Basal ganglia have been implicated in syntactic and phonological processes, but direct evidence has been scarce. Here, we used [11C]raclopride and positron emission tomography to measure modulations of the dopaminergic system induced by phonological or syntactic processing. Two significant effects were found. First, the level of accuracy in phonological processing significantly correlated with tracer binding potential in the left caudate nucleus. Second, the speed in phonological processing significantly correlated with tracer binding potential in the left putamen. Thus, a more accurate and fast phonological processing was associated with a reduced dopamine requirement in the left striatum. These findings show that the striatal dopaminergic system plays an essential role in grammatical processes that form the core of human language.

Tettamanti, M., Moro, A., Messa, M., Moresco, R., Rizzo, G., Carpinelli, A., et al. (2005). Basal ganglia and language: Phonology modulates dopaminergic release. NEUROREPORT, 16(4), 397-401 [10.1097/00001756-200503150-00018].

Basal ganglia and language: Phonology modulates dopaminergic release

Tettamanti, M;MESSA, MARIA CRISTINA;MORESCO, ROSA MARIA;FAZIO, FERRUCCIO
2005

Abstract

Basal ganglia have been implicated in syntactic and phonological processes, but direct evidence has been scarce. Here, we used [11C]raclopride and positron emission tomography to measure modulations of the dopaminergic system induced by phonological or syntactic processing. Two significant effects were found. First, the level of accuracy in phonological processing significantly correlated with tracer binding potential in the left caudate nucleus. Second, the speed in phonological processing significantly correlated with tracer binding potential in the left putamen. Thus, a more accurate and fast phonological processing was associated with a reduced dopamine requirement in the left striatum. These findings show that the striatal dopaminergic system plays an essential role in grammatical processes that form the core of human language.
Articolo in rivista - Articolo scientifico
Caudate; Dopamine; Language; Phonology; Positron emission tomography; Putamen; Syntax;
Endogenous dopamine, attention, PET,
English
2005
16
4
397
401
none
Tettamanti, M., Moro, A., Messa, M., Moresco, R., Rizzo, G., Carpinelli, A., et al. (2005). Basal ganglia and language: Phonology modulates dopaminergic release. NEUROREPORT, 16(4), 397-401 [10.1097/00001756-200503150-00018].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/1820
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