoff, and Tobias Schmidt-Wilcke in Cerebral Cortex. Published online December 3 2015 doi:10.1093/cercor/bhv296

Feel free to share this Neuroscience News.
Join our Newsletter
I agree to have my personal information transferred to AWeber for Neuroscience Newsletter ( more information )
Sign up to receive our recent neuroscience headlines and summaries sent to your email once a day, totally free.
We hate spam and only use your email to contact you about newsletters. You can cancel your subscription any time.