Serotonin and Motor Plasticity

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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With this study, the investigators aim to test whether acute administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) improves motor performance in a sequential motor learning task in comparison to placebo in healthy humans.

Detailed Description
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Microdialysis findings in animal models provide evidence for a monoaminergic augmentation of motor function. However, this evidence is largely limited to noradrenaline and dopamine, with little evidence to support a similar effect for serotonin. What remains to be tested therefore, is whether acute serotonergic administration induces neural or behavioral changes during motor learning also. Using a sample of 60 female participants (with the possible inclusion of male participants at a later date), the investigators aim to test the effects of a serotonergic challenge on motor learning and plasticity in healthy participants.

Official Title
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The Effects of Serotonergic Challenge on Motor Learning and Neuroplasticity

Conditions
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Healthy Controls

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Escitalopram
* Drug: Placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: female right-handed healthy has taken oral contraceptives (ovulation inhibitor) continuously for at least 3 months has read and agreed to study parameters Exclusion Criteria: tattoos on head or neck non-removable metal on or in body alcohol abuse is currently taking medication smokes more than 3 cigarettes per day positive drug test pregnancy plays an instrument professionally plays videogames more than 2 hours per week is a professional athlete suffers from migraines has taken part in another study, where motor learning skills and/or medication is a factor, in the last 3 months heart rhythm disorders (long QT) hypertension calcium or magnesium deficiency neurological disorders chronic metabolic disorders liver or kidney diseases immunodeficiency endocrine disorders psychiatric disorders tumors injuries to the head and brain

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Interventional group<br>Half of the participants (n = 30) will receive 20mg of the SSRI Escitalopram. | Drug: Escitalopram<br>* Experimental group participants (n = 30) will receive 20 mg of Escitalopram for 7 days.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Control group<br>Half of the participants ( n= 30) will receive the placebo. | Drug: Placebo<br>* Control group participants (n = 30) will receive a placebo for 7 days.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pinch Force Task. | The primary outcome measure will be reaction time and accuracy of motor responses, as measured by the Pinch Force Task. This will be applied to both the experimental (SSRI) and control (Placebo) groups. | 1 week | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Neuroplasticity, SSRI, Motor Learning