title: Sensation seeking, paired associate learning and brain catecholamines.
abstract: Paired associate learning performance and strategies were analyzed in terms of learning situations (training vs. 'contextual' and 'noncontextual' transfer), personality factors [Thrill and adventure seeking (TAS) and disinhibition (Dis)] and catecholamine enzyme activity [dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and monoamine-oxydase (MAO)]. Performance was better in transfer situations, in high MAO-high DBH subjects (high catecholamine turnover rate?), and as a negative function of DBH (preponderance of dopaminergic activity?). Error patterns of response selection (high omission and low intrusion error rate) were found to be a positive function of contextual transfer, TAS and DBH (high response-contingent noradrenergic activity?).
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000502:physiology*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000097:blood*; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000097:blood*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology; D010153:Paired-Associate Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D010551:Personality; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
chemical_list: D002395:Catecholamines; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine