Atomoxetine enhances a short-term model of plasticity in humans.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of 2 noradrenergic drugs in modulating use-dependent plasticity in humans.


METHODS
Double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled crossover design.


METHODS
A laboratory in a hospital.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 10 healthy subjects.


METHODS
An established paradigm that measures motor memory as a short-term model of use-dependent plasticity. Subjects attended 3 sessions, separated by at least 1 week to allow drug washout. Subjects received atomoxetine (Strattera), venlafaxine (Effexor), or placebo.


METHODS
Increase in the proportion of movements into the training target zone (TTZ), an indicator of enhanced plasticity.


RESULTS
Atomoxetine, but not venlafaxine, significantly increased movements into the TTZ.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support a role for norepinephrine in enhancing cortical plasticity and suggest potential benefits in using these drugs for improving motor recovery after stroke.
Foster
Donald J
DJ
Department of Neurology, Program in Rehabilitation, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA.
Good
David C
DC
Fowlkes
Allison
A
Sawaki
Lumy
L
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects*; D011437:Propylamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013933:Thumb / Q000502:physiology; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D011437:Propylamines; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride